A while ago, buying original video games in a specialized gaming store (back when physical video games were a big deal) wasn’t possible for everybody, mainly because of accessibility or distribution problems.
Piracy and video games are a bad combo. This is not only due to the very real risk of getting your computer infected with malware, ransomware, viruses, and more but also because it affects the video game industry.
Was it really necessary to have a gaming store online?
As the PC video games industry was becoming the titan it is today with millions of titles, a quick digital solution was needed. One company takes the first step to start the pathway for the rest: Steam.
Soon after its release, it became one of the best gaming stores online. Since then, people have stopped going to buy video games in a store somewhere and buy those games, primarily digital, on the internet. Besides the global and immediate accessibility to video games, there was even a side benefit for the final users: continuous offers and promotions.
After Steam had proven successful, other similar gaming stores appeared in the online ecosystem, with notable differences and unique characteristics. Since then, the video game industry has been growing, establishing itself as the primary source of entertainment for users while offering security and accessibility to thousands of millions of titles.
Top 7 benefits of buying video games in a gaming store online
Nowadays, the most powerful way to buy a video game in a store is online. These types of digital stores have a lot of great qualities, but these are the most important of them:
1) Do you remember how much it sucked when the installer disks got damaged or scratched? Now your games will remain safe! With digital formats, you can access them anytime, anywhere.
2) You’ll receive automatic updates as soon as they’re available, often including new content, patches, and bug fixes.
3) Digital games typically bypass regional restrictions, a common issue with physical copies.
4) You’ll have access to features and tools that enhance your gaming experience, such as the ability to record videos, get instant support, text and voice chat, and, of course, multiplayer modes.
5) Your achievements, screenshots, videos, progress, trophies, and more will always be accessible, even if you uninstall the video game from your PC.
6) Gaming stores often offer better prices, promotions, technical support, and exclusive content (sometimes, you can even get video games for free).
7) Downloading games from these stores is safe and virus-free, at least in 99% of the scenarios, providing a crucial advantage against piracy.
And don’t forget that nothing is set in stone when it comes to technology. Every day, it is possible to enjoy even more benefits when purchasing video games in online stores.
Top 6 absolute best online gaming stores that you can find online!
Steam has been active since 2003, but as the years pass, we now have several other options to buy our favorite titles in digital format. how do we choose one? It seems impossible!
Thankfully, after a thorough analysis, you will find here the best gaming stores available right now!
1) Steam: beyond Half-Life and Team Fortress
Steam is more than just the pioneer of video game digital distribution systems; it is also the biggest one so far.
As you read this, Millions of users take advantage of this gaming store daily. It has created one of the most complete ecosystems, with gadgets such as the Steam Deck, that consolidate its position at the top of the pyramid.
Steam Pros ✅
· It prides itself on having one of the most extensive video game libraries out there.
· They are packed with excellent features like Big Picture Mode.
· It supports video streaming so that you can share your adventures.
· You and your family can merge your libraries. So you can enjoy even more games now!
· You can use the Steam App mobile to access your chats, friends, and games library, buy games, and even enjoy an extra layer of security!
· You can get items for free from video games, such as trading cards or skins, that you can use or sell later. If you sell them in the market, you can use that money to get other items or even video games.
Steam Cons 🚫
· Although the customer service is mostly good, sometimes it can be slow or insufficient.
· The desktop app interface can experience some minor bugs sometimes.
· There have been some reports that the VAC (Valve’s Anti Cheat) System gave them false positives, and it is rather challenging to remove the penalties.
· Some video games take advantage of the free drops/market system and create false expectations among users.
2) Epic Games Store: Fortnite and free games for the win
Epic Games is a company that has been imprinted in the gamer’s DNA for a long time. First as a game developer, then as the Unreal Engine’s owners, then as the birth givers of Fortnite, and, at last, as one of the biggest gaming store competitors.
Epic Games Store Pros ✅
· You can have tons of fun with exclusive Epic titles such as Fortnite. (Have you taken a look at the Fortnite items shop?)
· Constant juicy offers are running down in the Epic Games Store.
· Epic lets you enjoy regular free giveaways of awesome games (including AAA games).
· Refresh your knowledge with a wealth of resources for Unreal Engine developers.
· You can get some cashback for in-store credit when you buy games here.
Epic Store Games Cons 🚫
· Some popular video games can’t be found on Epic Games.
· There are not so much community faced interaction options as Steam.
· The interface can feel too basic and simple.
3) GOG: New and retro game store
GOG was initially founded to offer older games (actually, the name is an acronym for Good Old Games), but it also offers new titles. They also have great prices, and their platform is well-optimized.
GOG Pros ✅
· It is 100% DRM-free with GOG; you actually own the games you buy. There’s an option in the desktop app where you can download offline backup installers of any of your library games and install them on any computer that you want without GOG’s permission (very handy if you lose your account).
· You can manually mod any of your games like in the old days without getting problems.
· Did we mention retro games already? You can find a great selection of classic video games within the store.
· It is available for Windows, macOS, and also Linux.
GOG Cons 🚫
· Its library doesn’t seem so big compared to other stores like Steam or Epic.
· Even though they used to have discounts, free video games, and sales, those are less frequent.
4) Green Man Gaming: Special features and platforms
This gaming store is different from the rest, as Green Man Gaming doesn’t sell games directly to the users. But how does it work then? You can get video game keys here for different platforms like Steam, Epic, Origin, PlayStation Network, etc.
Green Man Gaming Pros ✅
· It has an extensive library and has also been updated, as you can find the newest titles here.
· There are frequent and really flexible discounts.
· It comes with the Playfire Social Network, which is only for gamers, where you can earn store credit for more games.
Green Man Gaming Cons 🚫
· The browsing tools feel confusing and/or limited.
· There are some online controversies regarding the origin of some redemption keys.
· The library isn’t as big as one of its main competitors.
5) Humble Store: Having fun while helping others
The Humble Store is a unique gaming store. You can get keys to redeem games on various platforms and enjoy the lowest prices possible and frequent discounts. And let’s remember the Humble Bundle. They are packs of video games where users can pay what they want or can for them.
Humble Store Pros ✅
· Great prices and discounts for your favorite games.
· You can get keys for other platforms or directly download games.
· It offers a monthly subscription that gives you six surprise games per month.
· There are more than games on the platform; you can also get educational software or materials here.
· 10% of every purchase you make on the platform will be used as a donation to any of the +35k NGOs, and you can choose your favorite cause!
Humble Bundle Cons 🚫
· There are no social options.
· Most of the purchases require you to have an account on platforms like Steam or Ubisoft.
6) Ubisoft Store: Lot of games and not so much bugs lately
Ubisoft is similar to Steam and Epic Games Store, as they are also a widely known video game studio. This store not only sells digital versions of its games but also physical editions for different formats, like consoles and official merch.
Ubisoft Store Pros ✅
· Access to exclusive titles and perks for games.
· It lets you accumulate points and then use them to get discount coupons in other games.
· You can find some good promotions on AAA Ubisoft titles.
· There’s a cool feature where you can unlock rewards while playing on the platform.
· It has social features, such as chatting with your friends.
Ubisoft Store Cons 🚫
· The video games offered here are more on the pricier side compared to other platforms.
· The store’s interface still looks basic.
· Ubisoft has a regional block active for some games, so users need to install additional apps in order to play them.
· The gaming store seems to lack of additional functions or features.
The good news is that you can enjoy your favorite gaming store and the rest simultaneously!
Now that you know everything about the top 6 best gaming stores online, you may be wondering: Which one I pick? But the good news is: you don’t have to choose!
With so many games available in the market, many of them (multiplayer online) being multiplatform, why limit your fun? But, of course, always remember that to have fun is to be careful, which means using secure methods to pay for your purchases, using strong passwords, and activating the 2FA on your accounts.
Which one is your favorite gaming store? Let us know in the comments! Remember to check Gamevolved for more articles you might like, and keep updated on the latest news.
