G2A is a popular marketplace for buying discounted game keys, but some consumers seek alternatives for reasons like cost, performance, and ethics. This article will explore the top 5 sites like G2A that you can use instead in 2023.
We’ll describe what G2A is, why you may want alternatives, and then do a deep dive on 5 leading contenders in the space – Kinguin, CDKeys, Green Man Gaming, Instant Gaming, and Gamivo. Read on to learn why these sites rival G2A and help you find the best fit for purchasing game keys and digital goods.
What is G2A?
G2A is an online marketplace founded in 2010 that allows people to buy and sell digital video game keys and software. Based in Hong Kong, it connects independent sellers with buyers looking for discounted prices on games and in-game items.
With over 20 million visitors per month, G2A has become one of the largest gray market distribution platforms in the world. While game developers like tinyBuild have accused G2A of enabling the sale of fraudulent keys, G2A insists it actively works to combat illegal practices.
Here are some of the key things that make G2A stand out:
- Massive catalog of over 500k gaming products from indie to AAA titles
- Average discounted price around 20-30% lower than official prices
- Tools like G2A Shield for buyer protection and ease of transactions
- Active user base of over 19 million registered members
- Popular payment options like PayPal, credit cards, Bitcoin, and Skrill
- Availability in many languages and currencies for global accessibility
Why To Look For G2A Alternatives?
Even though G2A dominates the game key resale market, many buyers still seek out alternative sites. Here are 5 common reasons people look beyond G2A:
- Pricing and discounts can be better on other sites for certain titles. G2A pricing relies on individual sellers, so sometimes competitors have better bulk buying power.
- Wanting a more curated and controlled marketplace. G2A opens selling to anyone, so buyers deal with lots of sellers of varying reputation. Other sites control sourcing more.
- Seeking better security and fraud prevention. G2A has had issues with stolen or illegally obtained keys. Alternative sites can offer better protective measures.
- Need for different payment options or regional pricing. Not all sites support the preferred local currency or payment methods that customers may need.
- Concerns over ethics of reselling gray market game keys. Some developers claim G2A facilitates illegal key reselling, so ethical buyers avoid it.
TOP 5 Sites Like G2A (150 words)
Looking for the top sites like G2A for discounted game keys and digital products? Here are 5 leading alternatives worth checking out:
- Kinguin – Another popular digital marketplace for game keys, it operates similarly to G2A and allows third-party sellers to offer their products.
- CDKeys – A website that offers discounted game keys. Unlike G2A and Kinguin, CDKeys isn’t a marketplace for third-party sellers; instead, it sources and sells the keys directly.
- Green Man Gaming (GMG) – A digital video game distribution platform that offers a mixture of direct sales and game keys sourced from authorized distributors.
- Instant Gaming – Provides game keys and digital products similar to G2A. They claim to offer products at a discounted rate because they buy in bulk during sales.
- Gamivo – Another digital marketplace where users can purchase and sell game keys, similar in concept to G2A and Kinguin.
We’ll dive deeper into what makes each of these sites a competitor to G2A and look at their pros and cons compared to G2A below.
Kinguin
Founded in 2013, Kinguin presents itself as an alternative marketplace to G2A for discounted game keys and in-game items. Like G2A, it enables independent sellers to list unused game and software keys to resell at lower prices.
Here are some key things about Kinguin:
- Based in Hong Kong with offices in Warsaw, Poland and New York
- Inventory of over 800k gaming products from AAA titles to indie games
- Buyer protection with Money Back Guarantee and Buyer Protection programs
- Over 7 million registered members on the platform
- Accepts all major payment methods including credit card, PayPal, and crypto
Compared to G2A, some advantages of using Kinguin include:
- Wider selection of games and gaming merchandise
- Kinguin Market where buyers can bid on deals
- 24/7 customer support via live chat and ticket system
However, Kinguin has faced similar criticism as G2A over fraud and illegal key reselling. Patients buyers who don’t mind sifting through many seller listings may find better deals on Kinguin. But those seeking a more curated marketplace may still prefer alternatives.
CDKeys
Established in 2018, CDKeys distinguishes itself from G2A as a direct retailer of game keys rather than a marketplace. The UK-based company claims to source legitimate unused keys directly from publishers and developers.
Some key facts about CDKeys:
- Inventory of over 6,500 game keys for major platforms
- Average savings of 36% off retail prices according to the site
- Positive TrustPilot rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Secured payment methods include credit card, PayPal, and Bitcoin
Compared to G2A, some of the advantages of using CDKeys include:
- No marketplace means more control over inventory
- Direct relationships with suppliers improves legitimacy
- Lower prices on some newer releases
- Instant delivery of keys after purchase
However, CDKeys has a smaller selection focused on more popular titles. And bypassing the reseller marketplace means less opportunity to score super cheap deals on older games. CDKeys is a better fit for buyers wanting reliably discounted new releases directly from the source.
Green Man Gaming (GMG)
Green Man Gaming (GMG) balances direct authorized game sales with a reseller marketplace. The UK company works directly with many publishers while also partnering with authorized distributors for discounted game keys.
Some Green Man Gaming key facts:
- Founded in 2009 and based in London, UK
- Catalog of over 6,500 titles across PC, Mac, and consoles
- Game keys legitimately resold from distribution partners
- Loyalty program with cashback rewards on purchases
- Accepts PayPal, major credit cards, Apple Pay, and more
Compared to G2A, some of the GMG advantages include:
- Direct partnerships with game publishers and developers
- Keys sourced transparently from authorized distributors
- Rewards program benefits frequent shoppers
However, GMG’s controlled inventory keeps prices higher than pure reseller marketplaces. And availability of games depends on distribution partnerships, so niche titles can be lacking. GMG is a good intermediate option between direct authorized sales and uncontrolled key resale.
Instant Gaming
Instant Gaming differentiates itself in the game key marketplace by buying inventory directly from publishers when games go on sale. The company then sells these bulk-purchased keys year-round at lower prices.
Some quick Instant Gaming facts:
- Founded in France in 2010, now serving over 5 million users
- Catalog of over 6,800 game keys across major platforms
- Keys purchased in bulk when publishers offer sales or discounts
- Average reported savings of 70% off retail game prices
- Accepts payments via credit card, PayPal, and Bitcoin
Compared to G2A, Instant Gaming offers advantages like:
- No marketplace means lower prices from direct bulk buying
- Keys legitimately purchased directly from publishers
- Frequent flash deals and coupons available
- Excellent prices on older games due to bulk backstock
One downside is less availability of brand new releases. But for patient gamers, Instant Gaming is hard to beat for pricing on older titles.
Gamivo
Gamivo provides another marketplace solution as an alternative to G2A for discounted game keys. Like G2A and Kinguin, it facilitates transactions between independent key buyers and resellers.
Some Gamivo basics:
- Founded in 2016 and based in Cyprus
- Catalog of over 80,000 game keys across PCs, consoles, and mobile
- Security features like Money Back Guarantee and free key insurance
- Accepts major payment methods including credit cards and PayPal
Compared to G2A, some of Gamivo’s advantages include:
- Lower prices driven by seller competition within the marketplace
- Frequent discount vouchers provided to buyers
- Rewards program for shoppers that provides store credit
- Excellent prices on older and more obscure game titles
However, Gamivo faces the same challenges as G2A and Kinguin around key sources and legitimacy. While great deals are available, buyers sacrifice the publisher-direct inventory control of sites like CDKeys and GMG. Still, deal-seekers may prefer Gamivo’s wider selection and marketplace pricing competition.
