Can You Buy Someone Game Time in WoW? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can buy someone game time in World of Warcraft (WoW)! While you can’t directly gift a recurring WoW subscription, you can gift game time, which serves the same purpose of granting access to the game. Think of it as a prepaid access pass, allowing your friend to jump into Azeroth without needing a continuous subscription. Let’s delve into the specifics, restrictions, and FAQs surrounding gifting game time in WoW.
Gifting Game Time: The Specifics
The most straightforward method is to purchase digital game time through the Battle.net Shop. This is a non-recurring purchase, meaning it won’t automatically renew. You can use your Battle.net Balance to make the purchase, adding convenience and flexibility to the gifting process.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- No direct subscription gifting: Forget about gifting a monthly subscription directly. It’s not an option.
- Game time is the solution: Instead, buy 60 days of game time for your friend.
- Regional restrictions apply: Make absolutely sure the Battle.net Shop region you’re using matches your friend’s region. A US game time code won’t work for a European account, and vice versa.
- Use Battle.net Balance: Load up your Battle.net Balance and use it to pay for the game time.
- No platform limitations (mostly): This works for PC and Mac players. Remember that cross-platform gifting from console to PC (or vice-versa) isn’t possible.
How to Gift Battle.net Balance
If you’re unsure which games your friend wants to play, or they already have enough game time, consider gifting Battle.net Balance instead. This allows them to purchase game time, expansions, or other in-game items as they see fit. Here’s how:
- Go to the Battle.net Shop.
- Choose Battle.net Balance.
- Select the desired amount (minimum $1.00 USD).
- Click Gift Balance.
- Enter your friend’s BattleTag or email address.
- Choose your payment method.
Important Considerations
Keep in mind that buying game time is different from a recurring subscription in one key way: it doesn’t grant exclusive rewards like mounts that are sometimes associated with long-term subscriptions. If your friend is after those perks, a regular subscription might be a better long-term solution (which they can purchase themselves using the Battle.net Balance you gifted!).
Changes to Game Time Options
It’s worth noting that Blizzard has streamlined game time purchasing. Previously, you could buy 30, 90, or 180-day blocks. However, as of March 25, 2021, only the 60-day game time option is available for purchase. This change doesn’t affect subscriptions or WoW Tokens.
FAQs: Your Game Time Gifting Questions Answered
Let’s address some common questions surrounding gifting game time in WoW.
1. Can I gift a WoW subscription directly?
No, you cannot directly gift a WoW subscription. Instead, you should gift game time.
2. How much game time can I gift at once?
Currently, the only option available is 60 days of game time. Previous options like 30, 90, and 180 days have been removed.
3. Can I use Battle.net Balance to buy game time for someone else?
Yes! This is the most recommended method. You can gift Battle.net Balance which your friend can use to purchase game time.
4. What if my friend plays on console?
Unfortunately, you can’t gift Battle.net products across platforms. If your friend plays on console, you’ll need to gift through their console’s store (PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, etc.)
5. Are there regional restrictions on game time?
Yes, WoW expansions and game time are regional. You must purchase game time from the Battle.net Shop that matches your friend’s region.
6. Can I gift a WoW Token?
No, you cannot gift WoW Tokens. Tokens are account-bound. Tokens purchased for real money can only be sold on the Auction House; Tokens purchased for gold can only be redeemed for game time or Battle.net Balance by the purchaser.
7. What’s the difference between game time and a subscription?
A subscription is a recurring payment that automatically renews. Game time is a one-time purchase that doesn’t renew. Subscriptions may also offer exclusive rewards that game time purchases do not.
8. Can I use a Blizzard gift card to buy game time for a friend?
Yes, you can use a Blizzard gift card to add to your Battle.net Balance, and then gift that Balance to your friend who can then use it to buy game time.
9. Can I get a free month of WoW?
The WoW Free Trial is available to anyone with a Battle.net account that doesn’t have an active subscription or game time. This isn’t technically a “free month” but allows limited access to the game.
10. How do I send gold to my friend in WoW?
You can send gold via the in-game mail system. Each character has their own bank.
11. Can I share a WoW account with my spouse?
Generally, no. Blizzard prohibits account sharing, except between a parent and minor child.
12. What is the maximum Battle.net Balance I can have?
The maximum Battle.net Balance you can hold is typically $350 (USD), or $110 if you don’t have an Authenticator linked to your account. Balance caps vary depending on your currency.
13. Is it legal to sell or gift my WoW account?
No, Blizzard does not allow the gifting, selling, or trading of accounts in any way.
14. Can I pay for someone else’s subscription directly with my credit card?
No, this isn’t directly possible. The easiest way to achieve this goal is to gift Battle.net Balance, which your friend can then use to purchase a subscription or game time.
15. Where can I learn more about the gaming community and its impact?
There are many places to learn more about the gaming community. You can explore the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to gain insights into gaming, learning, and community. GamesLearningSociety.org offers a wealth of research and resources.
Conclusion
Gifting game time in World of Warcraft is a thoughtful way to help your friends explore Azeroth. By understanding the nuances of Battle.net Balance, regional restrictions, and available options, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable gifting experience. So, load up your Battle.net Balance, spread the joy, and get ready to adventure together!