The issue is that I think there are Steam bundles that can’t be gifted, such as the Valve pack and that kind of thing. That also makes something like Civ 6 less likely, just because of the DLC bundles. I can also use Fanatical or Humble but frankly the region thing might be an issue.
This guy has played every console-available game under the sun before around 2020. So I’m focusing more on what he’s not likely to have played. He’s more of a soulslike/fighting game guy and I’m more of a simulation and eurojank enjoyer, so the recommendations don’t always carry across.
That said, I’ve been thinking newer games like Animal Well that are sure to be received well, but it’d suck if he already played it on something else. Would be a funny inclusion as well, a 35 megabyte 2D platformer for his new gaming desktop.
Any suggestions?
Instead just buy something he wants to play so you can play it together. Or at least talk about it.
Sit down with them on their new gaming machine and sign them up for Steam or GOG. While they are doing that, slyly buy Steam or GOG credits on your phone and gift them to your buddy. Have your buddy go through the automated recommendations and gently inform your buddy whether a game is worth their time or not. And then watch as they add games to their wishlist thinking that they are going to pay a bunch for it.
I mean, they will eventually. No one in the MPCR escapes spending a fortune on their wishlist.