If you shop on Amazon, you probably have a Prime membership mainly because of the fast shipping. But is it possible that you are overlooking one of its most beneficial features? Prime Gaming (which used to be called Twitch Prime) is giving away a mountain of free games and special content every month, but still, most people do not know that this service is available.
Prime Gaming is not only a mere bonus; rather it has grown into a real rival in the subscription gaming area offering “keep forever” games that can compete with services that charge a fee.
What is Prime Gaming and why should you care?
Prime Gaming is a premium experience included with Amazon Prime and Prime Video memberships. It provides members with free PC games to download and keep, exclusive in-game content (skins, currency, boosters) for popular titles, and a free monthly subscription to a Twitch channel.
The Cost:
Prime Gaming is included at no extra cost with your Amazon Prime membership.
- US Price: ~$14.99/month or $139/year for the full Prime membership.
- Standalone: It is not available as a standalone purchase, though it is included with the cheaper Prime Video-only plan ($8.99/mo) in some regions.
What makes it special?
Different from other services wherein no access to games is granted upon discontinuation of payment (such as Netflix or Xbox Game Pass), the PC games obtained through Prime Gaming are always yours. The games will still be in your library on GOG, Epic Games Store, or Amazon Games even if you withdraw your Prime membership later.
How Prime Gaming is changing the gaming industry
Prime Gaming operates on a different model than its competitors. Instead of trying to be the “Netflix of Games” that you pay for separately, it acts as a massive value-add to the Amazon ecosystem.
This shift has impacted the industry in two key ways:
- Reviving Classics: The practice of distributing well-known older titles (such as Deus Ex or Fallout) for free, not only revives the player communities, but also creates a hype for the game series which otherwise would be sleeping.
- Indie Discovery: The appearance of a lesser-known developer’s game in the monthly list of Prime Gaming always guarantees the project to get millions of views, which often results in a non-monetary surge in players that could not be bought.
Top 5 games that define Prime Gaming’s appeal
The library rotates monthly, and December 2025 has brought an unusually strong lineup. Here are five titles that showcase the variety and quality on offer right now:
1. LEGO 2K Drive
A high-budget, open-world racing game that lets you build your own vehicles brick-by-brick. It’s a perfect family title that normally costs full retail price, available for free to claim this month.
2. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
A cyberpunk RPG masterpiece. While it’s a few years old, its narrative depth and stealth mechanics remain top-tier. Prime Gaming often features “complete” editions like this, giving you the full experience with all DLCs.
3. Fallout 1 & 2
With the massive success of the Fallout TV show on Prime Video, Amazon has synergized its benefits by giving away the classic CRPGs that started it all. These are the “keep forever” GOG versions, meaning they are DRM-free.
4. Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus
A stunning hand-drawn indie platformer inspired by Japanese folklore. This represents the “hidden gem” side of Prime Gaming—introducing you to critically acclaimed indie hits you might have missed.
5. Shadow of the Tomb Raider (via Luna)
In addition to downloadable games, Prime members can stream high-end titles via Amazon Luna. This month, the finale of Lara Croft’s origin trilogy is playable instantly on your Fire TV or tablet without any downloads.
Tips for getting the most out of your Prime Gaming subscription
Many users leave value on the table. Here is how to maximize your benefits:
- Link All Your Accounts: Connect your Amazon account to Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, and Riot Games. Once linked, many games (like LEGO 2K Drive or Valorant skins) can be claimed with a single click and automatically appear in those launchers.
- Set a Monthly Reminder: The free games lineup changes on the first Thursday of every month, with smaller drops weekly. If you miss the claim window, you miss the game forever.
- Use Your Twitch Sub: You get one free subscription (worth $4.99) to support a Twitch streamer every month. This doesn’t auto-renew, so you have to manually apply it every 30 days.
- Try Luna Cloud Gaming: If you don’t have a powerful gaming PC, check the “Prime Gaming” tab on Amazon Luna. You can stream a rotating selection of games (like Fortnite or Resident Evil 2) to your phone or TV for free.
How does Prime Gaming impact developers and discoverability?
For developers, Prime Gaming offers a unique alternative to traditional sales.
The “velvet rope” effect:
By offering exclusive in-game content (like a special skin in Apex Legends or Call of Duty), developers drive long-term retention. Players are reminded to log back in to use their new gear, keeping the game’s ecosystem healthy.
Second Life for Games:
When a game like Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is given away, it often sees a spike in player activity and streaming interest. This can lead to increased sales of sequels or related merchandise, proving that “free” distributions can be profitable marketing tools.
How does Prime Gaming differ from Xbox Game Pass?
While both offer games, they serve different needs.
| Feature | Prime Gaming | Xbox Game Pass Ultimate |
| Ownership | You keep the games forever (PC only) | You lose access if you cancel |
| Library Size | ~15-20 curated games per month | 400+ games available anytime |
| Day One Releases | Rare (Usually older AA/AAA or Indies) | Yes (All Microsoft 1st party games) |
| Platform | PC (Download), FireTV/Mobile (Streaming) | Xbox, PC, Cloud |
| Cost | Included in Prime ($139/yr) | ~$19.99/month (~$240/yr) |
Is Prime Gaming worth it?
If you are looking for a gaming subscription to replace buying games entirely, Xbox Game Pass is the superior product.
However, Prime Gaming is arguably the best value in gaming because it is effectively “free” for the 200 million people who already have Amazon Prime.
- For PC Gamers: It is a no-brainer. The value of the free games often exceeds $400+ per year.
- For Console Gamers: The value is lower, limited mostly to in-game loot (skins/currency) and the occasional cloud game via Luna.
Final thoughts on Prime Gaming
Prime Gaming has quietly become a powerhouse perk. It doesn’t try to compete directly with the massive libraries of Game Pass or PS Plus; instead, it focuses on building your permanent library and enhancing the games you already play with free loot.
If you have an Amazon Prime account, stop scrolling and go link your gaming accounts. You typically have hundreds of dollars worth of games waiting to be claimed right now.