The launch of the Epic Games Store at the end of last year caused a bit of a stir in gaming, with the platform going up against some fairly big hitters in its efforts to become the go-to service for gamers seeking direct access to a range of top titles.
One of the particularly notable aspects about the service is its commitment to offering customers a free game every couple of weeks. An enticing promotion, the move is just one of a number of ways in which organisations within the gaming industry look to attract players with perks and deals.
Steaming ahead
Epic Games Store’s launch has seen it go directly up against similar platforms such as Origin and Steam. The latter was originally launched in 2003 by Valve and has become a huge part of the gaming world, with it estimated to have in the region of 90 million monthly users.
The site undoubtedly has that level of interest for a reason: it offers access to almost 30,000 different games, as well as exclusive deals, game updates and other perks. Among the most notable is Early Access, which gives gamers the chance to get involved with titles as they are created, providing feedback and ultimately learning more about the process that brings them to life.
But there’s always room for improvement, so we asked ourselves: what perks and benefits do other services provide to gamers at the moment? Could Steam and the Epic Games Store be missing out on some tricks?
Special access
Another service which offers different gaming perks is EA Access. Operated by the renowned games developer behind the likes of Star Wars Battlefront, the service offers gamers a chance to enjoy a vast library of games as well as sample new titles ahead of their official launch. In addition, players can get discounts on digital purchases made on Xbox One.
We want to hear your best moments of the @AnthemGame Play First Trial. https://t.co/nVMIrBFzFP pic.twitter.com/Rj6L8OCqks
— EA Access (@EAAccess) 18 February 2019
Humble Bundle is also worth looking at, with the platform offering a subscription service known as Humble Monthly. The concept works on the premise that you receive access to a bundle of games every month, again getting discounts and exclusive deals along the way.
Such services are undoubtedly pretty exciting for gamers, but it is worth noting that the online casino industry has also recently been working to take perks and promotions to a whole new level. Take Mr Green’s Club Royale invitation-only membership service for example. It offers gamers a VIP casino experience including access to a one-to-one concierge service and a personal account manager. It also offers a range of special promotions, with past deals including the chance for players to win trips to Miami, Macau and the Bahamas.
A range of options
All of the above undoubtedly highlights how gamers now have a range of options available when it comes to accessing special perks and benefits to boost their gaming. From video gaming to online casinos, a host of different services now exist and it will be fascinating to see how this area develops as brands look to mark themselves out – and potentially borrow ideas – from their rivals.
