I.  What This Guide Covers

This guide only covers the purchasing of PC games on EBay.  I am not a console gamer and have no experience with this type of gaming system (e.g. Xbox, PS2, etc.). This guide also does not cover games written for the Apple or Macintosh computers.

II.  How to Start

The best way to become a knowledgeable EBay buyer is by first becoming familiar with the various sources of information on PC Games.  There are a number of good online gaming sites that cover PC games with free public content such as Adrenaline Vault, GameSpot, GameSpy, GameZone and MetaCritic.  There are also sites that specialize in a particular game type such as Just RPG (for Role Playing Games) or a specific game series such as DoomWorld.  Some have a paid site membership subscription service for access to additional features such as streaming videos of game trailers and download libaries of demos (short free game versions) or file patches (updates from the publisher to fix problems or improve game play).  This last feature is often worth the price of the site membership fee.

III.  What the Game Listing Should Tell You

The following discusses what information a complete PC game listing on EBay should, where appropriate, provide.  Some of  it will be of importance only to collectors but there is no harm in having this information available to non-collectors too.

Game Versions

The seller should tell you if the game is a U.S. or imported edition.  Imported versions are typically bare-bones reprints that don't have the supporting documentation found in the original U.S. editions.  The seller should also explain what version of a U.S. edition is being sold.  It is not unusual for the U.S. editions to have multiple versions such as the original edition and a reissued "classics" version as illustrated by one of my favorite games, System Shock 2.  Publishers will also release higher-priced variants of the same game (e.g. "Game of the Year" or Collector's Edition) with some kind of content enhancement or trinkets to encourage the buyer to spend more.

Game Expansions

Game publishers will typically release a main version of a game and, if it's commercially successful, issue one or more expansions to it.  In general, a game expansion will not work without the main game first installed on the PC.  It is therefore critical for the seller to note if a game is an expansion and which game must be present on the PC's hard drive in order for it to work.  Keep in mind that it is not unusual for a game expansion to be much rarer than the main game it was designed for which is often reflected in its much higher market value.  Some time after an expansion's publication, the game publisher may then combine the main game and its expansion into a "Gold" edition. However, a bewildering variety of buzz words (e.g. Platinum, Complete, Deluxe, BattleChest, Anniversary, etc.) are used to market sets when more than 2 related titles are packaged together.  These special game sets often include additional goodies such as a strategy guide, soundtracks, artwork or a collectible item as your reward for shelling out the extra bucks for them.

Game Description

Game Condition - This refers to the physical state of the game disks and all supporting materials that are part of the original game edition package.  Most importantly, the seller must tell you if the game is new or used because the appropriate expectations the buyer may have stems from this issue.  For example, the buyer has the right to expect the game disk and documentation to be physically unblemished if the game is represented as new.  With regard to new games, it is important to know if the game package is still sealed.  Sometimes the box is open but the game case is still shrinkwrapped which indicates that the game came from a retail store.  Because of shoplifting concerns, many game stores routinely place the box on the display shelf but keep the game itself behind the counter until it is purchased.  However, I am very suspicious of any seller who represents a game as new, even though all contents are unsealed, because of the seller's claim that he needed to open and "inspect" its contents to make sure everything is present.  If the seller acquired the game in a new sealed state why does it need to be inspected?

Packaging - This refers to the physical packaging used to store, display and protect game contents.  This is typically a paperboard box (either the older type approx. 8" x 10" or the newer type approx. 5" x 8") with external artwork and often with cardboard inserts to keep the box contents from banging around.  It is amazing how many sellers neglect to tell you if the game still has its original box or packaging.  The game box geometry can be a valuable clue regarding the identity of the game's edition.  For example, the original 1998 U.S. edition of Final Fantasy VII is a distinctive trapazoidal box while later import editions are in standard mini-boxes.Further, the condition of the game packaging should be described.  It is helpful to know if any part of the game box is ripped, creased, crushed or superficially damaged as well as if any of the internal packaging inserts still remain.  Photos showing the condition of the outside box or game contents are very helpful.

Game Case - Game publishers can package the actual game disks in paper sleeves, paperboard wallet cases, plastic CD disk cases or plastic DVD cases.  It is helpful to know what is being used to hold the game disks and their condition.

CD Keys - Most recently published PC games have CD keys that must be entered during the installation phase in order to play the game.  Typically these CD keys are part of the original game cases that the game was shipped in.  Make sure the seller provides you the CD key if the game's installation requires it.

Documentation - This is typically the printed play manual but it can also include other forms of documentation such as large 4-color posters of technology or skill development trees.  It appears that PC games published before 2000 often were not distributed with some form of digital documentation so if the game does not have its original printed documentation you must be prepared to find an alternate source of play instructions. Most recently published PC games, on the other hand,  have on-disk play documentation in the form of PDF files but having a printed version of these documents is still very convenient especially when the manual is quite lengthy as is the case, for example, of games based on the Dungeons & Dragons rule set like the Neverwinter Nights series. The seller should tell you what documentation comes with the game and in what condition it is in.  Some sellers, as an incentive to buyers, will provide additional support materials such as patch files, walkthroughs or third-party game mods.

Other Inserts and Materials - The publisher may have included in the original edition of the game other printed materials such as installation guides, registration cards and product catalogs.  While not necessary to the game's playability, it is important information to the collector who may be seeking a used copy that is as close as possible to the way the complete game package existed when it was first published.

IV  What Else Should the Seller Tell You?

Shipping Terms - There are some critical shipping issues that the seller should address.  First, the seller should tell you if you will get a shipping discount for multiple purchases and under what conditions.  A lot of sellers neglect to provide this information even when they are willing to provide shipping discounts.  Second, the seller needs to disclose if insurance or delivery confirmation are part of the S/H costs or if they are extra.  Also make sure to note if insurance costs are optional or mandatory as part of the purchase.  Third, be certain to determine if the S/H cost includes shipping the game in the game box if it still has one.  Sometimes sellers will show the game in the box but ship only the game disks or, just as bad, fold up the game box ostensibly to save on shipping costs.  Finally, if a Buy-It-Now (BIN) price seems almost too good to be true look carefully at the shipping cost.  Some sellers like to play the game of posting a really low BIN price and then hitting the unsuspecting buyer with an outrageous shipping and handling fee (e.g. BIN = $5, S/H = $30). This is because the EBay selling fees are based on the final selling price, not the total cost including S/H paid by the buyer.  Be careful not to fall for this scam.

V. When in Doubt Ask a Question!

Always operate under the basis that if a condition or specification is not mentioned in the listing it can't be assumed by the buyer.  Also, be wary of any offer for recent new games that looks too low - it may be a pirated copy. EBay provides multiple ways to contact the seller before making a final offer or purchase.  Therefore, you have no excuse or anyone to blame but yourself if you did not bother to ask before buying and you ended up with a disappointing purchase.