The digital age has transformed how we consume entertainment and software, but it has also introduced new challenges. The cost of games, software licenses, and online services can quickly add up. This guide explores strategies to secure your licenses at the lowest possible price.

Don’t Pay Retail: Smarter Ways to Buy Games and Software

Purchasing games, software, or online services directly from their respective platforms often involves a premium. Whether it's the latest AAA title on Steam, Office or Windows OS license from Microsoft, or an antivirus subscription, the initial outlay can be substantial. These prices include several factors:

• Brand Premium: Companies charge more for the assurance of legitimacy and support.
• Regional Pricing: Prices can vary significantly depending on the region due to local taxes, economic conditions, and purchasing power parity.
• Distribution Costs: Official channels include costs for marketing, retail partnerships, and maintaining digital distribution platforms.
• Customer Support: Higher prices often subsidize the cost of customer service and technical support.

Gaming Savings Guide

Free Games

One of the best ways to get free games monthly is by taking advantage of the Epic Games Store's weekly giveaways. Epic Games has been running a generous promotional campaign where they offer at least one free game each week, often including popular titles and indie gems. To benefit from this, simply create an Epic Games account if you don't already have one, and regularly check the store's free games section. 

Once you claim a free game, it’s permanently added to your library at no cost. This initiative allows gamers to build a substantial collection of games over time without spending a dime, making it a fantastic opportunity for both casual and hardcore gamers. There are currently over 300 games that are free to play, including Destiny 2, and Epic Games even gave away GTA V back in May 2020.

Subscription Services: A Cost-Effective Alternative

Subscription services offer a modern and cost-effective alternative to the traditional purchasing model. These services provide partial or full access to extensive libraries of games, including premium content and DLC, for a recurring fee. With a subscription, gamers can play hundreds of games for approximately $20 per month, compared to the $20 to $60 per single game they might only play once. This model provides excellent value, particularly for hardcore gamers who enjoy a variety of games.

Additionally, some subscription services include cloud gaming, allowing players to stream games to their devices without needing high-end hardware. This feature eliminates the need for expensive consoles or gaming PCs, as gamers can access their library of games from virtually any device with a stable internet connection, making gaming even more accessible and flexible. For a Full review of Video Game Subscription alternatives, click here.

Resellers: Cheap Software and Game Deals

Reseller platforms offer games, software licenses, and other digital products at significantly lower prices. They achieve these savings through several methods:

• Bulk Purchases: Resellers buy keys in bulk at discounted rates, allowing them to sell individual keys at lower prices.
• Regional Arbitrage: They take advantage of regional pricing differences, purchasing keys from regions where prices are lower and selling them in higher-priced regions.
• Promotions and Bundles: Resellers acquire keys from promotional bundles or discounted sales, passing on the savings to consumers.
• Gray Market: Some keys are sourced from the gray market, including unauthorized sellers. These keys might be obtained through various means, including reselling keys that were originally part of hardware bundles or through less transparent methods.

G2A – Massive Deals, Endless Options, and Over 200 Ways to Pay

G2A isn’t just a marketplace—it’s a goldmine for gamers, software hunters, and subscription savers. With over 200 global payment methods, including local wallets, credit cards, and more, G2A makes sure you can check out with ease no matter where you’re shopping from.

Looking for the latest AAA games at deep discounts? G2A delivers, with exclusive app-only deals that slash prices on top titles and even popular regional games from markets like India. But it doesn’t stop at gaming—G2A offers a treasure trove of software licenses, from Windows keys and Microsoft Office to VPNs, antivirus solutions, iOS utilities, and professional-grade graphic design software.

And here’s the real kicker: G2A also features massive savings on premium subscriptions across the board. Think Tinder, Duolingo, Spotify, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Crunchyroll, and even AI tools—all at a fraction of the usual price.

While G2A’s crypto payment options are currently limited to Bitcoin on-chain, the sheer variety of other payment methods more than makes up for it. Whether you're a gamer, a creative, a binge-watcher, or just someone looking to cut costs on digital essentials, G2A has something for you—and it’s probably cheaper than you think.

Kinguin

Kinguin is a popular reseller site that offers a wide range of digital products, including games, subscription services, VPN, antivirus, Windows and other software. Any purchase on the site includes a flat service fee that provides support in case a license key doesn’t work and the reseller is not responding. 

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Additionally, buyers can pay through traditional payment systems, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, or with gift cards bought on Bitrefill, a gift card merchant that only accepts cryptocurrencies.

CDKeys

CDKeys is a pure gaming reseller known for its competitive prices. It offers straightforward deals without additional fees and has a strong reputation for key validity. However, the payment options are quite limited, as it only accepts debit cards or PayPal.

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Aggregator Sites: Finding the Best Deals

Can’t find a particular game or software? Aggregator sites compile and present deals and discounts from various sources in one convenient location, making it easier for consumers to find the best prices on software, games, and other digital products. These sites provide comprehensive lists of current discounts, sales, and promotional offers across multiple reseller and official sites. 

Use these aggregators to quickly compare prices, check historical price trends, set up alerts for specific products, and ensure you are getting the best deal available. These tools are invaluable for savvy shoppers looking to maximize their savings and minimize the time spent hunting for bargains.

• IsThereAnyDeal: This platform offers a comprehensive comparison of game prices across various retailers, including resellers and official stores.
• CheapShark: Specializing in game deals, CheapShark provides real-time price tracking and notifications for price drops.
• Allkeyshop: This aggregator covers a wide range of digital products, including games, software, and gift cards. Allkeyshop is your best option to help you find the best prices.

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Gaming - Buying Steam accounts

As you explore reseller options, you'll notice that Steam games can be purchased even cheaper by buying accounts that already own the game. This involves receiving login details and potentially changing the email or passwords. 

However, avoid purchasing additional games on these accounts to protect your payment information, as the account's origin is unknown. 

To enjoy the game with your friends, use Steam's Family Sharing feature to share the game from the purchased account to your primary account.

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Game Pre-orders

Pre-ordering a video game often feels like a gamble. You're paying full price for a product you haven't experienced, and there's no guarantee it'll live up to the hype. With digital downloads, the days of limited physical copies are long gone, so there's little risk of missing out. Plus, if a game disappoints, its price usually drops quickly. While exclusive pre-order bonuses like collectibles can be tempting, it's essential to consider if they're worth the upfront cost and launch delays.

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How to Save on Video Games and Software Licenses

Now you know how to get the best deals on video games, VPNs, Windows licenses, and antivirus software. Most resellers will issue a refund or replacement in case of any problems, but the crucial step is to use aggregator sites to verify that the "best deal" is truly good. 

Additionally, consider your payment options carefully. If you value anonymity, use a different email address than your main one and pay with cryptocurrency. Otherwise, PayPal is an excellent choice, offering added protection and the possibility of a refund if issues arise. Follow these guidelines and never overpay for your licenses again.

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FAQs

How can I save money on video games?

To find the best game deals, consider purchasing from game key resellers like Kinguin and G2A. These platforms often offer significant discounts compared to buying directly from publishers. Additionally, take advantage of free games from the Epic Games Store and consider subscribing to services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, which provide access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee.

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Are subscription gaming services like Xbox Game Pass worth it?

Yes, subscription gaming services like Xbox Game Pass can be highly cost-effective, especially if you play a wide variety of games. For a relatively low monthly fee, you get access to hundreds of games, including new releases and popular titles. This can save you a lot of money compared to purchasing individual games at full price. Additionally, services like PlayStation Plus, EA Play Pro and Ubisoft+ offer similar benefits and can be a great way to access a broad range of games without breaking the bank.

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What are the best aggregator sites for finding software deals?

The best aggregator sites for finding software deals include IsThereAnyDeal, CheapShark, and Allkeyshop. These platforms compile discounts and promotional offers from various reseller and official sites, making it easier for you to find the best prices on software, games, and other digital products. Using these aggregator sites can help you quickly compare prices and ensure you're getting the best deal available.

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How can I get a discount on VPN services?

To get the best price for VPN services and cheap software licenses, browse the G2A Software deals and Kinguin Software deals pages for the cheapest licenses on the market.

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