Some sellers on G2A capitalize on purchasing game keys at lower prices from different sources and resell them at higher rates, turning a profit. This practice benefits buyers in more affluent regions who can still acquire these keys at discounted prices compared to official stores.
Additionally, G2A sellers often purchase game keys in large quantities during sales from other platforms, intending to sell them at higher prices later. Certain sellers on G2A also collaborate directly with specific game developers to access special pricing for these keys.
What Is G2A?
G2A, a company headquartered in Hong Kong but primarily operating from offices in Poland, leverages its Hong Kong registration due to favorable tax regulations, allowing potential tax reductions.
Offering a broad array of digital assets, G2A's inventory encompasses gift cards, a diverse range of game keys, software products, gaming accessories, and more. Game keys on G2A are provided by “marketplace sellers,” which could be companies acquiring keys at lower costs or individuals with extra keys from purchases.
Functioning solely as an intermediary, G2A doesn't directly sell or purchase products. Instead, it serves as a distribution platform for game CD keys usable across various platforms like Steam, Origin, Uplay, GOG, and Epic Games.
Attracting a significant user base of over 4 million customers monthly and facilitating approximately 10 million online transactions, G2A operates as an open marketplace accessible globally for both selling and purchasing game keys.
How Does G2A Work?
G2A operates as an online marketplace akin to Amazon or eBay, providing a platform for sellers to offer digital goods while managing payment processing and transactions. Not engaging in direct sales, G2A earns revenue through fees imposed on both sellers and buyers for each transaction facilitated.
Often labeled a “grey market,” G2A's majority of merchants are not authorized resellers or game developers, a characteristic shared with similar specialized online marketplaces like eBay. Sellers on these platforms might not be authorized resellers either.
Buying game keys on G2A is straightforward. Users locate their desired game, choose a seller, make a purchase, and receive a license key via email. The obtained key can then be activated on gaming platforms like Steam to download and install the game.
G2A provides various secure payment methods such as Bitcoin, iDeal, PayPal, Paysafecard, Skrill, MasterCard, Visa, and more for user convenience and safety.
How To Buy Game Key On G2A?
Purchasing Game Keys on G2A
1. Finding the Desired Game:
- Log in or register on G2A.
- Use the search bar to find the game you want.
- If the game isn't in the drop-down menu, select “See all results.”
2. Selecting the Game:
- Choose the desired game compatible with your country and preferred platform from the list.
3. Choosing a Seller:
- Scroll through available sellers on the product page.
- Sort sellers by ratings or prices.
- Review seller ratings and transaction history.
4. Adding to Cart:
- Click the cart icon to add the chosen game to your shopping list.
5. Proceeding to Checkout:
- Select “Continue to cart” to view your chosen games.
- Check the total price (including fees) in your cart.
- Apply any available discount codes if applicable.
6. Proceed to Payment:
- Enter your email and proceed to payment.
- Choose a payment method offered based on your location.
- Note that additional fees might apply based on the chosen method.
7. Payment Process:
- You'll be redirected to a payment page to enter your details.
- Avoid opting for G2A Plus, if offered, and complete the payment.
8. Confirmation:
- Upon payment completion, view a confirmation page.
- Access your purchased game keys from this page.
9. Obtaining the Game Key:
- Click “Get Game Key” to retrieve the game codes you've purchased.
Understanding G2A's Inactivity Policy
G2A imposes a 1 EUR inactivity fee on dormant accounts that have been inactive for 180 days. This fee isn't unique to G2A; similar charges exist with various companies. Notably, competitors like Kinguin, Eneba, and Gamivo reportedly don’t impose such fees.
Users receive an email notification three days before the fee is due, prompting them to avoid the charge by logging into their accounts. The 1 EUR fee is deducted from the user’s G2A Wallet. If the Wallet has no funds, no fee is levied. Additionally, for each subsequent inactive month, another 1 EUR fee is charged.
Account status changes to “inactive” when a user has zero funds in their G2A Wallet. Reactivation is as simple as logging back into the account and resetting the 180-day countdown. This action allows users another period of inactivity before fees are applied again.
Conclusion
G2A operates as an intermediary platform, connecting buyers with sellers offering a wide range of digital game keys at competitive prices. Sellers on G2A source their keys through diverse means, ranging from direct purchases from distributors to obtaining keys during promotions or sales on other platforms. The platform welcomes both individual sellers and companies, fostering a marketplace with varied offerings and sellers.
However, G2A's model, often referred to as a “grey market,” involves risks, particularly concerning the legitimacy of keys and the absence of control from game developers or authorized resellers. While G2A provides an extensive array of game keys and affordable options, caution is advised when making purchases to mitigate potential issues related to key legitimacy or seller credibility.
G2A FAQ's
Where do G2A game key sellers acquire their codes?
Sellers obtain game keys through various means. Larger sellers typically procure keys directly from game distributors, while smaller sellers often acquire them during sales or promotions from other online stores. The precise methods used by sellers to acquire keys are often considered proprietary.
Are G2A sellers individuals or companies?
G2A's marketplace welcomes both private individuals and entities such as game developers, distributors, and wholesalers as sellers. Private sellers have a cap of up to 1000 EUR in total sales. Beyond this limit, registration of a company is required. Presently, the platform hosts over 50,000 active sellers.
How can sellers offer prices lower than official stores like Steam or Uplay?
Sellers can obtain games during special promotions at higher discounts, allowing them to resell these keys later at competitive prices. Larger sellers often have established relationships with distributors, enabling them to purchase in bulk and secure discounts for resale.