10 Best Online Video Game Stores In 2024
In 2024, online video game stores have evolved from simple distribution hubs to essential elements of the interactive entertainment ecosystem. In addition to a wide selection of titles, the best game websites provide unique features, personalized experiences, and immersive digital ecosystems. Let’s review the 10 best online video game stores
- Unmatched library of AAA, indie, and other games
- powerful CDN to deliver game downloads
- Regular Updates
4.6
Excellent
Steam
- Exclusive EA game collection
- Pre-order bonuses and early access
- Integration with EA Play membership program
4.5
Excellent
EA Sports
- Curated mix of indie and popular games
- Regular free game giveaways
- Exclusive timed releases
4.5
Excellent
Epic Games
- Huge catalog of AAA, indie, and classic games
- Tailored bundles with big savings
- Curated recommendations and collections
4.5
Excellent
Fanatical
- Large selection of DRM-free games
- Library includes older and nostalgic games
- Optional launcher for library management
4.5
Excellent
GoGcom
- Platform for independent game developers and enthusiasts
- Hosts "Game Jams" for game creation competitions
- Direct support for indie creators
4.5
Excellent
Itch.io
- Curated bundles with discounted game packages
- Pay what you want" model with charitable contributions
- DRM-free downloads and Steam keys
4.5
Excellent
Humble Store
- Affordable pricing and frequent discounts
- Loyalty program with points for discounts
- Pre-order benefits
4.0
Good
Green man Gaming
- Main digital marketplace for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
- Free monthly games for Xbox Live Gold members
- Access to Xbox Game Pass
4.0
Good
VBOX
- Comparison of pricing and deals across multiple platforms
- Price drop notifications
- Approved wholesalers only
3.5
Good
CheapShark
10 Popular And The Best Online Video Game Stores
Steam– “Best for overall game collection”
EA Sports – “Best for exclusive EA game collection!”
Epic Games – “Best for curated mix of indie and popular games!”
Fanatical – “Best for a huge catalog of AAA, indie, and classic games!”
GOG.com – “Best for large selection of DRM-free games!”
Humble Bundle – “Best for curated bundles and discounted game packages!”
Green Man Gaming – “Best for affordable pricing and frequent discounts!”
Xbox Live – “Best for main digital marketplace for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S!”
CheapShark – “Best for comparison of pricing and deals!”
Steam is still the top online platform for buying cheap video games, founded in 2002. Steam, the largest PC gaming distribution platform, has over 34,000 games and 95 million monthly active users as of 2019.
Valve Corporation runs Steam, a free video gaming platform- the largest digital distribution channel for PC games in 2013, with over 75% market share. Steam accepts over 100 payment methods. These techniques allow transactions in over 35 currencies. Steam is widely considered to be one of the best online video game stores for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo controllers.
Features
- Steam has an unmatched library of AAA, indie, and other games.
- User reviews, forums, mods, friend lists, and in-game chat make it a thriving community.
- Uses a powerful CDN to deliver game downloads and updates smoothly regardless of user location.
- The Steam Workshop lets players download mods, maps, and other community-created content to improve the game.
- SteamVR is a dedicated VR game discovery and purchase platform that works with VR headsets.
- Steam has flash deals, seasonal specials, and special events with huge discounts on many titles.
- Steam now has games on Linux and macOS in addition to Windows.
Pros
- Steam is the largest game library on one platform, catering to varied gaming tastes.
- Community features encourage discovering new games.
- Frequent sales and events provide deep savings on games.
Cons
- The large collection can overwhelm new users.
- Most Steam games have DRM, which may limit your play.
Origin initially functioned as a digital platform for downloading software, similar to Steam and GOG. However, it was acquired by EA and then transformed into their official digital storefront. Currently, Origin is the exclusive platform for acquiring and downloading games from the EA catalog without the need to obtain a physical copy. Origin for Windows was terminated in 2022, redirecting gamers to the EA App. The current version is one of the best online video game stores for EA Games Collection.
Features
- Origin has a large collection of Electronic Arts games. This includes Battlefield, FIFA, The Sims, Apex Legends, and Titanfall.
- Pre-order EA games with exclusive additional material on the platform.
- Early access to game modes, special in-game goodies, and digital artbooks are examples.
- Origin offers cloud save for several games. Players can view their progress on any device with the Origin software and internet connectivity.
- Origin works perfectly with EA Play, a membership program that offers EA titles, early trials, and unique pricing.
Pros
- Centralized hub for all EA games and related content
- Unlocks exclusive bonuses and early access opportunities
Cons
- Narrower selection compared to some competitors.
- Pricing for new releases on Origin can sometimes be higher
- Lacks user reviews or other community-oriented features
Epic Games exclusively sells and distributes its own games on Windows and MacOS web store. The portfolio includes Epic Games games including Fortnite, Battle Breakers, and Shadow Complex and several third-party games. Epic Games Store offers exclusive promos, a large selection of games, and a user-friendly design. It also offers free games, no DRM, and Unreal Engine developer tools. Critics say it lacks important titles and a sense of community, and has basic functionality. Epic games is one of the best online video game stores for Epic games’ own collection.
Features
- The store curates a mix of indie and established franchise games. This promotes uncovering undiscovered gems alongside popular releases.
- Has a lot of free games to access for budget-conscious gamers to explore new games for free.
- Gets high-profile titles exclusive timed releases. For a limited time, Epic titles Store gamers can play these titles before anybody else.
- Epic Games Store games require the Epic Games Launcher to install and play.
Pros
- Frequent free game giveaways are a major draw
- Exclusivity deals and early access opportunities
- Competitive pricing strategies at epic Games
Cons
- Has a smaller overall library of games.
- Heavy reliance on the Epic Games Launcher
- Lacks the same community features
Fanatical sells video games online in the UK. It sold over 80 million official game keys to two million people worldwide. Fanatical offers over 8,000 games from 1,000 publishers and developers. It partners directly with publishers and developers, including independents. Fanatical offers Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree Edition, The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing: Final Cut, Moons of Madness, and Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy. Definitely one of the best online video game stores with a huge catalogue!
Features
- Fanatical’s catalog includes AAA, indie, and classic games from various publishers.
- The platform is recognized for periodic deals and tailored bundles with big savings on games and collections. These themed or genre-focused bundles let users buy many games at a discount.
- Curates collections and recommends based on past purchases, browsing behavior, and user ratings. This helps players find new games they like.
- Lets customers contribute part of their purchase price to a charity during checkout. This feature emphasizes social impact during shopping.
Pros
- Fans may find excellent bargains on games they want thanks to Fanatical's extensive selection
- Players discover new intriguing games with the platform's tailored recommendations
- Use the "Pick a Charity" initiative to help your favorite charities while buying games.
Cons
- Fanatical prioritizes game sales and lacks cloud saves and community services.
- Fans don't give pre-order bonuses or exclusive titles like some competitors.
- Games and publishers have different refund policies, so players must read them.
GOG, originally named Good ‘Ol Games, is a prominent distributor of games that are free from digital rights management (DRM). This implies that when you buy games, you gain complete ownership and are not required to login to the GOG client in order to start playing them. GOG serves a distinct market segment – players that prioritize having games without DRM restrictions. It is known as one of the best online video game stores for DRM-free games and offline games.
Features
- Users can install and play games without internet activation or client authentication.
- The enormous catalog includes several DRM-free versions of older games that may not be available elsewhere. This makes it a nostalgic shelter for players.
- While optional, GOG includes the Galaxy launcher for library management. This lets players organize their library with games from other platforms for a more cohesive experience.
- User reviews, forums, and community material for purchased games promote community experience.
Pros
- GOG has a large selection of DRM-free games for gamers.
- The huge library of classic games, frequently unavailable elsewhere, caters to retro gamers.
- Launcher centralizes library views, while user reviews and forums foster community involvement.
Cons
- It may not have the latest or most exclusive titles as rapidly as other platforms.
- Newer titles may be more expensive than on other online retailers.
- While optional, GOG Galaxy launcher features like cloud saves may not work without it.
British online video game retailer Green Man Gaming distributes and publishes. Over 9,000 games from 1,350 companies are available in 195 countries on the marketplace. Green Man Gaming offers retail and discounted in-game keys on Steam, Uplay, Origin, and the Epic Games Store. Customers can redeem keys on appropriate platforms.
UK-based Green Man Gaming sells video games worldwide. They have a few games for MAC, Playstation 4, Xbox One, and PC VR platforms like the Oculus Rift, but most are for PC. It is famous as one of the best online video game stores to get games at a very cheap rate.
Features
- GMG selects popular and obscure PC games. Users intimidated by Steam’s large library may benefit.
- Competitive pricing and frequent discounts make GMG a budget-friendly game retailer.
- Players can use GMG’s loyalty program points for discounts on future purchases.
- GMG offers pre-orders for upcoming titles with exclusive benefits.
- GMG primarily sells digital game download keys for Steam and Epic Games Store activation. (Game-specific activation)
Pros
- Affordable pricing, promotions, and loyalty schemes make GMG appealing to budget players.
- The curated collection streamlines game discovery over vast variety.
- Players interested about upcoming releases may prefer pre-order bonuses.
Cons
- The game catalog is small compared.
- often uses third-party systems
- GMG lacks forums and user reviews
Online retailer Humble Bundle sells video games, ebooks, software, and other digital goods. This group aims to help charities while providing affordable, high-quality entertainment. Every package includes both popular and rare games to offer a unique and varied gaming experience. A portion of bundle revenues go to charity. Humble Bundle’s Mega Man Franchise Pack funds Alzheimer’s Research UK. It works with developers and sells game keys. It sometimes includes DRM-free games and sometimes Steam Keys, the status of which you can confirm from the page itself. Humble Bundle is one of the best online video game stores for curated bundle packages.
Features
- Humble Bundle sells discounted game packages. These theme or genre packages let players buy many games at a discount.
- Certain Humble Bundle bundles use a “pay what you want” model. Users set the price, with a percentage going to charity, creators, and Humble Bundle.
- Humble Bundle titles often have DRM-free downloads or Steam keys for several platforms.
- Indie games dominate the platform, helping smaller developers reach more players.
Pros
- Curated bundles and "pay what you want" can save you a lot on games.
- The site lets gamers buy games and assist charities.
- A terrific place to find and support indie developers
Cons
- Bundles limit game selection compared to typical shops.
- Individual game sales are rarer than dedicated storefronts.
Xbox 360 and Xbox One used the Xbox Games Store, formerly Xbox Live Marketplace. The Xbox software for PC requires two Microsoft accounts: your Microsoft Store account and your Xbox account, which is your PC gaming account. It lets Xbox users retrieve web content. The application comes free with your game console. The Xbox Live’s premium subscription service. Xbox Live Gold offers premium features for a monthly fee. Xbox Live Gold members receive free games monthly through Games for Gold and special discounts through Deals for Gold.
Features
- Xbox Live is Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S’s main digital marketplace.
- Free downloading games are available monthly to Xbox Live Gold customers.
- Xbox Game Pass provides access to a huge collection of downloadable and cloud-streamed games.
- Xbox Live allows Xbox players to engage via buddy lists, achievements, and in-game chat.
- Some Xbox Live games are backward compatible with newer consoles.
Pros
- Free monthly games boost Xbox Live Gold worth.
- Xbox social features allow players to connect.
- Newer Xbox consoles can play some older games.
Cons
- PC and other platforms lack Xbox Live.
- First-party Microsoft games
This website lets users host, sell, and download indie video games, RPGs, game assets, comics, zines, and music. Users can host, sell, and download independent video games on itch.io. Video game producers can establish their own prices and design their pages. Consumers can benefit from a wide range of independent inventions in every categoy. Video game fans that like outsider art and experimentation usually visit the business.
Features
- The store has cultivated a whole community of creators and enthusiasts
- Frequently hosts “Game Jams” – competitions where participants create games from scratch, often inspired by a certain theme.
- itch.io is a platform specifically designed for independent game developers to sell their creations directly to players.
- The platform thrives on indie and experimental games, offering a unique selection often not found elsewhere.
- Developers have the freedom to set their own pricing models, including “pay what you want” options.
- itch.io fosters a strong community where developers and players can directly interact, share feedback, and support each other.
Pros
- Find unique independent games not on mainstream platforms.
- Purchases directly help independent game developers.
- Meet other independent game fans and developers.
Cons
- The focus on indie development can lead to a wider range of game quality.
CheapShark examines pricing and deals across nine digital download platforms, including Steam and GOG. Each store’s top seven bargains are side-by-side on the front page. Click any store to view and organize discounts. You can sort deals by price, savings, user-rated deal rating, and release date. It is generally considered to be one of the best online video game stores to check up the prices that are best suited to an average user.
Features
- Lets users browse discounts and search for games
- Subscribe to price drop notifications
- Compare digital game download prices, and choose the cheapest vendor.
- Only lists approved wholesalers, not dubious key resellers.
- Retailers must have a direct relationship with game publishers and creators to be listed.
Pros
- CheapShark helps gamers get the best PC game pricing by comparing prices across vendors.
- Price alerts help customers save when game prices reduce.
- Users can locate offers on games they like by filtering searches.
Cons
- Retailer data accuracy determines CheapShark's effectiveness.
- CheapShark does not sell games or integrate game launchers.
- PC game pricing comparison is CheapShark's main focus.
How We Review The Best Photo And Video Editing Apps
To guarantee a smooth and fulfilling digital gaming experience, you must take a quick moment before deciding on the best online video game stores. When choosing the finest platforms for your gaming demands, academics and industry professionals advise taking into account the following important factors:
- Vast Game Catalog
To accommodate a wide range of gaming tastes, give top priority to retailers that provide a thorough and varied assortment of games that span several platforms, genres, and release dates. The best online video game stores must have a good selection of games available from different creators.
- Competitive price
To optimize the return on your gaming investments, carefully evaluate the price policies and marketing tactics used by different retailers. This will help you choose which of the best online video game stores options you have found are the most affordable.
- User-Friendly Interface
Consider how easy it is to navigate and how accessible the store’s user interface is. These factors can have a big influence on how productive and pleasurable your browsing and shopping sessions are for choosing the best online video game stores.
- Reliable Digital Rights Management (DRM)
Check the DRM regulations of the retailers to make sure your purchased games are transferable and long-lasting, as this may have long-term effects on your collection of digital games.
How We Review The Best Online Video Games Stores
Choosing the best online video game stores depends on your priorities. We meticulously evaluate stores based on several key factors:
- Game Library
We assess the breadth and depth of the game library, considering the presence of the best pc games, AAA titles, indie gems, and classic releases.
- Pricing and Deals
We analyze pricing strategies, including regular sales, discounts, bundles, and subscription options.
- Features and Functionality
We evaluate features like cloud saves, community features, DRM restrictions, and platform compatibility.
- Customer Experience
We consider ease of use, purchase process, download speeds, and customer support quality.
Conclusion
In 2024, the top 10 best online video game stores covered in this assessment are the premier platforms that meet the different demands and tastes of the gaming community. Each store has its own merits, from Origin and Epic Games Store’s exclusive offerings and early access to Steam’s massive library, rich community features, and unmatched sales. Gamers can traverse this changing industry and find the finest online video game retailers for them by carefully examining game selection, pricing, user experience, and DRM regulations.
FAQs
Older gamers tend to spend the most time playing online video games.
Yes, as long as you are using one of the best online video game stores, it is safe to buy games online
You will need to understand the key mechanics of the game, so the strokes come to you naturally.
