Do You Get to Keep Amazon Prime Games? The Definitive Guide
Yes, the simple answer is you get to keep the games you claim through Amazon Prime Gaming, even if you cancel your Prime membership. This is a significant perk of the service, but there are nuances to understand how it all works. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of how Prime Gaming operates, what you need to know about keeping your games, and answers to frequently asked questions.
How Prime Gaming Works
Amazon Prime Gaming is a benefit included with an Amazon Prime membership. It provides subscribers with a rotating selection of free games each month, along with exclusive in-game content for various titles. These games and content come from diverse publishers and distributors, including GOG, Epic Games, and Amazon Games itself.
Prime Gaming offers several enticing benefits:
- Free Games: A selection of games is available each month to download and keep forever.
- In-Game Content: Access to special in-game loot for many popular games.
- Twitch Channel Subscription: A free monthly subscription to any Twitch Partner or Affiliate channel.
- Exclusive Emotes and Chat Badge: Unique emotes and a chat badge on Twitch for Prime members.
Claiming Your Free Games
To get your hands on these free games, you need to follow a simple process:
- Go to Prime Gaming: Navigate to the Prime Gaming page, either through Twitch or directly from your Amazon Prime account.
- Select “Games and Loot”: Look for this section to view the current offers.
- Choose Your Offer: Select the game or in-game content you want to claim.
- Follow Instructions: Each offer has unique instructions, which may involve linking accounts or downloading the game through a specific launcher.
Keeping Your Games Forever
Once you claim a game through Prime Gaming, it is permanently yours. You own that digital copy, similar to purchasing a game. It’s crucial to differentiate this from a rental service, where games disappear when your subscription ends. The key point here is the “claim” process. You must claim the free game while your Prime membership is active to ensure you can keep it indefinitely.
Even if you decide to cancel your Amazon Prime membership, you will still retain access to all the games you have previously claimed. You can continue to download and play them through the Amazon Games app or whichever platform the game is redeemed on. This is a vital distinction: Your existing game library remains intact. However, you will not be able to claim any new free games or content without an active Prime membership.
Understanding the Amazon Games App
To play your Prime Gaming titles, you’ll primarily use the Amazon Games app. This application acts as a game launcher, similar to Steam or the Epic Games Store. Within the app, you can:
- Download and install the games you have claimed.
- Update your installed games.
- Access your game library.
The app ensures all your Prime Gaming titles are organized in a single place, making it convenient to manage and play your games.
Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 commonly asked questions related to keeping Amazon Prime games, along with detailed answers:
1. Do I need an active Amazon Prime membership to play games I have claimed?
No, you do not need an active Amazon Prime membership to play the games you have already claimed. Once a game is claimed, it is yours to keep and play forever, regardless of your Prime subscription status. However, to claim new games each month, you will need an active membership.
2. Where do I access my Amazon Prime games?
You access your Amazon Prime games through the Amazon Games app. You can download the app on your Windows PC to install and manage your games. Some games are redeemed through other launchers, like GOG or Epic, and you would access those titles via those platforms.
3. Can I play my Prime Gaming games on my Xbox or PlayStation?
Prime Gaming primarily provides games for PC, although some may be accessed through other consoles. If the game you claim has a console version, you would typically still redeem the game on a PC platform and might have to link accounts to use the console version if available. It is generally a PC focused benefit.
4. How do I claim my free games from Prime Gaming?
To claim free games, you should:
* Visit the Prime Gaming page on the Amazon website or through Twitch.
* Navigate to the “Games and Loot” section.
* Select the game you want to claim and follow the provided instructions.
5. What happens to my games if I cancel my Prime subscription?
If you cancel your Prime subscription, you will not lose the games you have already claimed. You can still download and play them through the Amazon Games app. What you do lose is the ability to claim new games in the future.
6. Are all Amazon Prime games compatible with my computer?
Not all games will be compatible with all computers, due to hardware and operating system requirements. Before claiming a game, check the system requirements to ensure your PC can run it smoothly. The game’s page on the Prime Gaming platform will provide this information.
7. Can I give my Prime Gaming games to friends?
Generally, no, you cannot give away your Prime Gaming games. The games are tied to your specific Amazon account. However, some games may include a code you can share with others if you have already claimed the game on your own account.
8. Are there time limits for claiming free Prime Games?
Yes, there are usually time limits for claiming free Prime games. Each monthly offering has a specific window for claiming the games. Once this period ends, you can no longer claim the free games offered that month.
9. Can I return a game I have claimed on Prime Gaming?
As the games are free, there is no return policy for Prime Gaming titles. Once you have claimed a game, it is permanently added to your library, regardless if you play it or not.
10. How many free games do I get each month with Prime Gaming?
The number of free games available each month with Prime Gaming varies. There isn’t a fixed number; some months may offer fewer, others may offer a large selection of free games and in-game content. Check the Prime Gaming page to see the latest offers.
11. Can I purchase additional games through Prime Gaming?
While Prime Gaming primarily offers free games and content, it does not function as a storefront where you directly buy games. Games are usually purchased through other platforms, and Prime Gaming would offer a benefit such as a free copy.
12. Does Prime Gaming include games for Mac computers?
The games offered with Prime Gaming are typically designed for Windows PCs. Although some games may have Mac versions, it’s not a focus. Always check compatibility before claiming any game to ensure it is available for your system.
13. Do I have to use a credit card to claim free Prime games?
You only need to have an active Amazon Prime membership to claim the games. No additional payment details are needed.
14. Can I play my Prime Gaming games on a different PC?
Yes, you can install and play your claimed Prime Gaming titles on any PC as long as you use the same Amazon account with which you claimed the games. Log in to the Amazon Games app on the new PC to download and play your games.
15. Are there any regional restrictions for claiming Prime Gaming offers?
Yes, some Prime Gaming offers and content may have regional restrictions, meaning availability can vary by country. Check the Prime Gaming page to see which offers are available in your region.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the games you claim through Amazon Prime Gaming are yours to keep, forever. This benefit is a great perk of the Amazon Prime membership, offering you a growing collection of games. So, take advantage of those free games every month, claim the titles you want, and build your digital game library. Even if you decide to cancel your subscription, those claimed games will always be available for you to play.