We are all used to the fact that video games are products hidden behind the paywall, and you only play for free if you hack the game. Well, at least this was the key concept of the past.
Today, however, the competition is so high, and the players are so experienced and demanding that making someone pay for a new game immediately is hard. As a result, game publishers have started offering free stuff, which is true for online and video games on all levels, from simple mobile games to top-notch video games.
Therefore, if you would like to explore some of the free perks of online gaming today and wonder where to start, this post is for you.
What To Pay For, and Whether To Pay At All
From the very start, let’s clarify that not all gaming products are behind the paywall.
You don’t always have to pay for your games. Yes, correctly. Some games are free, with no access or time limit.
Today, game publishers utilize many different revenue models. This is the case because every company wants more customers. Therefore, they are looking for ways to attract the widest possible audience, from high rollers to people who may not be able to afford an annual subscription but will participate in extra tasks to boost the game or give feedback about it as a collaboration.
As a result, today, we have video gaming platforms, mobile games, online casino games, play-to-ear games, and other gaming products and services that can be free, with small fees or occasional payments.
The point is to remember that all these offers are legit, safe, and legal, and therefore they can be used.
You don’t have to commit only to paid services or avoid paying for a game if you like it. The variety of options these days allows anyone to find the most suitable choice.
That being said, let’s look at some offers that make playing games more affordable.
Promotional Offers and Bundles
First, take advantage of promotional offers, family plans, or bundles. These are only possible for bigger gaming platforms, not casual mobile games or gaming apps. However, opting for a family plan or a bundle makes the service cheaper. You can share the bill with your friends who are interested in the platform or game. With a bundle, you can enjoy extra perks like additional content, in-game items, or more advantageous terms of service.
Promotions might be a bit more complicated. Seasonal discounts or deals are easier to assess. However, if you are offered a promotion at a mobile app game or an online casino, read the rules and terms of use carefully. Some promotions are advantageous for the players, but some just exist to attract customers.
If you feel that a promotion is not good enough or you are not sure how it is supposed to work, you should better proceed without it.
Free Spins
Some games have different in-game features that also work as promotions or bonuses already within the game. In casual mobile games like Candy Crash, these are free rounds. In online casino games like slots, these are free spins.
If the game provider offers those, they are legit and can be taken advantage of. If you can grab some Book of Dead free spins and eventually win some cash, then grab them. Some games have more free rounds, some less; just do your research before you play.
Loot Boxes
Loot boxes are a feature of video games, and they can be compared with the buy bonus feature in online casinos. In fact, this parallel is very fair because numerous researchers often compare loot boxes to online gambling. The point of a loot box is that the player has to chip in some money when playing the game, which is an extra on top of their purchase or subscription. They get a loot box with in-game items they are unaware of. They only hope that the loot box will have something they like or need in the game, such as a rare skin or item, a weapon they need, a magic potion, etc.
The gambling element is that the player makes a certain payment, hoping that the return will be more valuable than the money they spent.
As with most gambling activities, the hope is most often failed. Yet, players love loot boxes due to the excitement they provide. As a result, way too many video games focus on loot boxes.
However, the phenomenon of loot boxes has not yet been regulated, so you can encounter them in many games and use them legally without worries.