Gaming is not only a popular pastime, but also a viable career in 2022. There have been more active gamers on both consoles and PCs lately.
There is an ongoing battle in the console community over the number of players. Each console has pros and cons, making it difficult to pinpoint a superior model.
However, there is no such argument in PC gaming. This is because most PCs support a long list of games.
It begs the question: what service does one use to download and install their favorite games on a PC? Well, there are many apps and websites for this. It comes down to personal preference, and below are some of the best options.
1. Steam
Steam is often referred to as the king of the digital video game market. People rarely leave their homes to buy video games anymore, and Steam is partly responsible for that.
You see, Steam started out as a means to an end. It was developed by Valve to allow for easy updates to its titles and has evolved over the years since.
Steam is a thriving marketplace that supports hundreds of thousands of games. The store caters to both large corporations and indie developers.
There’s something for everyone on Steam, and the app makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. It has an engaging homepage and spotlight section that actively recommends new games in rotation.
Steam also organizes its games by genre, making it even easier for new users to navigate the store.
Steam offers both paid and free games. Every purchase and addition is securely stored in your Steam library, making it easier to instantly access your favorite games.
Steam also offers incredible discounts tailored to seasonal holidays and major events that happen throughout the year.
It also works on a handheld device called a steam deck. It runs on Windows and allows you to play your favorite games on the go via a Steam Deck. You can play as long as you want if you extend the battery life of your Steam Deck.
to download: Steam (free)
2. Epic Games Store
The Epic Games store was launched in 2018 and has been providing direct competition in the digital video game distribution market ever since.
Epic Games became hugely popular after the launch of Fortnite, the free-to-play battle royale game.
Since then, the company has expanded into the game distribution market with the launch of its game store. Epic Games realized how difficult it is to enter a new market. As such, it tried to attract new users by offering a long list of triple-A video game titles for free.
Subsequently, the Epic Games store has become a mainstay in the distribution of digital video games. It also has a collection of exclusive games worth having on your PC.
The Epic Games store also offers competitive discounts on some very popular games upon release.
One of the biggest benefits of using the Epic Games store is the company’s willingness to partner with other developers. As such, you have a wealth of content coming to your favorite games.
to download: Epic Games Store (Free)
3. Origin
Origin is EA’s answer to the growth of the digital game distribution market. Origin was released in mid-2011 and serves as a platform for EA to sell digital copies of its flagship titles.
However, as of 2022, only games licensed and owned by EA will be available in the store. This could change in the future, but it certainly isn’t now.
Since Origin is made to distribute EA games, the company offers better discounts for its games.
But most EA games are also available on other digital game distribution platforms, such as Steam and Epic Games Store.
to download: Origin (free)
4. Ubisoft Connect
Ubisoft Connect is to Ubisoft as Origin is to Electronic Arts. That’s why Ubisoft Connect is offering Ubisoft’s flagship titles for digital release.
Ubisoft Connect also goes one step further with a third-party social platform integrated with most Ubisoft games. It helps to have Ubisoft Connect installed on your PC as most Ubisoft titles require it.
Ubisoft Connect has a strong rewards system that helps users with customized discounts. It even has its own virtual currency and a wide range of seasonal discounts.
Ubisoft also offers a premium subscription service called Ubisoft+ which offers some of its best games for a monthly fee.
to download: Ubisoft Connect (free)
5. GOG
GOG is a digital game distribution website owned by CD Projekt. The website offers popular triple-A titles at standard prices and often hosts discount events.
GOG saw a surge in popularity following the announcement of Cyberpunk 2077. Needless to say, many people were looking forward to the game’s release.
For a while, Cyberpunk 2077 was only available for early purchase on GOG. Unfortunately, Cyberpunk 2077 didn’t take off at launch. However, GOG still has some great offers.
Website: GOG
6. Xbox Store
Where better to get games than from Microsoft? The Xbox Store is compatible with all Windows devices and offers many popular titles.
Xbox is most famous for its Game Pass, which offers a long list of great games at a bargain price. The Xbox Game Pass ranks high on our list of the best PC game subscription services.
We also need to talk about Xbox exclusives. These are certain games that you can only get from the Xbox Store. The best thing about the Xbox Store is that it comes preinstalled on Windows 10 and 11 devices.
You can also easily install it from the Microsoft Store. However, it is exclusive to Windows devices.
to download: Xbox Store (Free)
7. Battle.net
Battle.net is a digital distribution platform for Activision Blizzard games. Activision Blizzard is known for its online titles. Especially games like Overwatch, World of Warcraft and Diablo have been very popular lately.
Activision acquired Blizzard games in 2008. Since then, games from both companies have been marketed on Battle.net.
Battle.net is a must-have for fans of Overwatch, World of Warcraft, Warzone, and the Call of Duty franchise as a whole.
Right now, Battle.net is the best way to buy and play these games. While Activision Blizzard rarely offers discounts on its games, most are affordable. Activision Blizzard has even decided to play for free with popular titles like Call of Duty Warzone and Overwatch 2.
to download: Battle.net (free)
8. Itching
Itch.io is every indie developer’s dream. The video game market is highly competitive and it is difficult for solo and new developers to gain a foothold. That’s where Itch.io comes into play. The platform was launched in 2013 and is home to over 500,000 games.
Itch.io is very transparent with its users. It makes publishing a game easy. The website offers a variety of genres ranging from puzzles to racing. It also facilitates web-based games.
Website: Itch.io
9. Humble Bundle
Humble Bundle is a digital game distribution service best known for its bundles.
Game bundles can contain your favorite titles mixed with new, unknown games. These bundles are usually sold at very affordable prices compared to buying the games separately.
Humble Bundle also sells individual digital copies of your favorite games, but the bundles are a lot more popular.
The website also offers seasonal offers and recommendations for rotating bundles. Humble Bundle is also a charity website. Certain offers are selected to raise money for charities.
Website: Humble Bundle
Download PC games in modern times
The services mentioned above make buying and playing your favorite titles easier than ever. You can now get what you need from the comfort of your home.
They all have their merits and it’s up to you to decide which one is best for you.
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