What Are Digital Codes For PC Games?
Digital Codes for PC Games
Digital codes for PC games are the latest tools in the modern gaming industry that are designed to provide players with seamless access to their favorite PC games without any physical medium.
Well, what exactly is a digital code?
Digital codes are alphanumeric combinations or strings, which are generally 12 to 25 characters long. The code acts as a key to unlocking a particular video game via an online gaming platform. At present, the most popular online gaming platforms include the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live, Origin, Uplay, Steam, and Epic Games Store.
When you buy a PC game digitally, you’ll be provided with a code that you can redeem on the specific platform to access the game. This digital code serves to authenticate your purchase; it ties the game to your gaming account, eventually letting you download the game on your PC and play it.
Global accessibility is a great advantage of digital game codes. No matter where in the world you are, you can purchase and redeem these codes.
Digital codes are versatile and are not just limited to games. They can provide access to in-game content, season passes, expansions, or even virtual currencies used in games.
The digital codes you purchase should be kept secure; don’t share them with others, because they are your proof of ownership for the PC game. If you are buying digital codes, you need to be sure that you are purchasing them from reliable sources; only then, you’ll be getting a legitimate code that will not cause any issues with the game or your account.
What is the technology behind digital game codes?
If you wish to fully understand digital game codes, you should understand how they work – that is, the technology behind.
Technically speaking, digital game codes work via a combination of databases, cryptography, and digital rights management (DRM) systems to make sure that the user is provided with a legitimate copy of the game.
Game publishers start by creating unique alphanumeric digital codes for each and every copy of their game. These digital codes are generated using random or pseudo-random algorithms, such that it is impossible to duplicate or predict them.
Once these codes are generated, they are distributed to different online stores, authorized distributors, or retailers. They can be included in emails, printed on physical cards, or provided through direct download links.
The gaming store or platform that supports digital game codes tends to maintain a redemption portal on its website that serves as the interface through which you can enter your codes and claim your games.
When a user chooses to redeem a code, they can do so by accessing the redemption portal of the store or platform, where they input the alphanumeric code, they’ve received. The system validates the entered code, which is the core of a digital game code.
Once the user inputs the digital code on the gaming store platform, the platform’s server compares the code against a comprehensive database of valid codes. The server checks if the code is legitimate. This process ensures that users are not using an already redeemed or counterfeit code.
After the code is successfully verified, the game gets linked to the user’s account. The link between the digital code and the account ascertains that the user has the right to access and download the game. Moreover, it helps track ownership and entitlements.
What are the pros and cons of digital codes?
Now that you’ve learned what a digital code is, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of digital codes for PC games.
Pros of digital codes for PC games
Convenience: Digital codes for PC games help you access your favorite video games from the comfort of your place. You don’t have to visit a physical store to buy the code or wait for shipping.
Remote access: You can download your favorite games on multiple devices; you just need your digital code to access your library, regardless of the location or devices.
Physical media not involved: With digital codes, you can stop worrying about managing and storing physical game discs or cartridges that generally clutter your space.
Instant download: As soon as you purchase the digital code for your PC game, you can download it right away and play the game instantly, eventually saving time when compared to physical copies.
Regular updates: Digital games often receive patches, updates, and content expansions, thereby enhancing the gaming experience over time.
Cons of digital codes for PC games
No resale value: This is one of the major drawbacks of digital games. Unlike physical copies, these generally can’t be resold or traded.
Stable Internet connection required: Most digital games demand a stable and consistent internet connection to download, install, and sometimes even play.
Storage space: Well, digital games seem to take up a great deal of storage space on your device, forcing you to invest in additional storage.
Licensing and ownership: PC game digital codes are frequently subject to license agreements that may be terminated, thus depriving you of the ability to access and play the game.
The best stores to purchase digital codes
If you are not sure where to buy digital codes for PC games, you can consider the list given below, where we’ve covered the top stores to buy them.
G2A
g2a is an amazing place for those who are passionate about video games and digital content but cannot afford to buy them at full price as and when they want to. The extensive catalog on the site features thousands of products across many regions and platforms. It is a highly recommended place to purchase digital codes for PC games.
Game Zawy
Gamezawy is a great platform that offers everything related to console gaming in one place. There are a myriad of games for which you can get your digital codes as often as you need them. Besides, the store offers the most comfortable payment gateways.
Amazon
Amazon is a well-known and reliable source to buy digital codes for your favorite video games. You can find a wide range of games and digital products at the massive online store. Regardless of where you live in the world, Amazon offers you the best digital products with convenient payment options.
CD Keys
CD Keys is your go-to place if you want to buy the digital codes of your favorite games at the cheapest possible prices. The store sells products only in digital form, thereby making significant savings on shipping and related expenses - passing these reductions on to you, ensuring that their cost is the most competitive around!
Whichever platform you choose to buy digital codes from, just ensure that you compare the prices on different competitive sites and also go through the reviews of other gamers so that you make the best purchase!
Conclusion
We hope our guide on digital codes for PC games gives you a clear idea of digital codes and how they work. It’s obvious that these codes are rocking the modern gaming world. However, when purchasing a digital code, ensure that you get it from a reliable and reputable source (we’ve listed above) to avoid facing issues while accessing and playing the game. We hope this helps!
Comments