How to Buy PC Games

You've got a great computer, but now you're ready to stock it with some killer PC games. How do you find good computer games that won't drain your wallet? A little patience and some luck and you can get great PC games fordiscount prices. And sometimes even for free!

Buying PC Games

There are two major ways to buy games for your PC: online direct downloads and buying the physical game discs either online or from a store.

Online Direct Downloads Many websites such as PopCap offer tons of games you can download right to your PC. Many of these games are demos, or portions of the game that let you sample the product. If you like the game you can pay a small registration fee to make the complete game available to you. These titles are often very inexpensive, averaging between $10 and $20 per game. It's a wonderful way to try before you buy.

Purchasing the Games Many PC games are available on CD or DVD discs because of their large file size. These games can be purchased in stores or online with the packages shipped to your home. These games are generally more expensive than direct download video games, but you get more for your money. Popular titles such as Everquest, World of Warcraft, and The Sims 2 are available in this manner. Often you can download a demo of the game to try before you buy. Unlike direct download games, you will need to purchase the full game discs in order to play the game in its entirety.

In addition to the thousands of PC games available at your local store or on the internet, you can also find compilation CDs that contain dozens of short, simple games to install on your PC.

Tips on Buying Games

• Always check your system requirements before buying a new PC game. If you have an older computer, some newer games will be unplayable on your system. If you're buying direct download games or other simple titles, you usually won't have to worry about system specifications.

• Look at your game's website before you purchase it to see if you can download a demo.

Free?

Often you don't even have to shell out your cash to buy good PC games. Many are available for free right from the internet! LoveToKnow Video Games has several articles and resources for getting free PC games.

• Free Online Games
• Free Kids Games Online
• Free Puzzle Games

Resources

• TerraGame - This site offers tons of small, inexpensive PC games you can purchase and download immediately.

• Amazon.com - The online retailer giant offers an enormous selection of PC games you can buy and have shipped to your door. Choose from new or used PC games and get great prices on both.

• Direct2Drive - This service breaks some of the rules of buying PC games and allows you to pay to download popular PC video games right to your computer. Get mega-hit titles previously only available in disc format for a little less than retail.

• eBay - The always-reliable eBay has great deals on PC games.