It has never been easier to download and play the latest games as nearly every connected device has access to a store that offers gaming experiences, but are they all worth your time? To help you find the most compelling and unique titles on offer on mobile and desktop, here are some of the very best platforms available today.
Steam
Steam is the largest digital distribution platform on PC, with more than 34,000 games available and around 95 million monthly active users. The platform is compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux, so anyone with a desktop PC or laptop should be able to download games, though how they perform is dependent on the quality of the hardware.
GOG
GOG (formerly Good Old Games) was created in 2008 to deliver DRM-free versions of classic games to consumers in Europe. It has grown significantly since then and now offers more recent titles such as Assassin’s Creed and The Witcher in 2012. GOG is available on Microsoft Windows and macOS. The platform now has over 2,700 DRM-free games.
Origin
Game developer Electronic Arts recently announced that Origin will be discontinued in favor of a new desktop-based client, but the platform still offers a range of excellent gaming experiences. It also includes community integration with Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, which enhances its functionality on consoles. Origin is available on Windows and macOS, as well as iOS, Android and Facebook.
Google Play Store
There are now around 128 million Android smartphone users in the US, and the Google Play Store provides access to an array of games, as well as all of the best online casinos NY. This means that anyone with a Samsung, Sony, Google or OnePlus handset can download a variety of apps and enjoy a gaming experience that has been built from the ground up with mobile in mind.
Android is an excellent platform for downloading games as local storage can often be expanded using micro SD cards and devices can have larger and longer-lasting battery lives compared to rival handsets. Some now even have 120Hz screen refresh rates for the most fluid gaming experiences.
Many online casinos also offer a variety of different games and experiences that are accessible immediately in web browsers such as Chrome and Firefox. Chumba Casino, for example, offers blackjack, slots, roulette, video poker and much more.
Apple App Store
Apple’s iPhone is the most popular smartphone brand in the US, but its market share for gambling apps does not quite match up to Android due to its more closed ecosystem. This does not mean that there are not high-quality experiences available though. iPhones have ample GPU and RAM to support even the most graphically-advanced games, which is ideal whether you are looking for a new casino game or the latest online shooter.
Windows Phone
While gaming apps on Windows Phones are now legacy software after Microsoft ceased active development of the OS in 2017, the platform still has a large library of apps that can be downloaded and installed. Windows devices still provide an adequate experience for gamers, with spacious screens and seamless integration with the Windows app store. If you still have access to an older phone, this might be an option for your gaming needs.
Chrome Web Store
If you don’t want to install proprietary software on your device, there are still a number of ways to play games. The Chrome Web Store, for example, has “thousands of online games” that can be played directly in a browser. Many of these games also work offline, so you don’t need a Wi-Fi connection to play them, either at home or when you are in a coffee shop.
PS4 and PS5
The new PS5 is set to offer one of the most cutting-edge platforms for downloading games when it launches in late 2020. Like the PS4, the new console will have a PlayStation Store where players will be able to pre-order the latest games and purchase older titles that have been discounted. Regular sales and promotions make Sony consoles an affordable option if you want to buy specific hardware for your games.
Windows Store
The Windows Store on PC is another good starting point for simple downloads as Windows 7 and Windows 10 users will have access to it within the OS. There are bigger recent releases available such as Forza Horizon and older games such as Microsoft Solitaire Collection.
