torok said:
A lot of games are Steam only and even if you buy in other places, you get a Steam key. So you can't get away of the DRM. If Valve goes out of business you lose all your games. At least in my case, that's enough to keep me away from it, but a lot of people don't care. Also mind that physical console games can be sold or buy used, so you can save a lot of money. You can also borrow games for free. People should factor this in before claiming that console games are more expensive. A lot of games have limited replay value and reselling them can save you easily half of the price. If you buy a game in a crazy sale, you can even resell it by a higher price than you paid. You can also trade games with friends and just play other games without expending a penny. You aren't buying the same thing Steam sells. Steam sells you a personal license, so you have less control over the product. It's cheaper because it isn't the same product. |
This is a very good point. For many years, I allowed myself only $100 per year for video game software. I stayed a year or so behind, purchased only used games, and resold them as soon as I was finished. I played AAA games all the time, and spent very little. This would not have been possible on Steam, or buying digital on consoles.
The first game I purchased at launch in maybe a decade was Destiny, at my brother's urging. That broke the dam, and I have purchased several other titles at launch since then. I still resell some, but not nearly as much. I'm probably spending (net) $300 per year on software now. I kinda wish I had stuck with my old method.
