Gamers are open to using a variety of distribution channels when it comes to getting games – from walking through the doors of the local retailers; going online and having them delivered; or sitting at home and waiting for the download to finish.
But where can you get the cheapest deal?
We look at 3 of the biggest releases and where you can get the best deal, focusing on the recommended retail price for walk-in stores, the biggest local online distributors as well as Steam and Origin.
| Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning | The Darkness II Limited Edition | Mass Effect 3 (Pre-order) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PC |
Console |
PC |
Console |
PC |
Console |
|
| RRP | R399.95 | R599.95 | R399.95 | R599.95 | R399.95 | R599.95 |
| Kalahari.com | R289.95 | R499.95 | R325.95 | R499.95 | R289.95 | R499.95 |
| Takealot.com | x | R499.00 | R328.00 | R542.00 | R289.00 | R495.00 |
| BTGames | R346.00 | R583.00 | R372.00 | R543.00 | R346.00 | R555.00 |
| Zaps | R354.00 | R515.00 | R394.00 | R515.00 | R354.00 | R515.00 |
| Look&Listen | R343.42 | R569.42 | R385,42 | R557.42 | R343.42 | R569.42 |
| Steam | R463.28** | x | R386.49** | x | x | x |
| Origin | R349.99 | x | x | x | R349.99 | x |
All prices calculated including delivery charges as below.
Delivery charges
- BT Games – R49 if under purchase is under R380; buyers can also pick up their game from a store
- Zaps – Offer a wide range of courier services ranging from R29 – R109*; buyers can also pick up their game from a store
- Kalahari – Free for orders over R250
- Takealot – Free for orders over R250
- Look & Listen – R40.42
From examining the table, you can see that the best value for money will come from buying games online. Delivery time will cut in to gaming sessions, though – but most online stores have 24 hour delivery when big games launch.
If you’re the type who simply cannot wait for a courier to arrive, your next best bet would be to go digital (assuming you have a good enough connection to not have to wait ages for massive downloads).
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Not entirely sure why Incredible connection always gets left out of these articles.
Their pre order prices are also not bad add free delivery and a GUARANTEED copy that most other retailers dont offer. Ive gone ( wont mention names here ) to a gaming store to receive my pre orderd for Medal of Honor. I get to the store and was told they are out o stock due to a midnight launch. I told him ive paid my copy in full 3 months earlier how can i not have a game. HE told me to go to the Centurion store ( I was in Brooklyn at the time ) to sort it out.
I asked him to cal for stock and he said he is not my receptionist. I will not buy from them again.
IC uses the expensive delivery methods that gets your game to you before 11am on release day ( AAA titles only ) I got my Alice at 12 am. YOu also have the option to then go and fetch it in store and your copy will be there waiting for you.
Yes under games they have A bad name but they have changed quite a bit and is worth checking out.