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In the vast world of PC gaming, finding the right platform that fits your gaming needs is crucial. With numerous choices available, ranging from platforms offering the latest AAA titles to those catering to indie game aficionados, the decision can be overwhelming. This blog post will guide you through some of the most popular online gaming platforms for PC, highlighting their key features, pros and cons, and ideal user profiles. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer looking for extensive libraries or a casual player seeking value, you’ll find a platform that aligns with your preferences here.
Table of Contents
- Our Top Tested Picks
- Best for Avid PC Gamers
- Best for Retro PC Gamers
- Best for Value and Charity Work
- Best for Adventurous Indie Gamers
- Best for Mail Rental
- Best for Microsoft Gamers
- Best for Fortnite Fans
- Best for Recycled Keys
- Where Can You Buy PC Games Online?
- Which PC Game Store Has the Best Library and Features?
- Where to Get the Best PC Game Deals
Our Top Tested Picks
Steam
Steam remains the undisputed giant of the PC gaming world, offering a vast library of games ranging from indie darlings to blockbuster hits. Launched by Valve in 2003, Steam has continually evolved, providing innovative features such as cloud saves, mod support, and a thriving community hub. Its major attraction is the frequent sales, offering deep discounts on a plethora of titles.
The platform boasts over 34,000 games and numerous user-generated content, making it a haven for gamers of all preferences. Additionally, its Big Picture mode allows users to experience their games on a TV screen with a console-like interface. Steam also supports VR games, adding yet another dimension to its wide array of offerings.
GOG.com
GOG.com, owned by CD Projekt, the creators of The Witcher series, is renowned for its collection of DRM-free games. Unlike Steam, which often requires an internet connection for game verification, GOG games are yours to keep forever with no additional protections. This is a significant selling point for gamers wary of digital rights management technologies.
GOG.com is a treasure trove for retro gamers. It provides a curated selection of old PC classics, revamped to run seamlessly on modern systems. It also offers modern games, especially indie titles, frequently updated and enhanced. With a user-friendly interface and frequent sales, GOG.com stands out as a reliable alternative for both new and old games.
Humble
Humble Bundle started as a pay-what-you-want DRM-free game bundle provider and has since evolved into a full-fledged game store. What sets Humble apart is its emphasis on charity, as a portion of every purchase goes to a charitable cause. The platform offers regular bundles that combine significant discounts with charitable donations, often featuring both AAA and indie games.
Humble Monthly, a subscription service, provides a curated selection of games for a low monthly fee, making high-quality titles accessible at an unbeatable value. The store itself offers a vast selection of games, with many often available at discounts, ensuring great value for buyers.
itch.io
itch.io is a platform specifically designed for indie game developers and gamers. Unlike the more commercial-centric Steam or GOG, itch.io provides a more grassroots experience, showcasing a multitude of unique and creative projects. While some games are free, many are available at very low prices, often giving buyers the chance to support up-and-coming developers directly.
The platform is well-regarded for its community-focused approach, offering forums, game jams, and other developer and gamer engagement activities. It’s a hotspot for discovering games that push creative boundaries and offer fresh experiences.
GameFly
Primarily known for its game rental service, GameFly allows users to rent physical copies of games to be delivered by mail. This service is incredibly beneficial for those who prefer console gaming but still offers a selection of PC games for download. The subscription model makes it easy for gamers to try a wide variety of titles without committing to a purchase.
In addition to rentals, GameFly also offers the option to purchase games at discounted rates. Their library includes many recently released games, ensuring that players have access to the latest titles. The platform provides a nostalgic experience in an increasingly digital world.
Xbox
With its Xbox Game Pass for PC, Microsoft has created a subscription service that provides access to a vast library of games. Subscribers can download and play over 100 high-quality games, including exclusives from Microsoft Studios. Regular updates mean that new games are frequently added to the library.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate bundles the PC and console services while adding extra perks such as Xbox Live Gold for online play and exclusive member discounts. This makes Xbox Game Pass a robust choice for gamers who want to enjoy a wide variety of games without heavy investment.
Epic Games Store
The Epic Games Store has emerged as a strong contender in the digital distribution market. Known for securing exclusive titles and offering free games regularly, it has rapidly garnered a substantial user base. While its library isn’t as vast as Steam’s, the platform focuses on quality and exclusive content.
Developers also favor the Epic Games Store for its generous revenue split, ensuring a thriving ecosystem of innovative and diverse games. Epic’s commitment to community features and free game offerings makes it a compelling choice for PC gamers, especially fans of their flagship game, Fortnite.
Green Man Gaming
Green Man Gaming is an online retailer offering competitive prices and a broad selection of digital game keys. It’s particularly famous for its “Flash Deals” and pre-order discounts, often providing games cheaper than other platforms. The store’s partnership with major publishers ensures a reliable source for the latest releases.
Additionally, Green Man Gaming’s emphasis on recycled keys—a practice where unused game keys are resold—further enhances value for budget-conscious gamers. The VIP pricing model for members provides further discounts, making it a go-to platform for thrifty shoppers.
Best for Avid PC Gamers
Steam
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Vast library of games
- Frequent sales and discounts
- Robust community features
- Cloud saves and VR support
Cons:
- Some games require constant internet connection
- DRM restrictions
- User interface can be cluttered
Why We Picked It
Steam is a powerhouse in the PC gaming community offering unparalleled selection and community features. Its regular sales and large game library ensure something for everyone, from indie gems to blockbuster hits. The platform’s significant feature set and ongoing updates also keep it ahead of competitors.
Who It’s For
Steam is best suited for avid gamers who want access to a wide variety of games and a comprehensive community ecosystem. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate regular sales and discounts, as well as anyone looking for mod support and extensive user-generated content.
Specs & Configurations
Steam runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It requires an internet connection for downloading games and some features. Minimum system requirements are low, ensuring accessibility for a broad range of PC setups.
Best for Retro PC Gamers
GOG.com
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- DRM-free games
- Extensive collection of retro games
- Modern games thoroughly tested for compatibility
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Smaller library compared to other platforms
- Higher prices for new releases
Why We Picked It
GOG.com is a gem for retro gamers seeking DRM-free experiences. Their commitment to keeping classic titles alive while enhancing them for modern systems makes them unique. The focus on a user-friendly interface and long-lasting game ownership adds significant value.
Who It’s For
This platform is perfect for retro gaming enthusiasts and anyone skeptical of DRM restrictions. It also appeals to players who want a smooth, hassle-free gaming experience without constant internet checks.
Specs & Configurations
GOG.com supports Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Games are typically optimized to run on current systems, ensuring that classics can be enjoyed without compatibility issues.
Best for Value and Charity Work
Humble
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Supports charities with every purchase
- Regular bundles and discounts
- Wide selection of indie and AAA games
- Humble Monthly subscription service
Cons:
- DRM varies by publisher
- Can be less convenient than centralized platforms
Why We Picked It
Humble marries the thrill of gaming with the joy of giving. The platform offers compelling deals through its bundles and subscription service while contributing to charitable causes. This mix of value and virtue makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers who want to give back.
Who It’s For
Humble is ideal for gamers on a budget who also want to contribute to charitable organizations. The monthly subscription service is particularly appealing for those seeking a steady supply of high-quality games without breaking the bank.
Specs & Configurations
Humble games are available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The platform predominantly offers DRM-free titles, though some games may require platform-specific clients like Steam for activation.
Best for Adventurous Indie Gamers
itch.io
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Strong focus on indie games
- Direct support for developers
- Diverse and experimental game selection
- Community-driven activities
Cons:
- Smaller library of AAA titles
- User interface can be less polished
Why We Picked It
itch.io is a haven for indie game enthusiasts. The platform’s direct support for developers and focus on unique, experimental titles set it apart from more commercial-centric platforms. It fosters a robust community and serves as a testing ground for creative game design.
Who It’s For
itch.io is perfect for gamers who enjoy exploring innovative and unique indie games. It’s also ideal for those looking to support the indie gaming community directly.
Specs & Configurations
itch.io offers games for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The platform’s lightweight specifications make it accessible to a wide range of PC setups, and many titles are DRM-free or have minimal DRM.
Best for Mail Rental
GameFly
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Large selection of games available for rent
- Option to purchase rented games at a discount
- Physical and digital rental options
Cons:
- Limited to US locations
- Physical rentals involve wait times
Why We Picked It
