In 2018, the video game industry generated more than $43bn in revenue — an 18 percent increase on the previous year.
But it’s no secret that investing in a decent gaming PC is expensive. Even a ‘budget’ model is priced at around $650 and above, without factoring in the cost of any software. And that can leave gamers used to buying consoles at competitive rates a little daunted by the prospect of switching to a cutting-edge PC instead.
Fortunately, there is a way to afford a solid kit without breaking the bank: using a VPN to save money on games.
1. Using a VPN to Your Advantage
It’s no surprise some games command prices of around $60. They offer truly immersive experiences that take months (if not years) of intense work to create (we’ve all heard of those dreaded ‘crunch times’). AAA releases are produced on massive budgets, and publishers have to hike rates up to cover production and marketing expenses.
So, while gamers have access to cutting-edge titles made to the highest standard, they ultimately lose out due to increasing costs. Buying digital games offers a slight saving — but a VPN takes this much, much further.
Signing up with a reputable VPN service allows you to hide your IP address and buy PC games from cost-effective international websites. For example, let’s say you’re in the United States and want to download a game like The Outer Worlds at a bargain price. Using a VPN is a simple, practical way to buy PC games cheaper. Installing a VPN and masking your IP enables you to purchase it from sites (such as Steam) across the globe. But it’s recommended that you invest time and effort into a little research before signing up with any VPN service.
Fortunately, there are some fantastic VPNs available today. Such options as Hotspot Shield and Windscribe offer quality service with effective security. But the biggest benefit? They’re free (though premium versions are available if you wish to upgrade). You can learn more about the highest-rated free VPN services here.
Mexican and Indian retailers’ prices are usually very competitive, but you may be able to find strong deals elsewhere. A VPN essentially opens you up to a world of savings. Choosing to buy games this way can help PC-owners make their spending budget go further and grow their digital collections in less time.
2. Access to Games Unavailable in Your Country
Another benefit of using a VPN to purchase cheaper PC games is gaining access to releases unavailable within your country.
Certain titles, from major games to smaller, independent ones, may not be distributed legally in specific regions. Sadly, this restricts the game’s potential audience significantly. Older titles can be taken out of the revised Steam library (or other digital stores) over time, too, due to licensing or copyright issues.
Regardless of the cause, being unable to access a game due to geographical restrictions can be frustrating. Using a VPN eliminates this obstacle and empowers all gamers with the means to purchase virtually any release they want.
3. Shop in Privacy Without Being Tracked
Finally, VPNs offer consumers looking for cheaper PC games a private browsing and shopping experience.
This is a major concern as online services and platforms continue to coalesce into our daily lives. Targeted ads are a popular component of brands’ digital marketing, tailoring promotions to users based on behavior, but research shows 68 percent of consumers feel uncomfortable having their activities tracked.
Buying games via a VPN keeps you hidden from advertisers and your ISP, too. Data passing between your device and the VPN provider is encrypted, maximizing the privacy of your shopping experience.
As a result, you can shop for games outside of your own country without fear of being tracked or monitored.
Switching to a VPN to buy PC games cheaper is quick and simple once you find the right service for you. Follow the tips explored above to guide your choices, and you’ll be downloading the latest releases at lower rates in no time.