Best Buy is leading the retail charge by offering a $10 digital gift card for preordering major upcoming titles like The Blood of Dawnwalker and EA Sports FC 27.

  • Get a free $10 Best Buy digital gift card with select game preorders.
  • Qualifying titles include The Blood of Dawnwalker, Ace Combat 8, FC 27, and NHL 27.
  • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 preorders include an exclusive free steelbook case.

The era of widespread preorder discounts from giants like Amazon and Best Buy may seem to have faded, but Best Buy is single-handedly reviving the spirit of the deal. In a move to reward early adopters, the retailer is offering a free $10 digital gift card upon the launch of several highly anticipated video games this fall.

The Lineup: Which Games Qualify?

With the industry shifting toward $70 and even $80 price points for premium titles, these small incentives provide much-needed relief for consumers. Currently, four major titles are part of this promotion:

The Blood of Dawnwalker (PS5, XSX)

Launching on September 3, this open-world action-RPG is being developed by the creative minds behind The Witcher 3. Set in 14th-century Europe, players inhabit the role of a Dawnwalker—a hybrid human-vampire fighting to reclaim control from powerful vampire overlords in the Carpathian Mountains.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve (PS5, XSX)

For fans of high-octane aerial combat, Ace Combat 8 arrives in late September or early October. The game promises intense military missions, complex dogfights, and advanced weaponry mechanics.

EA Sports FC 27 (PS5, XSX, Switch 2)

The successor to the FIFA franchise continues to evolve. This edition promises ultra-realistic gameplay and the introduction of 'The Grounds,' a new Clubs experience designed for social recruitment and competitive play. Notably, this feature is exclusive to next-gen hardware.

EA Sports NHL 27 (PS5, XSX)

Releasing on September 11, NHL 27 brings all 32 NHL arenas to life with enhanced crowd graphics. Preordering not only secures the $10 gift card but also includes a player pack, 500 NHL Points, and a WOC 2XP Boost.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that as AAA gaming costs escalate, retailers must find creative ways to drive pre-launch engagement. By offering digital currency rather than direct discounts, retailers maintain their margins while still providing perceived value to the consumer.

Retailers are pivoting from direct price cuts to value-added incentives to combat the rising costs of premium game development.
Did You Know?: The gaming industry's revenue now surpasses both the global film and music industries combined.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is the $10 gift card applied immediately?
No, the digital gift card is typically issued at the time of the game's launch.

Question 2: Does Call of Duty come with a gift card?
No, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 features a different exclusive: a free premium steelbook case.