The Saving Money on Games Omnibus - Thrifty - Nerd Age

Many sites collect all the bundles out there. Many sites give you tips on saving money. This article will attempt to bring our collected knowledge of money saving into one story.

Amazon, Ebay and More

Many people save on media for example by converting flv to mp4 to download music, but another great way to save is by changing where you source your games from.
One great way to get games is to look in unexpected places. Copies of old games are often available on Craigslist and Ebay. Amazon has bundles like the Absolutely Great Square Pack. These deals pop up sporadically. Unfortunately you have to look regularly and not buy into overpriced items. In this way, you can save a ton of money with a bit of work. Amazon also often has legitimate Steam codes for pieces of DLC.

Kickstarter, Indiegogo and More

These sites help promote developers. However, they also let you get games early. For between $10-30 dollars USD the great majority of these sites offer games in PC or even boxed format. This is often ten or less dollars than it would be in the full version. Even if you do not like supporting developers, it is a way to save money.

Visit the Sites of Developers

Developers often give significant discounts on games if you get in early. Let us use Kenshi as an example. Those who ordered Kenshi through the site earlier will also be eligible for the early access Steam key when he gets it working. Who knows how much it will cost later?

Saving with Yard Sales and Pawn Shops

No, neither of these is glorious or pretty. However you may be amazed at what people will sell or pawn. You may even find some legendary 8 or 16 bit title for a fraction of the price. This is a great option for those with little money to burn.

Bundles

Bundles are one of the best ways of saving on games. Many of these have ways to pay what you want. Others have a set minimum. All of them offer significant savings. So here are a few with descriptions:

• Humble Bundle – This bundle was a big factor in starting the bundle craze. They offer weekly sales which are an excellent value as well.
• Indie Royale – Run by several people including Desura people, this bundle often has a diverse selection at good prices. However lately they have been reusing games too much.
• Indie Gala- This particular bundle normally has less popular games. However at the same time it has many of them for a good price. You also get bonus savings at their store.
• Groupees – Groupees has an eclectic collection of titles, not all of them new or even indie. They also have a build-a-bundle that we have put up below.
• Groupees Build a Bundle
• Indie Game Music Bundle – Inexpensive with some excellent titles. However it is only game music, so take that as you will.
• Indie Face Kick – The Indie Face Kick Bundle has odd games to go with an odd name. While we cannot vouch for their quality, they are unusual.
• Indie Games Pack – This pack comes with Steam and Desura keys. While you won’t find any AAA titles, you may enjoy some of their platformers.
• Little Big Bunch – The little big bunch has some impressive games backing it, but has yet to make a big impact.
• 5 for $5 Bundle – This bundle features some older titles such as Delve Deeper, but you will always play 5 for it.
• The Indie Bundle – Is a rather generic bundle, they seem to be having site issues right now.
• Indie Fort Bundle – They now resolve to Gamergate. No word on if they will be doing this one again.
• Indie Underdog Pack – This bundle only brings in the most under of underdogs. If you want to see the least known developers, check here.
• ? Indie Buskers – This consists of a game jam and bundle. By developers for developers.
• Bundle in a Box – The Bundle in a Box runs alongside the indie dev grant. Some of their bundles are a mixed bag, but it is always inexpensive with many games.
• Recession Bundle – This bundle went to charities that help starving children. It also came with the Mighty Jill Off, which was a decent game.
• Reddit GameDev Bundle – As you might expect, this is the Reddit bundle. Go with this to support developers there.
• GreenLight Bundle – The Greenlight Bundle supports developers who are trying to get on Steam Greenlight. This is a good investment if they make it, as many give Steam keys later.

? The Final Rule of Saving on Games

As with houses, games are best bought very early or very late in their life cycle. Either way you will save significant amounts of money on any of your purchases. Follow this rule and think outside of the box and you will soon have an immense library. We hope to update this document later with new ways to save as well, so check back now and then.