Gaming is not only a popular hobby but also a viable career in 2022. There are more active gamers on both consoles and PCs in recent times.
There is an ongoing battle in the console community over player numbers. Each console has pros and cons, so it’s hard to pinpoint a superior model.
However, there is no such argument in PC games. 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 all 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, and Steam is partly to blame for that.
You see, Steam started out as a means to an end. It was developed by Valve to facilitate easy updates for their titles and evolved beyond that in the years that followed.
Steam is a thriving marketplace that supports hundreds of thousands of games. The store caters to both large companies and independent 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 home page and a featured 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 free and paid games. Every purchase and addition is securely stored in your Steam library, making it easy to access your favorite games on the go.
Steam also offers incredible discounts tailored to seasonal holidays and major events that occur throughout the year.
It also works on a portable device called a steam platform. It runs on Windows and allows you to play your favorite games on the go through the Steam Deck. You can play as long as you want when you extend the battery life of your Steam Deck.
Discharge: Steam (Free)
2. Epic Games Store
The Epic Games Store launched in 2018 and has offered direct competition in the digital video game distribution market ever since.
Epic Games became very popular after the release of its free-to-play battle royale game, Fortnite.
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 break into a new market. As such, it sought 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 that are worth having on your PC.
The Epic Games Store is also offering competitive discounts on some very popular games at launch.
One of the greatest merits of using the Epic Games store is the company’s willingness to collaborate with other developers. As such, you have a wealth of content for your favorite games.
Discharge: Epic Games Store (Free)
3. Origin
Origin is EA’s answer to the growth of the digital game distribution market. Origin launched in mid-2011 and serves as a platform for EA to sell digital copies of its flagship titles.
However, only games licensed and owned by EA appear on the store starting in 2022. This could change in the future, but that’s certainly not the case now.
Now, because Origin is made to distribute EA games, the company offers better discounts for its games.
But most of EA’s games are also available on other digital game distribution platforms, such as Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Discharge: Origin (Free)
4. Ubisoft Connection
Ubisoft Connect is to Ubisoft what Origin is to Electronic Arts. Accordingly, Ubisoft Connect offers 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’s useful to have Ubisoft Connect installed on your PC because most Ubisoft titles require it to run.
Ubisoft Connect has a strong rewards system that helps users with personalized discounts. It even has its own virtual currency and a wide variety of seasonal discounts.
Ubisoft also offers a premium subscription service called Ubisoft+ that offers some of their best games for a monthly fee.
Discharge: Ubisoft Connection (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 discounted events.
GOG experienced 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 pre-purchase on GOG. Unfortunately, Cyberpunk 2077 did not launch at launch. However, GOG still has some great deals.
Website: G.O.G.
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 amazing games at a bargain price. Xbox Game Pass ranks high on our list of the best PC gaming subscription services.
We also have to talk about Xbox exclusives. These are certain games that you can only get from the Xbox store. The best part of the Xbox store is that it is pre-installed on Windows 10 and 11 devices.
Also, you can easily install it from the Microsoft Store. However, it is exclusively for Windows devices.
Discharge: Xbox Store (Free)
7. Battle.net
Battle.net is a digital distribution platform for Activision Blizzard games. Activision Blizzard is famous for its online titles. Games like Overwatch, World of Warcraft, and Diablo have recently been especially popular.
Activision acquired Blizzard’s games in 2008. As such, games from both companies have been marketed on Battle.net ever since.
Battle.net is a must for fans of Overwatch, World of Warcraft, Warzone, and the Call of Duty franchise in general.
Right now, Battle.net is the best way to buy and play these games. While Activision Blizzard rarely offers discounts on its games, most of them are affordable. Activision Blizzard has even decided to play popular titles like Call of Duty Warzone and Overwatch 2 for free.
Discharge: Battle.net (free)
8. Itch.io
Itch.io is an indie developer’s dream. The video game market is very competitive, and it is difficult for new and solo developers to gain an advantage. That’s where Itch.io comes in. The platform launched in 2013 and hosts more than 500,000 games.
Itch.io is very transparent with its users. It makes publishing a game easy. The website hosts a variety of genres, from puzzles to racing. It also makes web-based gaming easy.
Website: Itchy.io
9. Humble Package
Humble Bundle is a digital game distribution service best known for its bundles.
Game packs can include your favorite titles mixed with new and unknown games. These bundles are usually sold at very affordable prices compared to buying the games individually.
Humble Bundle also sells individual digital copies of your favorite games, but bundles are much more popular.
The website also features seasonal deals and rotating package recommendations. Humble Bundle is also a charity website. Certain offers are highlighted to raise funds for charities.
Website: humble package
Download PC games today
The services mentioned above make buying and playing your favorite titles easier than ever. Now you can get what you need from the comfort of your own home.
They all have their merits, and it’s up to you to decide which one suits your needs.
