For many players, renting a video game is a better option than buying one outright, especially if the game will be played through only once. Video game rentals also allow gamers to try out titles they aren't sure they want to buy.
Video games were first available for rent in video stores, but they can now, like DVDs, be ordered directly online and delivered by mail. Online and in-store rental companies both have different merits and drawbacks.
Where to Rent Video Games Online or by Mail
Mailing games has become much cheaper since the mid-1990s shift from cartridges to optical discs in video game consoles. Accordingly, online companies have appeared in the last decade to rent games through the mail.
Most video game rental companies operate on subscription, charging a flat rate per month. Gamers manage their accounts online, creating a list of games they wish to receive. Games are then mailed out from that list as they become available – basic subscriptions allow only one game at a time, though gamers can pay extra to receive two, three, or four titles at once.
Subscribers can keep the games they get as long as they like, and are sent another game from their list when they return the previous one(s) in a prepaid mailer. Though the process is convenient, there is a delay of a few business days between the time subscribers send back games and the time they get new ones.
Similarly, there is a trade-off between a huge library of rental games to choose from online, and the fact that renters won't always get the games they might want exactly when they want them.
The major American companies that rent video games online are GameFly.com, Gamerang.com, and GottaPlay.com. GameAccess.ca provides a similar service in Canada. Another option is ConsoleClassix.com, which rents ROMs for emulating games from older systems on a PC.
Renting Video Games In-Store Still an Option
Despite the convenience of renting online, visiting a store to rent games still has advantages. Those without regular internet or computer access, for one thing, are better off going to a brick-and-mortar establishment.
Gamers don't have to wait when they rent in person, and can pick up what they happen to feel like playing – instead of what's next on a list. If they pick up the wrong disc, or the game doesn't work properly, there are no delays associated with returns.
Those who rent in person can also try out increasingly popular games, such as Wii Fit Plus or Guitar Hero World Tour, that require special accessories to play.
Also, gamers who rent locally (not at big chains like Blockbuster) support their neighborhood businesses. They can build relationships with store owners, who can set aside copies for customers, or recommend titles.
Getting the Best Deal on Video Game Rentals
Which method a game renter chooses – renting online or in-person – depends on how often he or she typically plays. Those who want to try out lots of video games, or who have the time to beat games relatively quickly, will generally get a better deal from online services.
Gamers who only rent one or two titles per month are better off renting from a local store. Also, the type of game can make a difference: role-playing or adventure games generally take longer to complete than action games, so those renting more of the former won't have as quick a turnaround time. Buying a used game may be more economical.
Getting the best deal when renting video games, therefore, ultimately comes down to balancing the personal preferences, time constraints, and playing habits of the individual gamer.
Luke Arnott - Luke Arnott has a Master's Degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Western Ontario, where he is currently enrolled in the ...
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