Last Updated on September 13, 2024
The world of online gaming can often be difficult to navigate. It’s even harder for gamers with little clues on where to get bargain-priced game codes.
You stumble upon a site that appears legitimate, only to discover that its gaming keys cost an arm and a leg. You then proceed to a website that promises “the bargain of the century,” only to be scammed out of your hard-earned dollars.
As a gamer who has faced these experiences, you’d be highly skeptical if someone recommended CDKeys to you. That’s because of the platform’s incredibly affordable game codes.
But is CDKeys a legitimate company or another big scam to beware of? Let’s find out.
What Is CDKeys?
CDKeys is a website that sells game codes, which you can use to unlock video games from popular gaming websites like Origin, Steam, and the PlayStation Network.
As we’ve already hinted, game codes by CDKeys are reasonably priced. That’s the primary feature that distinguishes this website from its close competitors like G2A and Kinguin. In fact, CDKeys game codes are so incredibly discounted that many of the website’s users often wonder whether they’re genuine.
CDKeys is owned by Omnyex E-Commerce, a Dubai-based wholesaler dealing in digital products. However, the company is run by Sensible Digital B.V which is based in the Netherlands. And while it’s best known for its bargain-priced game codes, CDKeys offers a number of other services, such as gift cards and top-ups.
Company Summary
- Name: CDKeys
- Industry: Video Game/Digital Distribution
- Date Founded: Unknown
- Founders: Unknown
- Owned By: Omnyex E-Commerce (based in Dubai)
- Run By: Sensible Digital B.V (based in the Netherlands)
- Country of Origin: Unknown
- Headquarters: Presumably the Netherlands
- Availability: Worldwide but some game codes are region-specific
- Current Status: Active
- Official Website Link: https://www.cdkeys.com/
What Are Game Codes?
A game code is a serial number consisting of a combination of letters and numbers, which can be used to unlock a game. Game codes are also known as game keys, activation codes, or product codes. They’re typically used to activate games on popular gaming websites like Steam.
It’s possible to access game codes by yourself. The keys are usually found on a sticker inside the case of a game. They may also be found printed on a game’s quick reference card.
However, third-party websites like CDKeys make it a lot easier to get your hands on game activation keys. Basically, these websites acquire product codes at lower costs, add markups to the keys, and then resell them at higher prices. The world of third-party game code reselling is known as the grey market.
It’s also worth noting that you can only use a game code once for a game. Activating the key allows you to receive the game in your account. If you ever lose the game and need to replay it, you won’t be able to unlock it using the same key. However, you can still download the game and play it through your gaming account.
A Brief History of CDKeys
CDKeys has been around since the early 2000s. However, it was not until 2013 that the website earned significant recognition. This was not by coincidence, considering that the year 2013 is also considered a breakthrough point in the third-party game code reselling industry. Those who’ve been keeping tabs on the industry would agree that this is the same period that other major players like Kinguin and G2A started to take off.
Over the years, CDKeys has endeavored to position itself as a reliable game key reselling platform. And while most of its competitors trade in other software services, CDKeys seems to specialize in game key reselling.
How Does Buying Game Codes From CDKeys Work?
The process of buying game keys from the CDKeys website is fairly straightforward. Here’s a brief overview of the procedure;
i. Create an account on the CDKeys website by heading to this link (https://www.cdkeys.com/customer/account/create/?mw_aref=0347857).
Since CDKeys operates as a seller and not a marketplace, all accounts created on the platform are purely buyer accounts.
ii. Select your desired product and add it to your shopping cart.
On the CDKeys homepage, you’ll see a list of all the gaming websites you can access using its game codes. There’s also the option of buying top-ups and gift cards.
iii. Pay for your product.
CDKeys supports several payment options. Note that the payment method you choose also determines the currency you can pay in.
iv. Complete the phone verification step.
v. Check your email for the game key.
vi. Click on the download link embedded in the email to download your code.
If the email doesn’t arrive after a couple of minutes, you can repeat the process and double-check your entries this time.
vii. Enter the game key in a relevant gaming website and install your game.
Is CDKeys Available In My Country?
CDKeys is a digital company. Therefore, it’s available in virtually any country in the world.
Note, however, that the keys obtained from CDKeys may not be used worldwide. It all depends on the availability of a gaming website. If in doubt, check a products’ labeling before completing your purchase.
Codes labeled “Worldwide” can generally be used anywhere in the world while those labeled “EU” will typically be available in Europe. Lastly, games tagged “UK” and “US” can only be unlocked in the United Kingdom and United States, respectively.
How Can I Pay For CDKeys Games?
CDKeys accepts payments by all major credit and debit cards, including;
• Visa
• MasterCard
• Maestro
• American Express
• Discover
• Diners Club
The website also accepts multiple online payment methods, such as;
• PayPal
• Skrill
• Neteller
• Sofort
• Alipay
• Bitcoin
• iDEAL
• Giropay
Which Currencies Does CDKeys Support?
As CDKeys mainly operates in Europe, you could be wondering if the website accepts currencies other than those predominantly used across the continent.
The answer is yes, you can pay for your game keys on CDKeys in various currencies, including;
• Great Britain Pound (GBP)
• Euro
• United States Dollar (USD)
• Australian Dollar (AUD)
However, note that billing is only done in GBP.
Why Should I Consider Buying Game Keys From CDKeys?
Affordability seems to be the main factor drawing gamers to the CDKeys website. CDKeys product codes are so cheap that an unfamiliar user may doubt their authenticity.
But why are these codes so incredibly discounted?
According to CDKeys, the company buys game keys in bulk from numerous clients spread all over the world. Buying in bulk means CDKeys gets its codes at discounted prices. Plus, the website incurs no distribution costs. Therefore, it’s easier to add small markups to their product codes without making losses.
CDKeys also maintains a clean and intuitive website. The game code buying process is fast and efficient too. Since everything is automated, the entire process generally takes five to ten minutes. You don’t have to wait for hours for your requests to go through human verification.
Last but not least, CDKeys supports numerous payment methods. The website also accepts multiple currencies.
What Might I Find Uncomfortable With CDKeys?
As with most third-party game key resellers, CDKeys codes are region-specific. These codes may be useless if you’re based in a country where the specific game is currently blocked.
Another not-so-great thing about CDKeys is the phone verification step when purchasing game keys from the platform. Although this step is necessary for combatting online identity theft, some users don’t understand why it must happen after paying for the game codes.
Summary
So, is CDKeys legit?
CDKeys is a legitimate game code reseller. The website offers discounted game keys for gamers of every budget.
CDKeys also works with major gaming websites, none of which has raised red flags about the company’s operations.
