Gaming on a Budget: Discovering New Digital Game Stores

Well… the VAT (Value-Added Tax) is upon us gamers. Steam PH is going to undergo a 12% VAT increase for game purchases. With that, gamers—including myself—are feeling the pinch of prices, especially with inflation.

[Update: Some folks online have been saying Valve is “absorbing” the 12% PH VAT, but let’s get things straight. Steam isn’t eating the tax, they’re slicing it off before devs even see the moolah. Because Steam prices are VAT-inclusive, what you see on the checkout page already includes the 12%. So while prices haven’t really changed, it’s actually the developers who take the hit.]

While Steam remains the most popular digital store for many, the price hike has led consumers to look for alternative platforms. But where else can we migrate? 

Epic Games, the platform filled with deals & free games

From Official Epic Games Website

Epic Games has been gaining popularity on the gaming front—a strong competitor to Steam. Similar to Steam, Epic Games offers exclusive deals and discounts, sometimes falling below Steam prices. But its biggest attraction? Their weekly deals, where you can grab major title games for almost half the price. For example, now, you can grab Lord of the Rings, Return to Moria, and Destiny 2. 

While Epic Games is strongly similar to Steam, it lacks the community Steam offers. There are no gaming forums, reviews, or even game ratings. But if you’re looking for an alternative site to expand your library, Epic Games’ motto, “SAVE MORE, PLAY MORE!” is perfect.

Good Old Games (GOG), the platform of DRM-free classics 

From GOG Official Website

If you love classic games or just want a quick hit of nostalgia, this site is for you. 

Owned by the studio behind The Witcher and Cyberpunk, GOG specializes in games re-modded to run on modern systems, but don’t be fooled. It doesn’t just offer older games, it also offers new releases without its DRM restrictions. 

DRM restrictions, you say? 

DRM or Digital Right Management is a digital product distribution right, so DRM-Free games are games you can freely use without online authentication or restrictions. This allows you to play the games, without having to log on to their launcher or server. 

Itch.io, your indie platform

From Official itch.io Website

Now, if you’re into supporting independent developers and small-time companies but still want that fresh gaming experience, this is the best site for you. Itch.io offers gamers the unique perspective of visual novel-like games.

Often loaded with passion projects from startups, this site is perfect for people starting to get into gaming. Their prices vary from free to named prices, but only to help support the game’s development. Big games like Among Us, Doki Doki Literature Club, Celeste, and Lethal Company all started on itch.io, so if you’re looking to dive into a game before it gets popular, this site is for you. 

The question now remains. Are you willing to switch sides? 

Speaking of alternatives, if you have been an Android head for a while and want a fresh new perspective, you can switch sides and explore the benefits of an iPhone! If you don’t know where to start, you can check out the iPhone 14 (available at the Next Upgrade Shop), which is a great entry phone into the Apple space.