Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony Disagree On Demos For Downloadable Games

[jamotto]

Got to have Demo's, try before you buy FTW.

[AlanSmithee]

Demos are a must, i really love them and they give me to try before buy. or check out games i never would buy otherwise.

Also Demo's would be the only sensible answer on the war on piracy, a lot of people download illegal games beacause there not sure its worth the hefty price-tag.

if you connect the demo to the oppertunity to do a inpuls buy (like microsoft does on live-arcade) you're have a perfect marketing tool.

That said i want to take the oppertunity to relieve a long lingering headache.
Why the *#@ you only can pay for the "arcade games" on PS network with a credit card? Its not like i'm going to apply for a credit card soon (in europe its not so commin as in VS) and i dont think Kids having a credit card (poor mom & dads) i think they should add a paypal option or, like Xbox, pre-paid credits wich you can purchase at your local gamedealer. until then i think PS is going to lose income from the online content , maybe just a little but still the same.

paypal or prepaid-credits would in my opinion be a great added service on the PSN:thumbup:

[mobiusdt]

I think the whole thing is quite ironic as far as nintendo is concerned. I mean their whole motto when the system came out was "play to believe", I guess they really meant "pay to believe". I mean I love nintendo, I've owned every console they came out with since the nes I got 20 years ago (with the exception of the virtual boy) but come on. A single level demo, or a timed demo usually give me enough playtime to make an educated decision on whether or not to purchase a game. I am MUCH less likely to buy a game I have never played. But, if I know I enjoy a game, and I can acquire the full package, you better believe I'm getting it. The only reasons someone would be hesitant to make a demo are:

1) They have enough of a name not to have to worry about it (ie SSBB)

2) The product is sooo weak that a demo would deter anyone from purchasing it (ie turning point, they might have stood a chance if it weren't for that demo)

3) Gameplay would not work in a demo situation (I really can't think of a good example of this though)

I think most nintendo wii games fit in those first two, but VC games and WiiWare should have demos. I mean if a game (on a physical disc) sucks you can at least trade it in for something better. Downloadable content you just delete it and mourn your lost moneys.