Game distribution went from games on CDs sold in brick and mortar stores to digital distribution via various platforms like Uplay, Origin, Steam, EpicGames, etc. This is when marketplaces like Kinguin and G2A started to launch.
Steam was the first one and it changed how games are distributed. Steam eliminated the need for the physical components. CDs, game covers, physical packaging, and physical title distribution were suddenly unnecessary. Developers only had to create games. As Steam rose in popularity, other online stores took notice and embraced digital distribution. The industry had changed completely.
POPULAR GAME KEY MARKETPLACES
Gamers now have many ways to purchase the games they love. There are a lot of options, however, the prices still aren’t always fit for every budget despite that there are no costs involved like with physical distribution.
Finding great games at low prices is the goal for many gamers. Sometimes they have to wait for discount promotions or special sales. Or wait with buying games for months until the price is reduced.
But there is another option. Buying game key for the desired games on various online stores or marketplaces like G2A, Kinguin, Gamivo, and Eneba. Those marketplaces are like eBay but for game keys. They allow third-party sellers to sell game keys for PC, XBOX, Nintendo, Playstation, etc.
Prices on those marketplaces are in most cases affordable and you don’t have to wait for discounts on Steam, Origin, etc. This is why in this article I have compared G2A vs Kinguin vs Gamivo vs Eneba. Those are the four most popular places to get your game keys cheap. In below comparison, you can see how they differ.
G2A Vs Kinguin Vs Eneba Vs Gamivo
Below is a comparison table where I have compared G2A, Kinguin, Eneba, and Gamivo.
| MARKETPLACE | G2A | KINGUIN | ENEBA | GAMIVO |
| PAYMENT GATEWAY FEE | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| CASHBACK | NO | NO | YES | NO |
| EXTENSIVE PRODUCT CATALOG | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| OPTION TO RETURN NON DISPLAYED KEY | Only if seller agrees | YES | YES | YES |
| PRICES | One of highest because of various fees charged | After G2A second highest prices | Lowest as they charge lowest fees to sellers | Something in the middle |
| INACTIVITY FEE | 1 € | NO | NO | NO |
| RESOLVING ISSUES DIRECTLY WITH BUYER/SELLER | YES | YES | NO | NO/YES |
| LEAVE RATING FOR PURCHASE | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| SEE SELLER REVIEWS | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| SEE SELLER RATING | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| LIVE CHAT SUPPORT | NO | YES | NO | NO |
| TICKET SUPPORT | YES | YES | YES | YES |
From a buyer standpoint, the best marketplace to purchase from is Eneba as they have lowest seller fees and thus lower prices.
If the price is not your only concern as a buyer, then support probably is. I would say Kinguin and especially G2A have the slowest support where you can wait days for an answer.
The most off-putting thing about G2A as a buyer is money-back guarantee. In case you can’t solve the issue directly with the seller, you have the option of opening a claim. Be noted that for this you will need to file a police report.
Eneba has the best support from all mentioned and issues are solved rather quickly.
What Is G2A?
There aren’t too many gamers who haven’t heard about G2A or used their online marketplace. G2A connects buyers and sellers. You can sell and buy game keys for Epic Games, Steam, Uplay, Origin, etc.
G2A is the only marketplace of that kind where you can even purchase electronics, gaming chairs, apparel, etc. You can also buy software licenses, skins, gift cards, and other gaming-related items.
G2A itself doesn’t buy or sell any products or carry any inventory. It’s just the platform that buyers and sellers use to conduct transactions.
The company’s headquarters are in Hong Kong, which is where they are registered. They have offices in Poland which are basically where their employees work from.
For more information regarding G2A you can check my articles:
- Best sites like G2A
- How G2A money-back guarantee works?
- Is G2A legit?
- What is G2A Plus? Is it worth paying?
How Kinguin Works?
Kinguin is a marketplace where game sellers and buyers connect. Kinguin itself doesn’t sell game keys. It’s only an online marketplace.
Third-party sellers provide game keys that are put up for sale. You can also purchase other items such as game skins, Windows keys, software keys for various products, antivirus programs, gift cards, etc.
Kinguin Digital Limited operates the Kinguin.net website. The company is registered in Hong Kong. They have offices in Bulgaria and Poland.
For more information regarding Kinguin you can check my articles:
- Kinguin payout delay – why many sellers complain of not receiving money for sold products on Kinguin?
- How Kinguin works?
- What are best Kinguin alternatives?
Is Eneba Safe To Use?
Eneba is an online digital game store. You can find a wide variety of puzzle, adventure, action, and games in various other categories from large and small game developers. Gamers can find the titles they want at very affordable prices on Eneba.
Eneba is quickly becoming one of the best places to find popular titles, thanks to its growing selection. You can buy or sell games on their website.
They have games for Battle.net, Epic Games, GOG, Nintendo Switch, Origin, PSN, Steam, Uplay, Xbox, etc. You can also buy game cards for Amazon, Apple iTunes, Blizzard, Google Play, Nintendo Switch, Netflix, PSN, Xbox, Steam, etc.
Helis Play manages Eneba. They are an international conglomerate of esports companies, creative organizations, and software development businesses. Helis Play is headquartered in Kaunas, Lithuania.
For more information regarding Eneba you can check my article:
Is Gamivo Legit Marketplace?
Gamivo’s site was first launched in September 2017. Their company headquarters are located in Malta. Gamivo is an online game marketplace. All products bought and sold on their site are 100% digital.
Purchasing products is simple because there’s no shipping. Order delivery is completed in a matter of minutes. Their goal is to bring something new to the highly competitive video game e-commerce industry.
Gamivo has many newer and older titles at great prices.
People can search for hundreds of different games in assorted genres. Titles are offered by hundreds of merchants worldwide.
For more information regarding Gamivo you can check my article:
- Is Gamivo legit and safe to use?
Marketplace Comparison FAQ
From the buyer perspective, they are similar when it comes to prices. G2A has various high fees imposed which increases overall product price.
Eneba has the lowest seller fees and by that lowest price. Eneba and Gamivo have better prices for buyers than G2A and Kinguin.
While all four marketplaces offer support ticket options in case of an issue with purchased order, Eneba support is probably best.