*edit- This is a post I wrote on another site. After seeing a similar article here I figured I'd join in the rant.

The word from my gaming peers both online and in person is that gaming is really expensive. Between consoles, peripherals, online access, DLC and the actual game itself, it would seemingly be difficult to disagree. However, I’d like to point out a few arguments that contradict this thought.

First off, gaming is a hobby. Unless you are a competitive gamer with sponsors and supportive income as a result, there’s really no denying the previous statement. While gaming can be a truly passionate hobby, I recommend something a little less funding intensive if one is having trouble with basic money management.

Basketball- $20

And for the not-so-active folks-

Sketchbook- $11

Now for those who still want to enjoy the good life of gaming and, in turn, stop bitching about the cost, allow me a few suggestions-

Stop Eating Out- I know we all love the diarrhea that comes with Mcky-D’s and Domino’s, but that’s a habit that costs more than just intestinal pain. If one simply cuts this habit in half one can easily afford a new game every month or so.

Party Less- Going to the bar every Thursday night or the club every Saturday is a surefire way to literally piss your money away. It’s hard to feel sympathy about someone’s financial woes after watching them down $50 in Jagermeister and Redbull.

The two previous suggestions were for people I see in everyday life. These next few are for the rabid enthusiasts such as myself-

Buy Used- No matter how many times someone mentions “supporting the industry” it won’t ever be true. I’ve spent 10’s of thousands of dollars on this industry and they haven’t once made my house payment. So why the fuck am I supposed to care about them? Oh yeah, because the games don’t get made unless I make it rain on them bitches. Bullshit. Anyone with that argument needs to visit the Met in New York and tell “Starry Night” it doesn’t exist because of their principle.

Join Online Communities- You know that copy of Resonance of Fate you won’t trade-in because you get fuck-all for it? Somewhere someone is holding on to Red Dead Redemption for that same reason. For the simple cost of human trust you can swap with each other and be in gaming bliss. Or maybe you’ve found Black Ops for $20 and don’t want it but would like to inform others who may about it. Not everyone on the interweb’s a dick so spread the word.

SIGN UP!- Create an email address (like the 50 you already have) and use it to sign up for everything gaming you can find. If you aren’t a complete fucktard you will soon be getting coupons instead of penis enhancing emails in your inbox. The only caution you need is common sense; never EVER give ANY personal information EVER.

Finally, and most importantly, If one disapproves of the DLC shenanigans of any given publisher simply abstain from the purchase. There are always other alternatives.

Cheers and see ya’ll at Applebee’s; I’ll be sitting next to my wife as she plays 3DS.