Why I'll Never Use Another Game Subscription Service

howtogeek.com:

There are plenty of game subscription services vying for your money: Xbox Game Pass, EA Play, Ubisoft+, and PlayStation Plus to name a few.

I've used nearly all of them over the years. While some are better than others, I've come to the conclusion that they don't work for me. Here's why I'll never pay for a game subscription service again.

They Make Me Rush Through Games

I like taking my time with games, especially if it's something I'm really enjoying—soaking up the atmosphere, exploring every nook and cranny, exhausting all dialogue options.

Trouble is, I feel like I'm not getting value for money from the subscription if I'm plunging endless hours into the same game. Or if I only plan to subscribe for a month, I need to complete the game before the next billing date. There's a constant nag in my mind that the clock is ticking and I should move on to something else, which ruins the enjoyment of playing.

I Don't Have Enough Spare Time

Relatedly, I don't have enough free time to play games—gone are the glory days of youth! When I only have a handful of hours each week to sit down with a controller, I can't complete games quickly.

While that monthly subscription cost may look enticing at first, I end up paying more than just buying the game outright because it takes me many months to get through it.

Lending Is Inflexible, Selling Is Impossible

When I'm finished with a physical game, I can easily lend it to friends and family; my copy of Super Mario Odyssey has been enjoyed by many. I can also sell it to recuperate part of the original purchase cost. That's not to say I only buy physical games, but I will for Nintendo games that hold their value.

With game subscription services and digital purchases generally, you can't sell them and lending is inflexible. It's possible to share Xbox Game Pass, for example, but only with one other console that you initially need to sign your account in to. It's a bit of a hassle.

Not every platform is so