On key marketplaces you'll often see the same game listed twice: once as a key and once, much cheaper, as an account. Here's what you're actually buying with each.
A key: the game on your account
A key is a code you redeem on your own Steam, Xbox, PlayStation or Nintendo account. Once redeemed, the game is yours permanently, just like buying it from the official store.
An account: a login to someone else's
An account listing sells you the email and password for an account that already has the game. You log in to that account to play.
That's why accounts are cheaper: one purchased game can sometimes be resold to several people, or the account is a cheap "shared" one.
The risks with accounts
- You don't really own it. The game isn't on your own account, so your progress, achievements and friends don't carry over.
- It can be taken back. The original owner may still control the email address and can change the password.
- Platform rules. Sharing or selling accounts usually goes against the terms of Steam, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo, and accounts can be restricted or banned.
- Online play. Some games behave differently on a shared account, especially online.
When might an account make sense?
If you just want to try a single-player game once, and you understand the risks, an account can be a cheap option. For anything you want to keep, play online, or play for a long time, a key is the safer buy.
How Zemly shows accounts
On Zemly, keys and accounts are listed together so you can see every price, but accounts are clearly labelled "Account", and you'll see a warning before you leave for one. Want keys only? Switch on Keys only above the store list.
Compare prices on popular games.