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Pre-Order Digital Game Keys: Smarter Than Day-One Purchase

by Anthony Apr 14,2025

Pre-ordering games can indeed carry risks such as receiving an unfinished product, dealing with day-one patches, and experiencing broken launches. However, pre-ordering digital game keys can be a savvy strategy, especially when you know the right places to buy them. We've partnered with Eneba to explore why and how preparing in advance with your game purchases can be a smart move.

You’ll Pay Less Than on Release Day

A common misconception about pre-ordering is that you'll pay full price. Yet, when you purchase a digital game key from a reputable marketplace like Eneba, you often secure a significant discount before the game even hits the shelves. With AAA titles now costing $70+ at launch, pre-ordering at Eneba can get you the same game for much less—sometimes 10-30% cheaper than official store prices. This means instead of waiting months for a sale, you can lock in a lower price well before the game drops.

Avoiding Launch-Day Price Increases

Screenshot of game prices on Eneba

Digital pre-orders at digital marketplaces can see price hikes as launch day approaches, especially for highly anticipated games. As hype builds, demand for game keys surges, causing prices to increase even before the release—often matching the standard market price. If you delay too long, you might end up paying the full price seen everywhere else. By securing your price early, you ensure the best deal before demand drives it up, allowing you to enjoy the game at a discount rather than rushing to find a last-minute offer.

Older Games Cost Way Less

One of the major benefits of digital marketplaces is the drastic price drop for older games over time. While new releases can be pricey, games that have been out for a year or more often sell at a fraction of their original price—sometimes with discounts as high as 70-80%. If you're not fixated on playing on launch day, waiting a bit can save you a significant amount of money while still allowing you to enjoy top-tier gaming experiences.

Whether it's an award-winning single-player adventure, a competitive multiplayer game, or a beloved indie gem, older titles remain just as engaging but without the hefty price tag. Even complete editions, which include DLCs and expansions, are typically cheaper than buying just the base game at launch. With digital game keys, there's no downside to waiting—the game is always in stock, and the price only improves with time. Patience pays off, and your gaming backlog will thank you.

So, if you're confident about a game, pre-ordering a digital key from a trusted marketplace like Eneba means you can save money before launch, get instant access on release day, and avoid launch-day price hikes. It's a decision that just makes sense.

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