How to Get the Best Prices on Steam With a VPN
If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either on Steam or know someone who is. If not, then maybe it’s time to consider checking out the most popular digital distribution platform in the world.
Since its conception, Steam has tried to offer gamers a one-stop-shop for games, with its iconic green Steam logo serving as a symbol of its commitment to providing value for money.
Now, with the arrival of the ultra-popular Nintendo Switch, could Steam finally be about to fulfil its promise?
The Benefits of Using a VPN With Steam
Thanks to the Switch, Steam can now boast a library of over half a million games, which is incredible. It also helps that Nintendo has opened up the platform to third-party developers, allowing for more innovation and introducing a greater variety of games.
While the Switch undoubtedly provides benefits for Steam, a VPN can help to protect your personal data when browsing the platform, as well as getting you the best prices when buying games.
Here are just some of the ways a VPN can make your time on Steam more convenient and beneficial.
Protecting Your Personal Data
It’s well-established that the Nintendo Switch is a secure and private device, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions to protect your personal data when using it. That’s where a VPN comes in.
Most importantly, ensure that your VPN provider respects your privacy and does not sell or give away your personal data to third parties. The more you know, the more you can protect yourself.
Depending on your location, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) may be able to monitor your internet usage and determine your personal details. While this may not be a problem for gamers in general, those in regions where their is a greater risk of surveillance could find themselves facing issues.
Getting The Best Prices
It’s fair to assume that gamers looking for value for money are among the Switch’s target audience, and one of the ways in which the console differentiates itself from its competitors is by offering some of the best deals when buying games.
Thanks to the Switch’s relationship with its indie counterparts, the console is stocked with exclusive games and offers fantastic value for money in comparison to its desktop and mobile counterparts.
However, as great as these prices may sound, they can be difficult to secure without proper authentication. This is where a VPN comes in, as Steam’s security policies forbid users from publishing or sharing their login details, making it impossible to get the best price without first knowing how to do so.
Steam is widely recognised as being one of the most secure digital distribution platforms around, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its risks. If a VPN is not used properly or maintained properly, it could create greater security risks than it solves. Ensuring that your VPN is up to date and patched is essential if you want to keep your personal data secure while on the platform.
Improved Privacy
When the Switch was first released, it was met with a lot of suspicion and mistrust, even from people within the gaming community. Despite this, the console has seen unprecedented support from the community, with thousands of projects appearing on GitHub dedicated to enhancing its functionality.
It’s well-established that Nintendo maintains strict control over the services and products offered by 3rd party developers, ensuring that they maintain close relationships with game producers and don’t offer up too much information about their customers.
While this might provide convenience for gamers, it could be bad for privacy-focused individuals, such as journalists, activists or even everyday gamers who don’t want their personal data to be tracked.
With the release of the PS4 Pro and the potential of the Xbox One being enhanced to handle 4K displays and HDR content, it’s clear that consoles are evolving to provide the best possible experience for gamers. Thanks to this, game data is becoming more accessible and easier to track, and if that’s something you’re uncomfortable with, then it’s time to consider other alternatives.
The need for greater privacy is becoming more apparent, and with the Nintendo Switch’s success, it could mark the beginning of the end for console competition as we know it.
The Switch Isn’t the Only Game In Town
While the Switch is without a doubt an incredible device, you should not think of it as the only game in town when it comes to buying games on Steam.
The service has a whole other side devoted to helping gamers find the best prices possible, which is known as the Steam Sales.
As well as the fantastic offers from time to time, the Steam Sales feature frequently discounted games spanning a number of different genres, as well as Steam-owned games.
The Steam Sales are a great place to find games at reduced prices, and since they’re advertised as such, there’s no reason not to take advantage of the deals. This is especially beneficial for gamers who want to purchase PC games but don’t necessarily want to commit to a full-blown PC. Thanks to the Steam sales, they can now have the best of both worlds.
Making Online Transactions Safe
One of the most significant concerns when buying any product online is security. Thanks to the growth of online shopping and the convenience of using a VPN, online transactions have become relatively safe. This is largely thanks to the implementation of secure and encrypted payment systems, as well as the use of a VPN while making purchases.
Thanks to the VPN, all your personal data is kept secure, and since your password is never disclosed, credit card numbers are not compromised. Online shopping is incredibly convenient, especially when combined with the fact that most VPNs are capable of securing all forms of internet traffic, including credit card transactions.
More Entertainment
Whether you prefer to follow esports or traditional sports, there’s plenty to keep you entertained on Steam. Whether it’s playing Fortnite with your friends, watching YouTube videos or connecting with other gamers, there’s always something new and exciting happening.
Traditional sports betting is also available, with bets offered on game results, half-time/full-time scores and more.
A VPN is more than just ideal for securing your personal data while on the platform, it can also be used to change your IP address to that of a country where online gambling is legal, making it ideal for those who want to test their luck at esports betting sites or casino platforms.
Gamers have long been faced with the dilemma of whether to use a VPN or not when on the platform, with many choosing not to for fear of losing their security or having their personal data compromised. However, as the benefits of a VPN become more apparent, this may well change, especially as more and more individuals realise how much safer and more private their data is when protected by a VPN.
Conclusion
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re either already using a VPN while on Steam or are thinking about trying it out. Thanks to the VPN, the gaming experience on Steam is better than ever, and security and privacy are no longer an issue, making this truly the best place to be a gamer.
If you’re considering trying out a VPN for the first time, then download the OpenVPN App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store to get started. The more you know, the more you can protect yourself.