• This is where we are now in 2024.

    Check if Game is Safe to Buy Checklist:

    • The game is available as a direct download, on Steam, GOG, or a console I own (if I want to play on console)
    • The game functions
    • The game is complete, has launched publicly, and has mostly positive reviews
      • Exception: If I believe enough in the product to purchase it early access
    • The game is compatible with my system
      • In my case, this also means 32x9 support in Windows
        • AND Linux because I’m heading there soon no doubt
    • The game’s performance is generally good on a system with my components
    • The game’s bugs aren’t a dealbreaker to me
    • The game is fun
    • The game price is a good value to me
    • The game is not PTW
    • The game has minimal/no MTX
    • If the game has MTX, it’s not intrusive
    • If the game has in-game currency, it can be earned in-game without grinding for ages
    • The game has no advertisements (unless it’s just for a joke)
    • The game is not from the following developers:
      • Bethesda Games Studios (post FO4)
      • Battlestar Games
      • Psyonix
      • Whoever developed the Gollum game?
      • Starbreeze Studios
      • [more to come]
    • The game is not from the following publishers:
      • Sony/Playstation
      • Bethesda Softworks
      • EA
      • Activision Blizzard (post D3)
      • Riot Games
      • WB
      • Deep Silver
      • Ubisoft
      • Psyonix
      • Gearbox (post BL2)
      • [more to come]
    • The game does not require 3rd party launchers
    • The game does not require 3rd party DRM
    • The game does not require 2nd or 3rd party account linking
    • The game does not require kernel-level anti-cheat
    • The game is not related with a blockchain, NFTs, or crypto
    • The developer of the game treats their employees well
    • The publisher of the game treats their developer well
    • The game is not a live service game
    • If the game is co-op, it allows local hosting
    • If the game is single-player, it does NOT require an Internet connection to play (optional net connection OK for things like Elden Ring features)
    • Red Flags:
      • Games developed by:
        • Hello Games
        • CDPR
        • Rockstar
      • Nintendo games (it supports Nintendo’s crappy business practices)

    *some exceptions still apply