I am very new to HOG and IHOG games and to Big Fish Games in particular. I downloaded one game from them and all went well.

I see they have a "punch" card for which you earn points for each game you purchase and download.

Questions:
Do I have to be a member of their monthly membership club (for which I have to pay a fee) to get "punches" on their card when I purchase something?

Do I have to download what I purchase immediately, or can I download later in time (when I have access to my new home computer)?

The punches/punchcards are for Game Club members only. Being a member of the Game Club only obligates you to spending $6.99 a month (for which you get one game credit), so if you buy at least one game a month it makes sense to join the Game Club.

After you buy the game, about 15-20 minutes later the game shows up in your Purchase History and you can download it from there whenever you are ready to do so--just click where it says, "My Account," and then you will see "Purchase History."

Thanks Marian

My thanks to you too, Marian; sometimes I can't get to download at the time of purchase so now I know I can do the download at my leisure.

Hi, Mary!

In addition to the information Marian gave to you, Big Fish Club Members receive a discount on all games. Regular games are priced at $9.99, but Club Members only pay $6.99. Collector's Editions are priced at $19.99, but Club Members only pay $13.99 and still receive 3 punch card credits.

If you plan to download at least 6 games a month, it would be worth it to become a Club Member because any games you download using your punch card credits and your Big Fish Game Club Member credit count towards your purchases.

Susan

Susan,
I don't think I would buy many games, at least not right now, so I think I'll skip on the membership, at least for now.

Mary, When I first joined Bf years ago they had different packages available( not anymore, now it is one flat rate). I did sign up for the premium package of 12 games a year @6.99 a game , thinking that I would never buy that many games.Hahaha, I have purchased well over 100 games from them!!! You will be surprised at how many games you will buy( see the thread on BFG game addiction) It is worth becoming a member, you can always cancel at any time. There is a monthly recurring charge on you credit card, if you become a member, but it is cheaper in the long run. No matter what you decide you will end up loving BF, just like the rest of us.

thracia

Don't forget, the monthly charge is for 1 game credit and the credits don't go away. I have 13 right now. Even if I decided to quit the club, I'd retain my credits and be able to use them at will.

Hi, Psychic l4l !

You just answered the question I was about to ask because I wasn't sure if you could carry over Club Member credits or if you had to use them in the month they were issued as is the case with punch card credits. I usually use mine up in record time, but it's nice to know I don't have to.

Thanks!

Susan

I love this feature. I tend to go in streaks so it's nice when I save up a few credits.

Game Club credits do not have an expiration date as long as you remain a member.

They DO EXPIRE, however, 180 days after you cancel your membership.

Some information about Big Fish Games' prices and credit/coupon structure can be found here (it is a link to a Big Fish Games Forum post): Official new price info