How To Buy Video Games With Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies have become more than a niche investment, integrating with the world of video gaming.
Today, gamers can purchase their favorite titles using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for their PCs or consoles, utilizing the benefits of crypto, which include fast transaction speeds and lower fees.
This article will discuss how you can purchase video games with cryptocurrencies, and give detailed steps to help you get your next video game using crypto.
2 Ways To Buy Video Games With Crypto
Before you can use crypto to buy video games, you first need to acquire cryptocurrency. You can purchase crypto, like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or meme coins, from an exchange platform or via presale sites for exclusive deals (source: https://coins.meme/). Investing in meme coin presales allows you to profit massively from a small investment.
Once you’ve acquired your digital currency, you can use one of two ways to purchase video game titles.
1. Use a gift card
One of the easiest ways to purchase video games with crypto is to use your crypto to buy a gift card or a kind of crypto debit card. These cards allow you to convert your crypto into fiat currency which you can then use across gaming retailers.
There are several different gift card suppliers available, like BitPay, Bitrefill, and Coinsbee. These gift cards can then be exchanged on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, Microsoft, and even Walmart.
2. Pay using your crypto wallet
Although not yet extremely popular, a couple of companies accept cryptocurrency payments directly on their platforms, allowing you to use your crypto wallet to buy games.
These select retailers include:
GAMVO
Skinport
G2A
Twitch
GamesOnly.at
Microsoft’s online Xbox store
Joltfun
Platforms Where You Can Buy Gaming Gift Cards With Cryptocurrencies
So far, not a lot of gaming platforms have adopted cryptocurrency transactions. Steam once accepted Bitcoin, but stopped due to the coin’s volatility, fraudulent transactions, and changing commission rates.
Fortunately, there are some companies that offer gift cards, which are then accepted at all the major gaming platforms.
BitPay
BitPay is one of the most convenient crypto payment apps, allowing users to pay directly with Bitcoin. When you sign up to BitPay, you get a BitPay card on which you can load your crypto. You can then use this card as you would a normal bank card, purchasing games and any tech you need to transform your spare bedroom into a gaming mecca.
Bitrefill
Bitrefill offers gaming-specific gift cards that can be purchased with crypto and redeemed on PlayStation, Steam, Xbox, or Google Play. It is easy to buy a Bitrefill gift card; you simply select the value of the card you want to buy, pay with your crypto, and get a code that can then be used to purchase games.
Coinsbee
Coinsbee allows you to buy gift cards for specific platforms, including mobile games. You can use your Coinsbee card to shop on Origin, PlayStation, Steam, Xbox Live, Valorant, and Google Play. Using your gift card, you buy game credits, giving you access to hundreds of popular titles.
Steps To Buy Games Using Crypto
Since purchasing games directly with crypto is limited to only a handful of sites, this section will discuss how to buy games using a crypto gift card.
Select the gift card you want: Start by considering all your options, including the three gift card retailers mentioned above. These companies offer gift cards of different values, so make sure you purchase one that will be sufficient to cover the cost of your desired title.
Add to cart and check out: Once you’ve selected your card, navigate to the checkout page and review your purchase.
Select to pay with cryptocurrency: When checking out you will be offered various payment methods for the gift card. Select the cryptocurrency option. The site will then generate a crypto wallet address unique to your transaction, where you will send the crypto.
Initiate the transfer:
Open your own crypto wallet and start a transaction to the provided wallet address. Make sure you send the correct amount for the card and also double-check the copied wallet address as you won't be able to reverse the transaction.
Confirm the transaction: You will have to wait to confirm the transaction on the blockchain.
Receive gift card: You will receive your gift card code via your preferred method, usually e-mail.
Redeem your gift card: Visit the gaming site for which you purchased the gift card and select the game you want to buy. You can then follow the on-screen instructions to buy the game using your gift card code. Alternatively, you may be required to add your gift card balance to the site, which can then be used to buy games.