Best method to track all PC, console & indie game sales?

In the vast and ever-expanding world of video games, sales and discounts are a frequent occurrence, offering fantastic opportunities to expand your library without breaking the bank. However, with countless digital storefronts, platforms, and indie outlets, keeping tabs on every single price drop can feel like an impossible task. Whether you’re a PC gamer, a console enthusiast, or a connoisseur of unique indie experiences, mastering the art of sale tracking can save you significant money and introduce you to hidden gems you might otherwise overlook.

Why Track Game Sales?

The primary benefit of diligently tracking game sales is, of course, financial savings. Full-price AAA titles can be a hefty investment, and indie games, while often more affordable, can still add up. By leveraging sales, you can acquire more games for your budget, catch up on your backlog, or even try new genres without the risk of paying full price for something you might not enjoy as much.

Beyond saving money, tracking sales helps you discover new games. Many platforms highlight discounted titles, drawing your attention to games you might not have considered. It also ensures you don’t miss limited-time offers, especially on highly anticipated titles or rare discounts for older classics.

Dedicated Game Deal Aggregators

The most powerful tools in any savvy gamer’s arsenal are dedicated game deal aggregators. These websites scan dozens of digital storefronts – including Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop, Humble Bundle, and many more – to compile a comprehensive list of current sales.

Some of the top aggregators include:

• IsThereAnyDeal: Offers extensive price history, the ability to create a wishlist that tracks prices across all linked stores, and email notifications for desired price drops. It’s excellent for PC gamers.
• CheapShark: A straightforward site that focuses on PC game deals, often updated in real-time. It’s simple to use and effective for quick price checks.
• GG.deals: Provides a clean interface, price history, wishlists, and covers both PC and some console deals, making it a versatile option.

Leveraging Platform Wishlists and Notifications

Every major digital storefront has a wishlist feature. This is your first line of defense against missing a sale on a game you truly want. Add any game you’re interested in to your wishlist on:

• Steam
• Epic Games Store
• GOG
• PlayStation Store
• Xbox Store
• Nintendo eShop

When a game on your wishlist goes on sale, these platforms will often send you an email notification, directly alerting you to the discount. While not as comprehensive as aggregators, it’s a crucial, hands-off method for tracking specific titles.

Community and Social Media Power

Gaming communities are incredibly active in sharing deals. Reddit’s r/GameDeals subreddit is a bustling hub where users post sales from various storefronts, often catching obscure deals or correcting errors faster than automated systems. Other subreddits for specific consoles or genres also often feature deal discussions.

Beyond Reddit, following dedicated deal accounts on Twitter, joining Discord servers focused on gaming discounts, or subscribing to specialized newsletters can provide real-time updates and community insights into the best current offers.

Browser Extensions and Email Alerts

To enhance your deal-hunting experience, consider browser extensions. Some extensions integrate with deal aggregator sites, showing you price history directly on store pages, or alerting you if a game is cheaper elsewhere. Others might focus on specific stores, adding extra functionality to your shopping experience.

Additionally, signing up for email newsletters directly from publishers (like EA, Ubisoft, or PlayStation) or major digital storefronts can keep you informed about their seasonal sales, flash deals, and exclusive promotions. While these are less comprehensive than aggregators, they ensure you’re in the loop for first-party discounts.

Special Considerations for Indie Games

Indie games often have a slightly different sale ecosystem. While many appear on Steam and other major platforms, dedicated indie storefronts and bundles are also key:

• Itch.io: A treasure trove of unique indie titles, often with flexible pricing and frequent bundles.
• Humble Bundle: Known for its pay-what-you-want bundles (often including games and software) and a storefront that frequently runs sales on indie titles.
• Individual Developer Newsletters: Many indie developers maintain mailing lists to announce sales on their games directly. Following your favorite indie studios on social media is also a good strategy.

Be aware that some indie games might have shorter sale periods or appear in limited-time charity bundles, so quick action can sometimes be necessary.

Tips for Smart Sale Shopping

• Check Price History: Always use an aggregator’s price history feature to see if the current sale price is truly a good deal or if the game has been cheaper before.
• Understand Sale Cycles: Major platforms have predictable seasonal sales (Summer, Autumn, Winter sales on Steam; Black Friday, Holiday sales on consoles). Plan your purchases around these events.
• Don’t Impulse Buy: Stick to your wishlist. If a game isn’t on your wishlist, ask yourself if you truly need it or if it’s just the low price tempting you.
• Utilize Free Games: Many platforms and services (Epic Games Store, PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass) offer free games monthly or as part of a subscription. These can often satisfy gaming urges without spending extra.

Conclusion: A Multi-Pronged Approach

There isn’t a single ‘best’ method to track all PC, console, and indie game sales. The most effective strategy involves a multi-pronged approach: actively using game deal aggregators for comprehensive coverage, maintaining wishlists on all your preferred platforms, engaging with deal-focused communities, and subscribing to relevant newsletters. By combining these tools and strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to snag incredible deals, build an impressive game library, and enjoy your gaming passion without overspending.