This is where we are now in 2024.

Check if Game is Safe to Buy Checklist:

• The game is available as a direct download, on Steam, GOG, or a console I own (if I want to play on console)
• The game functions
• The game is complete, has launched publicly, and has mostly positive reviews
  • Exception: If I believe enough in the product to purchase it early access
• The game is compatible with my system
  • In my case, this also means 32x9 support in Windows
    • AND Linux because I’m heading there soon no doubt
• The game’s performance is generally good on a system with my components
• The game’s bugs aren’t a dealbreaker to me
• The game is fun
• The game price is a good value to me
• The game is not PTW
• The game has minimal/no MTX
• If the game has MTX, it’s not intrusive
• If the game has in-game currency, it can be earned in-game without grinding for ages
• The game has no advertisements (unless it’s just for a joke)
• The game is not from the following developers:
  • Bethesda Games Studios (post FO4)
  • Battlestar Games
  • Psyonix
  • Whoever developed the Gollum game?
  • Starbreeze Studios
  • [more to come]
• The game is not from the following publishers:
  • Sony/Playstation
  • Bethesda Softworks
  • EA
  • Activision Blizzard (post D3)
  • Riot Games
  • WB
  • Deep Silver
  • Ubisoft
  • Psyonix
  • Gearbox (post BL2)
  • [more to come]
• The game does not require 3rd party launchers
• The game does not require 3rd party DRM
• The game does not require 2nd or 3rd party account linking
• The game does not require kernel-level anti-cheat
• The game is not related with a blockchain, NFTs, or crypto
• The developer of the game treats their employees well
• The publisher of the game treats their developer well
• The game is not a live service game
• If the game is co-op, it allows local hosting
• If the game is single-player, it does NOT require an Internet connection to play (optional net connection OK for things like Elden Ring features)
• Red Flags:
  • Games developed by:
    • Hello Games
    • CDPR
    • Rockstar
  • Nintendo games (it supports Nintendo’s crappy business practices)

*some exceptions still apply