Is Amazon Games Free with Prime? Your Comprehensive Guide
Yes, access to Amazon Games is included with an Amazon Prime membership at no additional cost. This means that as a Prime member, you unlock a treasure trove of benefits, including free video games and in-game content, through Prime Gaming. It’s just one of the many perks designed to save members money while providing quality entertainment. Let’s dive deeper into how it all works and what you can expect.
Understanding Amazon Games and Prime Gaming
Amazon Games refers to Amazon’s initiative to provide gamers with a range of gaming experiences. This encompasses developing and publishing games, offering a platform (the Amazon Games app) for accessing games, and providing content through Prime Gaming.
Prime Gaming, formerly known as Twitch Prime, is the direct link between your Prime membership and the gaming world. It provides a suite of benefits, including:
- Free Games: Every month, Prime Gaming offers a selection of free games that you can claim and keep forever.
- In-Game Content: Many popular games offer exclusive in-game content, such as character skins, weapons, boosts, and other cosmetic items, available to Prime Gaming members.
- Twitch Channel Subscription: A free monthly subscription to a Twitch channel of your choice, allowing you to support your favorite streamers.
To access these benefits, you need an active Amazon Prime membership and the Amazon Games app installed on your Windows PC. Once you claim a game through Prime Gaming, it’s added to your library within the app, and you can download and play it at your leisure.
How to Get Started with Amazon Games and Prime Gaming
- Become an Amazon Prime Member: If you’re not already a member, sign up for Amazon Prime. You can opt for a monthly or annual subscription, often with a free trial period.
- Link Your Amazon and Twitch Accounts: Navigate to the Prime Gaming website and link your Amazon account to your Twitch account. This is essential for claiming your Twitch channel subscription and other benefits.
- Download the Amazon Games App: This is the launcher you’ll use to access and play the free games you claim through Prime Gaming. Download it directly from Amazon.
- Claim Your Free Games and Content: Visit the Prime Gaming website regularly to see the latest offerings. Click on the “Claim Game” button for each title you want to add to your library. The games will then be available for download within the Amazon Games app.
Prime Gaming: More Than Just Free Games
While the free games are a significant draw, Prime Gaming offers much more. The in-game content can enhance your experience in popular titles, giving you access to unique items and perks. The free Twitch channel subscription allows you to directly support streamers you enjoy, fostering a sense of community.
It’s also important to note that Amazon is increasingly invested in game development and publishing. This means that Prime Gaming may offer access to Amazon-developed titles in the future, adding even more value to the service. Consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of gaming and education.
Maximizing Your Prime Gaming Benefits
To make the most of your Prime Gaming membership, consider these tips:
- Check Prime Gaming Regularly: New games and content are added frequently, so stay updated to avoid missing out on anything.
- Claim All Available Content: Even if you don’t plan to play a game immediately, claim it anyway. You never know when you might want to try it.
- Explore In-Game Content: Take advantage of the exclusive in-game items to enhance your gaming experience.
- Support Your Favorite Streamers: Use your free Twitch channel subscription to support a streamer you enjoy.
- Keep an Eye on Announcements: Stay informed about upcoming games and content through Prime Gaming’s website and social media channels.
FAQs About Amazon Games and Prime Gaming
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide a more in-depth understanding of Amazon Games and Prime Gaming.
1. Is the Amazon Games app required to play Prime Gaming games?
Yes, the Amazon Games app is a Windows PC game launcher that is required to install and play most of the free games you claim through Prime Gaming. It’s essential for managing your game library.
2. Are Amazon Prime games free forever?
Yes, once you claim a game through Prime Gaming, it’s yours to keep forever, even if you cancel your Prime membership. However, you will need an active Prime membership to claim new games each month.
3. Can I play Amazon Prime games on multiple devices?
No, you can only play the free games you claimed via Prime Gaming on your Windows PC through the Amazon Games app. There is no support for playing on other devices.
4. What happens to my game library if I cancel Prime?
If you cancel your Prime membership, you will still be able to download and play the games you have previously claimed through Prime Gaming. However, you won’t be able to claim new games.
5. How do I subscribe to Prime games for free?
You don’t “subscribe” to Prime games. You claim the available games each month through the Prime Gaming website if you have an active Prime membership. Then, download and play them through the Amazon Games app.
6. Is Prime Gaming worth it if I only want the games?
Whether Prime Gaming is worth it solely for the games depends on how much you value the specific titles offered each month. If you regularly play the free games and use the in-game content, it can be a worthwhile addition to your Prime membership. If you don’t find the games appealing, the cost may not justify it.
7. Where do I find my free Prime games?
You can find your free Prime games on the Prime Gaming website. Navigate to the “Games and Loot” section to see the available titles.
8. Can I watch NFL games on Amazon Prime for free?
To watch Thursday Night Football live on Prime Video, you need an Amazon Prime membership. While there are no extra fees for NFL streaming if you’re a Prime member, the membership itself is required.
9. How many devices can stream Amazon Prime Video simultaneously?
Amazon allows three concurrent streams within the same Amazon account, with a maximum of two simultaneous streams of the same content.
10. What are the downsides of Prime Gaming?
The main downside is the cost of the Amazon Prime membership, which may not be justified if you don’t use other Prime benefits. Additionally, Prime Gaming doesn’t remove ads on Twitch like Twitch Turbo does.
11. How do I cancel my Prime Gaming subscription?
Since Prime Gaming is a benefit of your Amazon Prime membership, you don’t cancel it separately. To cancel, you’ll need to end your entire Prime membership through your Amazon account settings.
12. Can I get every NFL game on Amazon Prime?
No, Amazon Prime Video does not stream every NFL game. They have the exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football games. Other games are broadcast on local and national networks.
13. Why am I being charged for Prime Video if I have Amazon Prime?
If you’re being charged extra for Prime Video, it’s likely because you’ve subscribed to Prime Video Channels. These are additional, paid subscriptions to third-party premium networks and streaming channels that are separate from your Prime membership.
14. Does Amazon Prime include everything on Amazon?
No, Amazon Prime primarily includes benefits like free shipping, access to Prime Video, and Prime Gaming. It doesn’t automatically include every product or service offered on Amazon.
15. What happens to my Prime Gaming benefits if I switch from a paid Prime membership to a Prime Student membership?
You will still have access to Prime Gaming with a Prime Student membership, as it is one of the included benefits of Prime. However, some benefits may vary depending on your location and specific Student plan.
In Conclusion
Amazon Games, through Prime Gaming, is a valuable addition to an Amazon Prime membership. It provides access to free games, in-game content, and a free Twitch channel subscription, all at no extra cost. Whether it’s worth it depends on your individual gaming habits and usage of other Prime benefits. By understanding how Prime Gaming works and maximizing its features, you can enhance your gaming experience and get the most out of your Prime membership.