GameFly specialises in online video game rentals, offering an alternative to buying games outright. It’s particularly handy for gamers who like to try before they commit, or those who want to play a wide range without the expense or the shelf space. The service includes a catalogue spanning current hits and older titles across major consoles and PC. You sign up, pick your games, and they arrive by post, so you can play before sending them back and swapping for something else. It’s a bit like Netflix but for games.
The people who tend to use GameFly are those who get through games quickly or just don’t want to spend £50 or more on a title they might only play once. It’s also great if you’re waiting for a game to drop in price but want to play it sooner. While streaming is becoming more popular, renting physical discs still has its fans, especially where internet speed or data caps are an issue. The site isn’t perfect – sometimes delivery can be slow and you have to be careful about the subscription plans – but it’s one of the few options around that still lets you rent games this way.
Customer service gets mixed reviews, which is fairly typical for rental services, but overall it’s a decent option if you prefer physical discs or just want to test a game before buying. It’s also worth noting you’ll need a steady address for returns, and the subscription model means you need to be a bit organised to avoid unexpected charges. Still, if you like variety without the price, GameFly’s an interesting proposition.