Spending on games has never been more complicated than it is now. Whether you’re a gamer, funding one at home, or simply wanting to buy a gift, understand that spending on video games can allow you to use your hard-earned money efficiently. In situations like the coronavirus outbreak, where staying indoors is the order of the day, video games can also be a valuable source of indoor entertainment. With that being said, here are some tips to help you deal on a computer game.
Assess Your Gaming Costs
In the early days, buying a video game was like buying a piece of furniture: you paid an upfront cost to own the game, you could watch the game in its entirety, and you didn’t have to pay another penny. However, some games seem cheaper at first glance but can cost much more in the long run.
DLC (Paid Games with Downloadable Content)
Modern games are constantly being updated. Some updates, such as adding new amounts or other material, may require one-time purchases. This often means that unlocking the full capabilities of a game will cost double or triple its list price. Look carefully at the product details to see if your sport has DLC. You’ll always be able to play without buying anything extra. However, in case you want to enjoy the full experience, make sure you can pay for the DLC yourself before you buy the game itself.
Microtransactions Free-to-Play Games
While it is true that you can download and launch the game without spending any money, companies are still taking money from you through ads and microtransactions. Microtransactions are small purchases you make throughout the game to acquire additional items or an advantage over others. To avoid an unexpected bill, always know if you are being asked to invest real money, not just in-game items or cash. And in case you are paying real money to get more money in the game, always keep in mind the real money perspective. It doesn’t matter if you get $10 for $100 or $10000 in-game cash: it’s still $100 out of your pocket.
Gaming Subscriptions
Some multiplayer games allow you to pay a subscription fee to keep you with your gaming. But gaming subscriptions are not like Netflix. You get to play any game in the service’s library for a monthly or yearly cost. If you most likely play a certain multiplayer game or get a collection of games frequently, then a subscription can help you save the money you would otherwise spend on additional interest. If you don’t play games regularly, then a free game or one that you can buy is a better option.
Keep a Gaming Budget Plan
Fantastic budgets divide payment among specific groups, so, for example, you spend more on games that you prefer to use for food. Each person has several optional expenses that should generally make up 5-10% of the total funding. This figure includes your games, but also other entertainment activities, such as going out to eat or going to the movies. Budgeting a one-time fee to buy a game isn’t complicated, but it’s much easier to control microtransactions. Spending a dollar here and there may not seem worth it, but small rewards can add up to huge debts. To avoid these kinds of unpleasant surprises, keep track of your spending. Look at this piece of paper every time you plan to make another purchase so you know when you’re still within your budget.
Don’t Be Seduced by Bargains
Everyone loves a good deal, and in the case of video games, a great sale on digital platforms like Steam can mean 10-90% off. But for many avid bargain hunters, hitting the jackpot means buying too many games at no discount if they didn’t buy those games on the first page.
What’s worse is that buying more games than you have time to play makes buying left a complete waste of money. Especially when you’re winning, it’s crucial to keep your bottom line in check. Take inventory of everything you’d like to buy and let your budget reflect your own. Even when the price of a game changes, your budget doesn’t, so learn to play within it.
