What is Flower? That is the question many potential consumers -- outside of the blog loop -- may ask themselves before deciding to purchase the game. A demo seems like an easy fix. Not so fast, though. Kellee Santiago, president and co-founder of thatgamecompany, believes that a demo for Flower isn’t necessary.
In a recent reader response on the PlayStation blog, Santiago made her argument: “... I think the prices of downloadable games are so small that they kind of make demos unnecessary.” She then pointed out, “statistically they make a LOT less money when part of it is given away for free.”
Earlier last year, MTV Multiplayer broke down an EEDAR study about downloadable games sales. One of its findings substantiated Santiago’s thoughts. PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade games with demos undersell games that only have a trailer.
I contacted Santiago for further explanation on her comment. “As I said in the post, though, when it comes down to it - why did I buy Ico for $30 without a demo? Why did I buy Left 4 Dead for $50 without one?” she said. “Because I saw trailers, read some previews, and that was enough. “
Her comparison made me think. I didn’t bother with the L4D or Ico demos either. I saw trailers and made up my mind. “Why do I need more than that for something that is $8-$12?” she added. “A burrito from La Salsa costs about $8. Even if the game totally sucks, I'm not out that much cash.”
Contest:
1:25 PM on 01.21.2009
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It is a disgrace to me, that it is top of the sales charts on PSN, one way or another.
flower is a pretty basic concept that I don't think a demo is required at all. either you are sold on the concept or you are not and I am fucking sold! Give me the game already!
and i personally hate demos. here is a nibble of a slice of a pizza. its like the tip of the iceberg, you only see 10% of it and if you don't like that 10%, you won't want to play or see the other 90%. i think most demos hurt the game if ain't that one good level. most aren't that one good level. i tried the skate2 demo, did not like it. i like the first skate but with this one i'm not into it so i most likely now won't get, due to a fucking demo. and that's why i don't like them, they can give the wrong impression that the whole game won't have.
If anything playing a demo delays my purchase of a game, because my thirst for it is quenched.
Other times a demo can make me even more undecided on a game. Valkyria Chronicles demo was good, but it was missing something that made me think I had to buy it.
After seeing it for £20 I thought, why not. Best descision of the year. The music, cutscenes, characters and story are all of what's missing from the demo.
Had there not been a demo, I probably would have picked it up on release for much more.
I feel bad about getting so much enjoyment out of what was meant to be a trial, so I'll likely pay the $10 for it soon
Yeah I'm always hesitant to spend even $10 on a DLC game as you don't really know what you are getting into sometimes....