Seems Like a Lot of People Will Use the Demo to Test Their System

[jtwood]

That hardly seems like the reason a demo is created.

I have no idea how plausible this is, but wouldn't it save a ton of bandwidth and time on everyone's part if they built a web tool that could evaluate our system?

 

[Fin]

There are already tools like that, but they're flawed and have people confused and doubtful that they can run the game at whatever level they want to run it at. I don't see the problem with people using the demo as a system test, myself.

 

[Tridus]

Since the demo is the same game engine and assets, it's the only 100% accurate testing tool. A system checker can just compare specs to what your system is reporting, but it can't take into account things like tuning or performance problems on your system.

I think that IS a good use of a demo, really.

 

[gstommylee]

There are already tools like that, but they're flawed and have people confused and doubtful that they can run the game at whatever level they want to run it at. I don't see the problem with people using the demo as a system test, myself.

yea it only checks what is the minimal you have to need to run it and what you need to run it at the recommend specs. It doesn't take into account that the game is scalable.

 

[gibson1314]

How do we download the demo? From steam or Civ website.

 

[Kruelgor]

Yeah, definitely. If someone is unsure if their system can handle then why not. Give the demo a shot.

 

[Schuesseled]

To check my system and drain away 3 rediculous days waiting for a UK release, don't mind if i do, tank you demo.

 

[gstommylee]

How do we download the demo? From steam or Civ website.

I believe through steam.

 

[ZimbuTheMonkey]

Umm...

PC games have system requirements which are freely available:

System Requirements
Minimum:

OS: Windows® XP SP3/ Windows® Vista SP2/ Windows® 7
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz or AMD Athlon X2 64 2.0 GHz
Memory: 2GB RAM
Graphics:256 MB ATI HD2600 XT or better, 256 MB nVidia 7900 GS or better, or Core i3 or better integrated graphics
DirectX®: DirectX® version 9.0c
Hard Drive: 8 GB Free
Sound: DirectX 9.0c-compatible sound card

Recommended:

OS: Windows® Vista SP2/ Windows® 7
Processor: 1.8 GHz Quad Core CPU
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: 512 MB ATI 4800 series or better, 512 MB nVidia 9800 series or better
DirectX®: DirectX® version 11
Hard Drive: 8 GB Free
Sound: DirectX 9.0c-compatible sound card

Also, demos are an excellent way to see if you meet the specs. What's the problem with that?

 

[Savoir10]

http://store.steampowered.com/freestuff/demos/

Should find it here on the 21st.

 

[Buccaneer]

I will most certainly be using the demo solely for that purpose, just like I did for Mafia2. With so many reviews (and ultimately, gameplay experiences after Tuesday), why else would I use the demo for?

Coincidently, the PC I built (almost 4 years ago) is exactly at Minimum: Dual-Core, 2gb RAM and GeForce 7900 GS. I don't know what that means for actual gameplay - whether it'll be marginal or adequate. I'll be building a new one later this year anyways.