New games, free play and what is legal in the UK

New games appear every week, on consoles, mobiles and in the browser. Fresh New Games picks out releases worth a look, explains free-to-play models and clarifies what the UK rules say about bonus offers and online slots.

Gambling sections are for adults (18+) only and stress playing within limits. This is an independent site, not affiliated with any studio or operator.

Joueur devant un écran affichant des monnaies virtuelles, avec un smartphone et une calculatrice pour en évaluer le coût réel.

10/11/2026

In-Game Currencies: Why Games Use Them and How to See the Real Cost

Marcus Polglase

Coins, gems, crystals, tokens, credits and points are now common in digital games. They may pay for cosmetic items, extra attempts, characters, equipment, building materials, access to events or faster...

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Un adulte et un adolescent testent ensemble un jeu vidéo dans un salon, avec une manette en main et l’écran affichant une scène de jeu générique.

09/11/2026

Game Demos and Free Trials: Where to Find Them and What They Include

Marcus Polglase

Game demos and free trials both let players try a game before making a full purchase, but they do not provide the same type of access. A demo is usually...

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Joueur observant sur son ordinateur un environnement de jeu vidéo encore inachevé, dans un bureau éclairé par la lumière naturelle.

05/11/2026

Early Access Explained: What It Means and Whether It Is Worth Buying

Marcus Polglase

In video games, early access means that a game can be purchased and played before its developer considers it complete. The available version is usually functional enough to test, but...

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Joueur devant un écran affichant la mise à jour d’un jeu vidéo, avec une console, une manette et une boîte de jeu sur le bureau.

02/11/2026

Day-One Patches: Why New Games Get Updated at Launch

Marcus Polglase

A day-one patch is an update released around the official launch of a video game. It may become available before release, on launch day, or shortly afterwards. The update can...

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Joueur vérifiant attentivement un battle pass affiché sur un écran avant d’effectuer un achat.

28/10/2026

Battle Passes Explained: What You Get and What to Check Before Paying

Marcus Polglase

A battle pass is a time-limited reward system built into a video game. Players complete matches, challenges or other activities to earn progression points, unlock levels and receive in-game items...

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Smartphone displaying a colorful mobile game beside coins and a game controller, with a hand hesitating before making a purchase.

25/10/2026

How Free-to-Play Games Make Money: The Main Business Models Explained

Marcus Polglase

A free-to-play game does not usually mean that no money is involved. It means that the basic game can be downloaded and played without an upfront purchase. The publisher then...

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06/02/2025

How Can I Play Legal No-Deposit Online Slots in the UK?

Understanding the concept of no-deposit online slots is the first step in playing legal no-deposit online slots in the UK. In light of this, here are a couple of things...

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