A game key is the same product a shop sells in a box, minus the box. You buy a code, redeem it against the account you already play on, and the game appears in your library ready to download. There is no disc to keep hold of and no delivery to wait for.

Because the code activates on the platform’s own storefront, what you end up with is identical to buying there directly. The game sits in your library permanently, updates as normal, and works on any machine you sign into.

What is a digital game key?

It is a one-time activation code tied to a platform. Redeeming it adds the title to that account for good. Keys are single use, so once a code has been activated it belongs to that account and cannot be moved to another one later.

That permanence is the main practical difference between owning a key and renting access through a subscription. A key does not expire when a membership lapses.

Which platform is the key for?

A key only works on the platform it was issued for, so this is the one thing to get right before buying.

• Steam games for PC, activated in the Steam client or through Steam’s website.
• Rockstar Games titles for PC, redeemed through the Rockstar Games Launcher.
• PSN games for PlayStation consoles, redeemed on a PlayStation Network account.
• Xbox games for Xbox consoles and Windows, redeemed on a Microsoft account.

Why buy a key instead of buying in the store?

The library entry is the same

Once redeemed there is no difference between a key and a direct purchase. The same updates, the same cloud saves, the same achievements.

No payment method on the account

Handy on a shared machine or a child’s profile, where a saved card is a standing risk.

Delivery is immediate

Codes are emailed after purchase, so there is nothing to schedule around.

How to activate a game key

Sign in to the account you want the game on, open the platform’s redeem or activate option, enter the code and confirm. The title is added to the library straight away and can be downloaded immediately.

Activate on the account you actually intend to play on. Keys cannot be transferred once used, so an accidental activation on the wrong profile is not something support can unpick.

Region matters on some keys

Some keys are global and some are restricted to a region, and where a restriction applies it is enforced at activation. The region is stated in every product title here, so check it against the account before you buy rather than after the code has failed.