Poll: Where do you prefer to buy your games? And why?
- Thread starter Chimpzy_v1legacy
- Start date
Recommended Videos
I prefer my local EB Games. I tend to prefer physical copies over digital (except for smaller games bought through PSN or Xbox Live), it's only a 20 minute walk from my house and it has a far better selection than the Wal-Mart sitting next to it. Also, I seem to be near the only well-run store on the continent if the complaints I've seen are anything to go by.
So the reasons for this? As stated above, convenience, I prefer physical copies, and a better selection than Wal-Mart. That and I hate Wal-Mart quite intensely but that is a story for another thread.
So the reasons for this? As stated above, convenience, I prefer physical copies, and a better selection than Wal-Mart. That and I hate Wal-Mart quite intensely but that is a story for another thread.
I suddenly can't remember where I got my last new game...Anyway, when I get games in general I use a small independent shop called "Wizard" (formerly Play N Trade). I also use Amazon a lot with Target being my third option. Amazon has everything Wizard doesn't and a lot of times at a better price (not counting shipping etc) and Target...well I work there so I have the convenience of grabbing something on my way out of work.
There's one electronic pawn shop near me that has the best prices. I've gotten so many cheap games there it makes me wonder if they even look up the prices for the games, I've gotten games that go for $30 on Amazon or Ebay for $5 there. Even the newer titles are at least $10 less than Gamestop. They also carry for all systems including the retro ones which is nice.
When I buy new I go to Gamestop, if you preorder the game they don't open it. Besides I buy used, I'm not that picky of who opened the game first. Major retailers don't have a selection and I'm too lazy to wait for Amazon to ship since it never shows up on time.
I also like physical retailers more because I like the shopping part. I like looking through the selection to find interesting games I never heard about, especially the bargain bins. I find reading the manual to be a better indicator of the game than reading reviews (which sucks since games are getting rid of them, I miss thick manuals).
When I buy new I go to Gamestop, if you preorder the game they don't open it. Besides I buy used, I'm not that picky of who opened the game first. Major retailers don't have a selection and I'm too lazy to wait for Amazon to ship since it never shows up on time.
I also like physical retailers more because I like the shopping part. I like looking through the selection to find interesting games I never heard about, especially the bargain bins. I find reading the manual to be a better indicator of the game than reading reviews (which sucks since games are getting rid of them, I miss thick manuals).
I get most of my games online somehow, I use steam mostly. I just don't like going out to get games and now that I have a job I don't have much free time to go pick up games so it's nice to purchase a game in the morning and have it downloaded by the time I get off of work.
If there is a physical copy of the game that I want I either go to Amazon or Newegg, whichever I find has the better price.
If there is a physical copy of the game that I want I either go to Amazon or Newegg, whichever I find has the better price.
Roughly third Steam, another GOG and last one retail. As my last purchase, Legendary Skyrim was cheaper in retail - and it was independent chain, in addition to taking only 30 minutes from disc.
Otherwise, I'm looking retail at "is this developer worth of supporting, and am I patient enough for hour or two download." Steam has seasonal sales, where I'm sure to pick up something, and GOG has old games one can find hardly anywhere - plus the fact that it's DRM-free.
Otherwise, I'm looking retail at "is this developer worth of supporting, and am I patient enough for hour or two download." Steam has seasonal sales, where I'm sure to pick up something, and GOG has old games one can find hardly anywhere - plus the fact that it's DRM-free.
Big W, Target and Kmart have been the cheapest stores lately so def them.
I'm surprised Gamestop is so high.
I assume Steam is high because of Steam sales? Or do people prefer to buy digital from Steam? I'm honestly curious as for us Aussies Steam prices are typically worse then or, occasionally equal a physical copy from place such as ebgames.
I'm surprised Gamestop is so high.
I assume Steam is high because of Steam sales? Or do people prefer to buy digital from Steam? I'm honestly curious as for us Aussies Steam prices are typically worse then or, occasionally equal a physical copy from place such as ebgames.
Steam or GoG for PC games.
Currently Gamestop for console or handheld games. Though if I had a choice (Gamestop practically has a monopoly over where I live unless you want JUST your CoD's and Madden's. Everywhere else is rental only), I would go to... anywhere else. There was a local store where I lived but a flood took it out and the owner couldn't afford to get it repaired.
Currently Gamestop for console or handheld games. Though if I had a choice (Gamestop practically has a monopoly over where I live unless you want JUST your CoD's and Madden's. Everywhere else is rental only), I would go to... anywhere else. There was a local store where I lived but a flood took it out and the owner couldn't afford to get it repaired.
For consoles, I generally go to Best Buy just because its the closest and most convenient (my Best Buy is pretty good, I know some people don't like it). For PC I use Steam pretty exclusively.
Everywhere, I look around for deals both online and in-store. You never know when you'll find something awesome on clearance at Target (seriously Target puts great shit on clearance in the electronics section).
For PC games, Steam, Amazon, or GoG.
When it comes to console games I stick to online with Amazon nowadays because I can't stand GameStop. Also, mainly because I tend to go and buy older games from PS2/GameCube down. Most of the time I can find those games on Amazon just fine so it's no problem. It's also where I bought my Wii U Deluxe.
One other thing is I go to Play-Asia for my imports mainly, because they are really reliable and get me my games on time, sometimes earlier. For any import that's not on there I usually find it on Amazon.
When it comes to console games I stick to online with Amazon nowadays because I can't stand GameStop. Also, mainly because I tend to go and buy older games from PS2/GameCube down. Most of the time I can find those games on Amazon just fine so it's no problem. It's also where I bought my Wii U Deluxe.
One other thing is I go to Play-Asia for my imports mainly, because they are really reliable and get me my games on time, sometimes earlier. For any import that's not on there I usually find it on Amazon.
I'm liking the response so far.
It looks like we have a lot of primarily PC gamers among us. I'm also kind of surprised quite a few shop at Gamestop. I was under the impression it was pretty reviled. Then again, it might be the only option for physical copies for many.
It looks like we have a lot of primarily PC gamers among us. I'm also kind of surprised quite a few shop at Gamestop. I was under the impression it was pretty reviled. Then again, it might be the only option for physical copies for many.
I typically go to gamestop for PS3 games and pre-orders (which I only do for limited editions of games) though if I need to import the game Obviously Amazon. I also go to small local game shops for retro games (nes, N64, ps1, ps2).
The only time I take digital copies is if I have no choice such as old pc games through GOG or PSN only games.
The only time I take digital copies is if I have no choice such as old pc games through GOG or PSN only games.
Steam, GoG or Origin, might start using the Ubisoft store as well as I like U-Play. So whichever of those has the best deals. For Collector's editions I absolutely have to have, I go Amazon. For console games I go pawn shops, small game stores with used games. I have used PSN for some like War of The Monsters for PS3. I rarely get console game collector's editions, but when I do I go through Amazon, the last one was The Last of Us, so not that long ago.
I don't care for physical media anymore, so if it's not a collector's edition I throw away all the packaging unless I am going to sell it back to the pawn shop if it sucks, dumped Red Dead Redemption this way, so I keep the packaging around for a week or so just to be sure.
I have started buying Steam cards at Gamestop / EB Games just to see the look of the sad, realization of impending doom on the store manager's face. My favorites are to go to the stores where they try to hide them or keep them behind the counter.
I don't care for physical media anymore, so if it's not a collector's edition I throw away all the packaging unless I am going to sell it back to the pawn shop if it sucks, dumped Red Dead Redemption this way, so I keep the packaging around for a week or so just to be sure.
I have started buying Steam cards at Gamestop / EB Games just to see the look of the sad, realization of impending doom on the store manager's face. My favorites are to go to the stores where they try to hide them or keep them behind the counter.
I like bestbuy. I earn points on all purchases and usually they have some additional discount or award. I got $10 each for preordering COD and AC4. ANd now they also have a membership club that offers 20% off new game purchases.
I don't like digital because it takes so long to download, and if I took all that time to download it I feel like I can never delete it to make room on the harddrive.
I just plain hate Gamestop.
And Amazon isn't usually significantly cheaper at release. So its not worth waiting for it to be delivered.
I don't like digital because it takes so long to download, and if I took all that time to download it I feel like I can never delete it to make room on the harddrive.
I just plain hate Gamestop.
And Amazon isn't usually significantly cheaper at release. So its not worth waiting for it to be delivered.
I used to always get my games through retailers here in New Zealand - namely EB Games - but then I found an online website that prices properly compared to currency exchange and the US price of games. For example, a typical $60 new release I can now buy for $70-80, as opposed to - get this - the $130-140 I would normally spend at retailers.
It's because anything sold in New Zealand is price fixed to be far more than it should be. Something which makes me want to strangle a small kitten because of how corrupt it is.
It's because anything sold in New Zealand is price fixed to be far more than it should be. Something which makes me want to strangle a small kitten because of how corrupt it is.
Amazon, Half.com, eBay, GOG, and lately the Nintendo eShop (3DS stuff). I've been buying my games online since at least 2001.
Digital distribution for the most part for me.
I have quite a few digital 3DS games and it makes a whole lot of sense to me to have digital versions of games to a handheld system. If I want to travel light and play games on the fly the 3DS is a wonderful system, but the games can take up quite a lot of space if I want to bring the actual covers. If I am spending the day on the train I don't want to rifle through my suitcase or backpack to find the game when it's a lot easier to find it in the menu.
For home consoles I'm not as big a fan of the digital distribution because the convenience isn't as big as is the case for handhelds. DLC coupons that are usually included with new copies often needs to be purchased if you buy the digital copy, something I don't like. I will buy digital versions if the price is lower or similar to the cheapest retail. Amazon is my main source of slightly older games (I need them cheap enough so I won't have to pay VAT when I import), but I also browse a variety of online retailers and buy from the cheapest.
For PC I only buy digital games. In the last 3 years I have bought 3 games for myself that weren't digital and that was because I came across them by random and I got a really good deal.
Also I never buy games at GameStop. I find their used games priced the same or more as new games in other stores.
I have quite a few digital 3DS games and it makes a whole lot of sense to me to have digital versions of games to a handheld system. If I want to travel light and play games on the fly the 3DS is a wonderful system, but the games can take up quite a lot of space if I want to bring the actual covers. If I am spending the day on the train I don't want to rifle through my suitcase or backpack to find the game when it's a lot easier to find it in the menu.
For home consoles I'm not as big a fan of the digital distribution because the convenience isn't as big as is the case for handhelds. DLC coupons that are usually included with new copies often needs to be purchased if you buy the digital copy, something I don't like. I will buy digital versions if the price is lower or similar to the cheapest retail. Amazon is my main source of slightly older games (I need them cheap enough so I won't have to pay VAT when I import), but I also browse a variety of online retailers and buy from the cheapest.
For PC I only buy digital games. In the last 3 years I have bought 3 games for myself that weren't digital and that was because I came across them by random and I got a really good deal.
Also I never buy games at GameStop. I find their used games priced the same or more as new games in other stores.
It depends.
When it comes to new or used current gen titles, I usually go for specialty retailers or major retailers, depending on the deals that are available.
If some older titles are available on PSN or Virtual Console/eShop, I might choose that route instead.
For older gen titles, my best bet is always Amazon (as they are more reliable and offer customer service).
When it comes to new or used current gen titles, I usually go for specialty retailers or major retailers, depending on the deals that are available.
If some older titles are available on PSN or Virtual Console/eShop, I might choose that route instead.
For older gen titles, my best bet is always Amazon (as they are more reliable and offer customer service).