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EA To Charge For Game Demos
Kohato brings word of a new Electronic Arts marketing strategy that aims to start monetizing game demos. According to industry analyst Michael Patcher after an EA investor visit, the publisher will start selling "premium downloadable content" prior to a game's release for $10-$15 that is essentially a longer-than-usual demo. Patcher said, "I think that the plan is to release PDLC at $15 that has 3-4 hours of gameplay, so [it has] a very high perceived value, then [EA will] take the feedback from the community (press and players) to tweak the follow-on full game that will be released at a normal packaged price point." He also made reference to a comment from EA's CEO John Riccitiello that "the line between packaged product sales and digital revenues would soon begin to blur."
Patcher said, "I think that the plan is to release PDLC at $15 that has 3-4 hours of gameplay, so [it has] a very high perceived value, then [EA will] take the feedback from the community (press and players) to tweak the follow-on full game that will be released at a normal packaged price point."
So essentially, I pay $15 for the "privilege" of being a beta tester? I get to play (part of) a prerelease version of the game, so I can tell them what needs to be fixed before it ships?
That last bit is especially rich, coming from a bloke named "Patcher."
Don't worry, EA has already thought this out.
Now you can download the demo of the demo. Just $4.99!
The ad for the demo of the demo. Just $1.99!
The teaser for the ad for the demo of the demo. Just $0.99!
Post fan posts discussing a potential new teaser for the ad for the demo of the demo. Just $0.10 a post!
You know you want it.
MMO Quests are like orgasms:
You may solo them, I prefer them in a group.
Yo dawg, I heard you like demos. So we put a demo in your demo so you can game while you game.
Your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.
Can I write you a check?
No, we bought it for $5-$10 on a floppy in a retail establishment. We also wore an onion on our belt, as was the style at the time.
Yes but since he is not EA you don't have to write it out in the blood of your firstborn blue or black pen is fine.
So you're saying I should have gotten MW2 for $15!
(Mod it funny; anyone who owns the game knows it took 5 hours)