Pre-Order Digital Game Keys: Smarter Than Release Day Purchases

Author : Mia Apr 20,2025

Pre-ordering games can indeed carry risks, such as receiving an unfinished product, facing day-one patches, and experiencing broken launches. However, not all pre-orders lead to disappointment. In fact, pre-ordering digital game keys can be a savvy strategy, especially when you know where to find the best deals.

We've partnered with Eneba to explore the benefits of pre-ordering digital game keys and how it can be a smart move for gamers.

You’ll Pay Less Than on Release Day

A common misconception about pre-ordering is that you're locked into paying full price. However, when you purchase a digital game key from a reputable marketplace like Eneba, you can often snag a significant discount before the game even hits the shelves.

With AAA titles now often priced at $70 or more at launch, pre-ordering through Eneba can allow you to secure the same game for much less – sometimes enjoying savings of 10-30% off the official store prices. Instead of waiting months for a sale, you can lock in a lower price well before the game is released.

Avoiding Launch-Day Price Increases

Screenshot of game pricing trends

One of the advantages of digital pre-orders on marketplaces is that prices can rise as launch day nears, especially for highly anticipated games. As hype builds, the demand for game keys increases, which can drive up prices even before the game is released, eventually aligning with the standard market price. By pre-ordering early, you can secure a lower price before demand inflates it, ensuring you get the game at a discount rather than rushing for last-minute deals.

Older Games Cost Way Less

Digital marketplaces offer another benefit: the significant price drop of older games over time. While new releases can be pricey, games that have been out for a year or more often see their prices plummet – sometimes to as low as 70-80% off their original price. If you're not in a rush to play on day one, waiting a bit can save you a substantial amount of money while still providing access to top-tier gaming experiences.

Whether you're into award-winning single-player adventures, competitive multiplayer games, or beloved indie titles, older games remain just as enjoyable, but without the steep cost. Even complete editions, which include all DLCs and expansions, are often cheaper than purchasing just the base game at launch. With digital game keys, there's no downside to waiting – the game is always in stock, and the price only gets better. Patience is rewarded, and your gaming backlog will appreciate the savings.

If you're confident about a game, pre-ordering a digital key from a trusted marketplace like Eneba means you can save money before the launch, gain instant access on release day, and avoid the potential price hikes as the launch approaches. It's a strategic move that makes perfect sense for savvy gamers.