What is a game account, and how is it different from a key?
A key is an activation code. You redeem it on Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox, Nintendo eShop or another platform, and the game is added permanently to your own library, on your own account.
An account is different: you receive login credentials to an account that already owns the game. You sign in to that account to play. The game is not added to your own library, and you play it through the account you bought rather than your usual profile.
| Game key | Game account | |
|---|---|---|
| What you receive | An activation code | Login credentials to an existing account |
| Where the game lives | Your own library | The account you bought |
| Region | Often locked to an activation region | Region does not apply to account activation |
| Conditions | The platform's normal rules | May have usage conditions, such as offline mode |
If you want the game on your own account, choose a key edition instead. Browse keys on the games catalogue.