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Reader Comments (19)

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 8:31AM TexRob said

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I have always used a credit card for game subs, but I hear that if you're looking to save money, the game cards can be good. Recently I heard it mentioned that you can get NCSoft cards on special a lot, to use for game subs. I think that reason, as well as younger players are the main people who use game cards.

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 8:32AM (Unverified) said

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I've been a creditcard user since day dot, game cards never really appealed to me, it really boils down to convenience and time, living in australia convenience probably weighs in more since its not like you can just pop down the road to pick up a card.

The biggest issue ive always felt with prepaid is running out of time mid game, and then having to run out, its not a huge inconvenience but more a hassle, and while im sure its just as easy to manage with prepaid time it just feels like more work, added with the fact most mmo's usually offer reduced prices with bundling, credit card is just feels like the better choice.

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 8:37AM AlamoeJones said

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I know most people use credit cards, but I've only ever used store bought game cards. I don't like that whole continuous billing they love to do to your credit card. Time cards allow me to set a strict limit on how much I spend on these games and not get carried away buying months of time, especially if my interest runs out.

Not to mention, lately I've only been playing f2p games so these are just a handy way of buying a points package for what I want or feel I should spend in their stores for any given period of time.

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 9:04AM CheddarUSA said

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I started using gamecards recently, I got fed up with the recurring payment system as I found most of the time I didnt login hardly at all to a few MMOs I subscribe to.

This way I save money and eventually I have dropped at least 2 MMO subscriptions as I just didnt miss playing them.

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 9:10AM (Unverified) said

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Yeah I always just use credit cards, I figure what's the point of Buying a card to then have to type it in. I say Skip the middle man and just pay the Co. Unless you're into that whole "help the market" thing for the retailers. Or you don't keep up with the auto subs and constantly get charged when you didn't want another month...that I can confess to on more than one occasion...

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 9:49AM Jesspiper said

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Currently playing LOTRO for free due to lifetime sub being way past the 20 month mark, but that being said I use CC when I do subscribe to an MMO.

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 10:10AM UnknownUser said

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I caught WoW cards on sale at Amazon a while back that had them priced slightly below the 6 month price with a credit card. So, I bought a year's worth for both of my accounts.

Otherwise, it's 6 months at a time via credit card.

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 10:11AM (Unverified) said

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Well, I sometimes use PLEX for EVE, but that's a different matter altogether...I usually stick to credit cards. The middle man gets in teh way.

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 10:25AM (Unverified) said

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I will rack up on game cards whenever I see a sale, but usually I will buy 6 months at a time.

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 10:55AM gamebynight said

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I use a CC nowadays; however, when I played WoW I always rolled with a game card. My local Walmart sells 60 day cards for just shy of $30. If I pay by the month on my card, I wind up paying something like $32 for that same time period, after taxes.

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 11:18AM thud said

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It's a matter of security. I can buy a game card in person from a trusted retailer with cash. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes so any reason NOT to enter a CC into a browser is a good thing.

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 11:09AM atmablue said

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Micro Center sells Aion (well, generic NCSoft) game cards for $20 that give you 60 days of game time. It's worth putting up with the hassle to save $10 every 2 months, if you ask me.

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 11:13AM TheJackman said

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I like to use Paypal. And use my bank account to fund it.

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 11:54AM Innocentte said

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Yup. I use PayPal as well. Linked to a bank account in which I keep a *very* small running balance.

Otherwise, I use CC.

I have found GameCards to not be such a good deal. Good if you do not have an alternative means of payment, though.
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Posted: Oct 14th 2009 11:25AM (Unverified) said

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After a few instances of subbing to an MMO, discovering I didn't like it, forgetting to unsub, and continuing to get charged for it (Yes, I have a terrible memory.) I began using game cards. I'm admittedly not the most responsible person in the world, so using game cards instead of recurring charges helps me keep a better handle on my money. But really, it's just a personal preference, and it's by no means convenient. I rather wish companies would allow you to purchase months of game time at once, but in a non-recurring fashion. That would certainly make things easier for me and others like me, at least.

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 2:00PM Erzeal said

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Since i dont have a credit card. I get my WoW time through gamecards.
Very easy way to stock up on game-time for me and easy gifts to ask for on birthday/holidays.

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 2:45PM pcgneurotic said

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I like GTCs because my credit card is constantly maxed-out, so when I get a little cash in hand I go and buy one for something, although living outside of the US, UK and Western Europe, there really aren't many around. I've seen LoTRO, WoW and Warhammer cards here, but you never know for what durations they'll be, as they seem to be stocked on a fairly random basis.

Great idea though, GTCs. Plus they look cool in your wallet. I'd like to go and do a month's worth of shopping one day and say 'What? You don't accept WoW here? Ridiculous!' :-D

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 6:20PM Joystiq Login Bugs SUCK said

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I have fallen in love with game time cards since swapping games a few months back. reviously I only had the option of paying with credit card as LoTRO don't offer game time cards in Australia (most games don't) but my latest game does offer this option.

It allows me to buy my time with spare cash and also the time for my duo partner in America. Each few months I will get 2 cards, scratch one for him and email the code. Far better than the LoTRO situation where I had to put my credit card details into his account so we could play together.

And... before you ask... No, I won't pay your access too. :P

Posted: Oct 14th 2009 8:56PM (Unverified) said

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I am fine paying online.

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