Money-Saving Tricks for Buying Video Games in the UK
- The Penny Pincher Team
- Dec 25, 2025
- 4 min read
How UK Gamers Are Saving Money on Video Games in 2026
Video game prices feel high for many UK players. New console titles can launch at £69.99 or more. Digital PC projects also stay expensive for months.
Data from the UK Office for National Statistics shows games and software prices rose faster than general inflation between 2020 and 2024. This article focuses on practical ways to reduce spending. It covers PC and console gaming. It explains timing, tools, and buying options. The goal stays simple. Spend less. Play more. Avoid common pricing traps.
Why Video Game Prices Stay High in the UK
Game prices rise across most regions. Inflation plays a role. UKIE reports that average AAA game budgets have doubled since the mid-2010s. Publishers increased prices after higher development budgets and rising staff costs. Projects take five years or more.
UK players also pay 20% VAT on digital purchases. That tax applies to every full-price release. Currency shifts after 2020 added pressure on UK pricing as global publishers set launch prices in US dollars first. That approach keeps prices stable but high. Digital stores also follow strict launch pricing rules. The most expected titles keep their full price for months. Physical shops reduce prices sooner to clear stock.
Gaming expanded in different directions. When PC and console costs increased, casino players faced similar pressure. That's why they focus on bonuses that reduce entry cost. A no-deposit bonus lets a player try games without upfront payment. These offers attract new users. A free $50 pokies no deposit sign up bonus gives credits without risk. Players test games and platforms under real conditions. This lowers the entry cost of online gambling. |
Game publishers mirror gambling sites in this strategy and use similar ideas. Free weekends and giveaways attract players. Steam free trials and Epic weekly free games follow the same logic. Both industries reduce cost barriers to grow user bases.
Best Times to Buy Games on Digital Stores
Timing affects game prices more than platform choice. Digital stores follow predictable sales cycles. Steam seasonal sales remain the largest. Valve reported that tens of millions of users participate in each major sale. UK players see the same discounts as EU users.
Prices usually drop over time. New releases rarely receive discounts in the first two months. After six months, reductions become common. Publisher weekends also help. These focus on one company’s catalogue. Discounts can reach 90% on older titles.
Waiting helps most players. Projects rarely disappear from stores. Digital libraries stay available for years. Patience leads to lower prices without effort.
Sale period | Typical month | Savings range | Notes |
Winter Sale | December | High | Largest annual discounts |
Spring Sale | March | Medium | Focus on older titles |
Summer Sale | June-July | High | Wide catalogue cuts |
Autumn Sale | November | Medium | AA sale |
Black Friday | November | Medium | Short sale window |
Where to Buy Games Online Cheaply in the UK
Online stores use account systems and licences. Purchases link to user accounts. DRM tools reduce piracy risk. These systems allow refunds and updates.
Top UK-friendly digital stores include:
Steam – Largest PC store. Strong sales and refund policy.
Epic Games Store – Weekly free titles. Lower base prices.
GOG – DRM-free titles. Focus on ownership.
PlayStation Store – Console digital sales. Regular promotions.
Microsoft Store – Xbox and PC integration.
Price Tracking and Alerts for Digital Games
New UK players pay full price without checking price history. Tracking tools show past lows. They also reveal fake discounts. Some stores raise prices before sales. Historical data exposes this pattern.
Alerts save time. Users set target prices. The system sends a message once reached. This helps players wait for genuine reductions. Console and PC users both benefit.
Popular tracking tools include:
SteamDB. Shows full Steam price history and sale depth.
IsThereAnyDeal. Compares multiple PC stores. UK currency support.
PSPrices. Tracks PlayStation discounts and history.
XB Deals. Focused on Xbox Store deals.
These tools help spot real value. UK players avoid short-term cuts. Over time, savings add up.
Digital vs Physical Games for UK Buyers
Both formats have cost advantages. Digital copies offer convenience. No travel. No stock limits. Sales apply instantly. Physical discs still matter for value retention. UK retailers discount discs faster.
Factor | Digital store | Physical store |
Launch price | Usually higher | Often matches RRP |
Discounts | Slower early | Faster in stores |
Resale | No | Yes |
Storage | No space needed | Requires space |
Sharing | Limited | Easier |
Digital saves money during major sales. Physical works better for short-term ownership. Players who resell recover part of the cost. UK buyers choose based on habits, not format loyalty.
Subscription Services as a Budget Tool
Subscriptions reduce average cost. UK players pay a monthly fee. They access large libraries. Microsoft reported over 34 million Game Pass subscribers in 2024. Half of users complete several titles per month.
Xbox Game Pass. Console and PC access. Day-one releases.
PlayStation Plus. Monthly games and catalogue tiers.
EA Play. EA catalogue access.
Ubisoft Plus. Ubisoft titles on PC and console.
Pros
Lower cost per game
Access to large libraries
No upfront purchase
Cons
No ownership
Games leave libraries
Best value for frequent play
So, subscriptions suit active players. Casual players may prefer sales.
Trade, Resale, and Account Value Over Time
Physical resale lowers real cost. UK platforms like CeX and local shops support trade-ins. ONS retail data shows second-hand entertainment sales remained stable between 2019 and 2023. Players may recover 30 - 50% of initial spend depending on demand.
Some projects gain value. Rare console exclusives sometimes rise in price. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD on Wii U sells above launch price on UK resale markets. Collectors drive this trend because limited print runs matter.
Digital accounts hold long-term value in another way. Large libraries reduce future spending. Players replay owned titles. Free updates extend lifespan.
Second-hand gaming remains strong. Consumer research shows that over 34% of UK players bought only pre-owned projects. Budget awareness drives this habit. Games function as reusable value, not one-time purchases. At the same time, large networks are not satisfied with the second-hand market. UK High Street chain Game has stopped selling pre-owned games in its stores because of tensions with subscription services.
