Free Trial Open to the Public

[lazarus]

I made a post on this subject at mmorpg.com. I can't be bothered to type it all again, so here's a copy/paste...

Personally, I think the free trial is a good idea. I think all MMOGs should have free trials as early as possible. Let me explain why...

In many cases, you're expected to buy the box and you usually get the first month included. This is OK, but I (and apparently many others) don't want to shell out for a game we might not like. As a result of this, many people are discouraged from trying a lot of MMOGs. I for one wouldn't consider buying a MMOG unless I could try it first - every MMOG I've played has either been the result of participating in the beta (which many view as a free trial anyway) or downloading a free trial. I wouldn't mind having a go at WoW or EQ2, but they just don't interest me enough to entice me to pay for the box. Having said that, I might have a go at a trial of one or the other and absolutely love it and decide to subscribe, but as it stands now neither will get my money or time until there's a trial. I played AC2 for 6 months off the back of the free trial, and only stopped when Ryzom was released (I can only afford one MMOG at a time).

I've seen many games I think I might be interested in, but I don't have the money to buy the box on the offchance I'll like it enough to pay a subscription for it. A free trial is the ideal way for me to try a game out, and if I like it I can subscribe, if not, I can leave it and not lose anything other than some time.

Demos are something that many companies provide for single player games for this very reason. There are *very* few SP games I'd consider buying without trying it first (HL2 is one), why should MMOGs be any different?

[oddie]

I think this is a good idea as well. With a free trial some may decide it is a good gift during the holiday season.........

Santa are you listening??

[jeffhill]

Its no conspiracy.... they are just trying to increase their player base. Its one of those games where playing it will show the game off much better than printed media. Even Microsoft allows you to download Office2003 as a trial... so I guess they are desperate too ?

[wicker]

That's great! I'll be keeping an eye out for new players. I'm going to make some posts on popular game boards when it's time. Would be nice if they had it on fileplanet or something too. I know I personally never buy an MMO without a trial or beta. Trials are a must for these games.

[zukor]

Come on now, this is a relatively small game spread by word of mouth, mostly, and not heavily advertised-- what else do you want Nevrax to do?

Not sure I agree with that part of your post. I saw lots of adds for ryzom for many months in PC Gamer, for example. That kind of advertising doesn't come cheap, and is actually the reason I'm trying this game.

Doctor Z.

[pcheez]

LOL!! Pessimist

Wolf

Pessimism is just a hobby . Personally have a lot of faith in ryzom. Its an amazing game and well most of us were hooked due to beta, which was free.

[lordzren]

people are forgetting its normal for a mmorpg to offer some kind of free trial.

this dosnt mean they are finding it hard to keep pops up.

most people go for free trials then get the game.

there is like 30 mmorpgs which offer a free trial. why not tap into that market.


one thing tho.

at the end of the 2 weeks free trial do you then get 1 month after paying for your account?

if so can we all have 2 exta weeks free please

[grobb]

Interesting date for the Free Trial

November 08-- SoR Free Trial

November 08-- Everquest 2 is released.

I was looking forward to that day. I had planned on starting EQ2 on that date..then i read the following..
http://eq2.forums.thedruidsgrove.org/sh ... ge=1&pp=15

because of that thread i have abandoned any plans in the short term to go to EQ2. I did have my SoR acct cancelled. i have since reactivated.

Looks like i will be playing SoR for a few months atleast. Patch 1 and 2 will be the big deciding factor for me.

[seedyman]

I think this is a good idea as well. With a free trial some may decide it is a good gift during the holiday season.........

Santa are you listening??

Attention: Santa will be late this year, 'cause he's busy playing all the new games.

[nihir]

Um. I played for under 14 days. Can I return the box and get a refund?