Dec 19 2008
Budget Gaming
Don’t you hate it when, in the process of complaining about a game not being available, someone tells you to “go read a book,” or better yet, “go outside and see the real world”? Pah, me too. Sure, there are basement gamers out there, but most of us are normal people with normal activities in our lives. I read books, I craft, I watch movies, I write - but when I want to play a game, dammit, I want to play a game.
With the economy looking worse and worse every day, gaming is starting to hurt a lot of our pocketbooks. It’s time for us to take a look at our gaming budget. We can’t be without games, but we can be smarter on how we spend our money on them.
Some basic tips? First of all, cut out anything you’re paying for (particularly MMOs) on a regular basis but not really playing or getting enjoyment out of. I’ve known many friends to pay for three or four MMOs, but only spend about two or three hours average per week on all but one of them. Second, game for less: consider renting games through services such as GameFly instead of purchasing games, or buying used for games you just have to have for your own library. Finally, invest more time in free games, which can be designed just as wonderfully as games you have to pay for. Don’t forget about replaying games too!
Video games get too much bad press - they are more stimulating than television programmes and exercise your brain.
I would like to add: try your local second-hand games store or flea market. Some charity shops also mark prices way lower than the game’s actually worth.