Why the Humble Monthly Bundle doesn’t really work for the Steam Sale enthusiast

The Humble Bundle has been my primary source of attaining a lot of games, specifically indies, that I would have normally not bought at full price. Also, the fact that I can choose where my money goes to, specifically charities, made me at least feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I get games, and the money goes to a good cause.

About a month ago, the Humble Monthly Bundle was announced, which by today's standards shouldn't be a surprise. There's a monthly box for nearly everything; Healthy snacks, geek toys, clothes, make-up, board games, retro games, and so much more. Naturally, the Humble folks jumped on the bandwagon and are now offering something similar.

For a modest price of $12 a month, which actually isn't all that bad, you get a slew of curated games that range from lovable indies, to AAA titles. The problem here is that you have no idea what games will be in the next bundle. Sure, other monthly boxes operate on the same level; They're always a mystery, but the Humble Monthly Bundle doesn't necessarily work in your favor in that way, unless of course you've never indulged in any big PC sale. You see, Steam, GoG, GMG, GamersGate, all those digital PC services host numerous sales throughout the year, offering games at dirt cheap prices. Witcher 2 for $4? Yep. Borderlands 2 for $5. Of course. Half-Life 2 for $2.50? Absolutely! Impulse buyers indulge in sales like these.

Now let's take a look at the titles that appeared in this month's Humble Monthly Bundle:

Not a bad selection at all! However thanks to previous sales, I already own Saints Row IV, Besiege, Valkyria Chronicles, TowerFall Ascension and Legend of Grimrock II. So really all I'd be paying $12 for this month was Sanctuary RPG and Lethal League. Granted, both of those games combined would equal out to almost $22, but I think that's missing the point of the bundle. What stings even more is that those who didn't order this month's bundle, can't do so anymore, which would have been a good move letting people see the game's first. But I digress, that would ruin the whole point.

Now, new PC gamers that are just starting their collection, the Humble Monthly is an amazing deal. All of these games combined would equal out to just over a $100, so paying only $12 almost seems like stealing.

If, like me, you indulged in many years of Steam Summer Sales, GoG Sales, and the like, you might want to skip out on this otherwise amazing deal. Chances are, you'll already own 80% of the games Humble will be pushing out.