Not everybody has 24 hours to burn through a hit game like The Last of Us. But if you do, you’ll want to click on over to Redbox.com.
From August 18-22, users who reserve a game online through Redbox will be able to rent that game for one night for free. OK, so it’s only a $2 credit. Still, it’s a chance to rent a game without paying for a monthly service like Gamefly, which charges a minimum of $16 per month.
“Games Week was one of our most popular games promotions last year, so we’re bringing it back this year for round two,” said Joel Resnik, vice president of video games, at Redbox, in a statement. “Games Week is a fantastic way for everyone to get a quick hands-on trial of the hottest games Redbox offers.”
Games are available to rent for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii platforms, Redbox said. Reserving online isn’t just the only way to redeem the coupon, but also to ensure that the game is actually available. (For example, a quick search for The Last of Us failed to turn up availability at any locations near me in San Francisco or in my home in the East Bay, where the game was available.) Also note that some games—again, such as The Last of Us—restrict the game to single player mode, so multiplayer options won’t be available.
Obviously, Redbox hopes that you’ll need another day or two with the game to full enjoy it, and put an additional $2 or $4 in the company’s coffers. Only August 18 falls on a weekend, which also will restrict one’s gaming time, unless you develop a sudden case of the late-summer flu.
Nevertheless, free stuff is always a good idea. And if you have to go a day over, be sure and check out some of the coupon sites, whose one-time Redbox discounts can sometimes net you a free rental or credit.