Video games are probably the most fun form of entertainment that you can have from the comforts of your bed.
There’s just something about constantly tapping keys on a laptop or pushing buttons on a controller that brings great pleasure, not to mention unique graphics, creative storylines and interesting characters. Whether you play video games using a console, PC or mobile app, you are a gamer. However, there is a price to pay (other than time) for your gaming hobby, and that price is money.
The struggle becomes real when you don’t have disposable income, but you know about all the amazing games coming out. When new games are released for consoles, they usually cost around $60; for PCs, the cost is only around $5+. Though there is a huge difference between spending $60 for a game and spending $5 for one, either way you’re spending money.
In other words, being a gamer not only means that you’ll be having hours of fun, it means you’ll be perpetually funneling funds into the pockets of gaming companies. In the end, having enough money for both games and survival can be difficult.
Just because you want to be a gamer and need to make ends meet though, doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice one for the other. Luckily, there is a way that you can still be a gamer without spending the big bucks. If you don’t want to be the guy that spends over $700 for a high-end GPU just to play ‘The Sims 4,’ you should equip yourself with proper knowledge. Here are five ways to game on budget.
1. Buy Used
There is a satisfying feeling that comes from opening the packaging of a brand new game, but spending $60 for a disc is not fun. Sure, buying new games is great because you know that the game will work and no one has ever used it, but if you buy the game game used, you can use the money you save to buy more more electronic entertainment.
Even though you run the risk of taking home a dysfunctional game, there isn’t much to worry about. Most gaming stores will allow you to trade in the game if it isn’t working properly anyway.
2. Use GameFly
If you’ve missed their commercials, GameFly is an online renting site where you can pick which games you would like to have sent to your home. The greatest part about the site is that you can keep games for as long as you would like, so you are not rushed to complete it. You can take your time to enjoy your order without a due date to meet.
With over 8,000 titles for various platforms, you are destined to find something that you will like. If you’re hesitant, they even have a free 3-month trial you can sign up for. The company has various plans for you to choose from, ranging from $13.95 to $22.95, and each offers different options. In other words, if you have a long list of games you would like to play but don’t have the money, GameFly is a great option.
3. Peruse Humble Bundle
Humble Bundle is a cool website where you can pay however much you want, and then receive games based on how much you spend. Not only do you receive games, but you also are helping various charities and developers.
Though Humble Bundle is a great way to save money, the selection is limited. The bundles change over time though, so you do have variety in that sense. Humble Bundle’s games are for the PC and can be redeemed on Steam.
4. Watch YouTube
It might seem strange, but hear me out. As I have pointed out, games cost money. Even if you use the sources I’ve provided, you might not be able to use them as much as you’d like to. However, you can always turn to YouTube.
Do you know of a game that you would like to play but can’t afford? No worries. Just search it on YouTube.
There are hundreds of gamer YouTubers who constantly post videos of game plays, so you’ll probably find what you are looking for. Yes, you won’t be playing the game you want, but at least you’ll know what it is like.
For example, I’ve been watching Minecraft Crazy Craft videos for a very long time, so I know a lot about the game play. When I talk about it with my friends, they always think that I have played the game before.
Another reason that YouTube is useful for gamers is because it helps them decide whether they should buy the game or not. There have been so many times in which I’ve watched videos on a game that I was considering purchasing. YouTubers’ videos give me the benefit of previewing the game, so if I enjoy what I see, only then will I buy it. As a result, YouTube saves you money by preventing you from spending money on a game that isn’t worth your time.
5. Download Free Phone Games
Ever since smart phones were introduced, apps have become a trend. More and more developers are looking to release games for mobile devices or improving the ones they’ve already created. The best part about a mobile game is that they are usually free. You don’t have to spend money to buy a fun game that will bring you joy for months to come—free apps can do just as much. Just look at Pokémon Go.
You don’t need to be rich to be a gamer—all you need is creativity. Just because you don’t have a big wallet, doesn’t mean it’s game over.
