Sony may get a ton of flack for its “lackluster” and “overpriced subscription service but its offering, the PlayStation Plus, has quietly improved since its restructuring two years ago. Its most expensive tier, PS Plus Premium (or Deluxe, in certain territories), has now amassed an impressive collection of trials or demos that span the spectrum from the usual blockbuster hits to hidden indie gems, giving developers of all sizes equal opportunity to get eyes on them.
For $18 a month, $50 for three months, or $160 a year, a PS Plus Premium subscription gives you access to over a hundred video game trials. The selection ranges from high-profile exclusive titles like God of War: Ragnarok to easily forgotten remasters of classic titles like Tactics Ogre Reborn.
This is on top of everything you get from the two lower tiers: Essential and Extra.
Sony’s decision to include game trials in PS Plus Premium comes amidst a resurgence of video game demos. Perhaps driven by a realization that the market is now overflowing with options, a growing number of developers are releasing well-crafted demos as part of their effort to significantly boost their game’s visibility and sales potential. This marks a departure from past beliefs, where it was thought that demos could negatively impact sales by satisfying gamers’ curiosity without leading to a purchase. However, the current gaming landscape, characterized by its sheer volume of high-profile and budget-friendly releases, has shifted the narrative, emphasizing the value of demos in drawing in players who might otherwise overlook a title.
Unicorn Overlord is an example of a game that most would’ve passed on that benefitted from a demo. Ahead of its release on consoles on March 8, Unicorn Overlord gained a lot of traction among tactics RPG fans because of the demo that launched on February 23.
While it currently isn’t part of the PS Plus Premium trial lineup, the point remains – demos work.
In Sony’s case, its implementation of timed trials is an innovative twist on traditional demos. Unlike conventional demos, which offer a limited slice of the game, these timed trials provide access to the full game for a set period. This approach allows the player to immerse themselves more deeply inside the game’s world, making an informed decision about their purchase. Furthermore, any progress made during the trial carries over to its full release. This adds a layer of continuity and encourages players to take the plunge and buy the full game after already investing anywhere between 30 minutes to five hours in it.
Square Enix and Capcom are two other companies that have fully embraced the demo model. Most if not all of their recent releases have had demos, seeing positive results in terms of sales and player engagement. Although Forspoken might have suffered terribly from this decision, the game was likely doomed from the start already. Save for the lone outlier, Square’s demos have succeeding in showcasing their work to audiences from the highly divisive Final Fantasy 16 to their most recent universally acclaimed title, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which may or may not be selling as well as expected.
However, the concept of game demos isn’t without its challenges. Crafting a demo that accurately represents a game while avoiding spoilers or overwhelming players requires careful balance. It adds to the already taxing work developers have cut out for them as well ahead of a game’s launch. Finally, the rise of social media amplifies any issues that’s in the demo, potentially harming a game’s reputation before its full release.
Stellar Blade, for example, recently went viral for its NSFW “Skin Suit” following a minor slip-up resulting in the leaking of an incomplete demo of the game. Hidden among the praise is the fact that it wasn’t as fully ready, which is probably why the demo still isn’t out yet. Shift Up is likely polishing it up ahead of a full release. Although this situation isn’t representative of a well-planned demo launch, it remains a potential risk.
Ultimately, the benefits of demos or the PS Plus Premium trials, are clear. They’re one of the most valuable tools for discovery in an increasingly crowded marketplace. For a low price (and often for free), they allow players to experiment with the different genres as well as styles of play. For developers, demos represent an opportunity to connect with potential customers, offering a taste of their game’s unique qualities and convincing players of its worth.
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