There should be a demo

[helpless_writer]

Since people are still iffy about steam Firaxis/2K should release a demo a week or two before the release date and allow people to test the game out. This way people can try the game, use steam and 2k/Firaxis can hopefully get good word of mouth.

Also, maybe it should be a multiplayer demo so that it destroys any type of worry...

 

[Mercade]

If I recall correctly, there was a 100 turn demo of Civ 4 at the time. There hasn't been any info as to whether or not there'll be a Civ 5 demo. Personally I don't really mind much. I'm getting the game anyway Concerning the release of a demo before the release of the game itself, that's not likely going to happen.

As to the good word of mouth, I'm positive that when the game comes out there'll be reviews all over the place as well as feedback on this fine forum from a lot of people who have purchased the game and played it.

 

[Col Kurtz]

One neat thing about Steam is that full featured demos can be offered in the form of free weekends. The game is free to download and play in full during that time, but once it's over, you have to buy the game to keep playing. I've never noticed it done near or before the release of a game on Steam though. However, it always works to make me buy games (TF2 most recently).

A normal, 100 turn type demo would be cool too. Personally though, I know I'll be buying the game at some point, and I'd rather Firaxis put their efforts into the main game instead of a demo. But it would be good for convincing friends to buy it...

 

[astrognash]

Let's just hope that if there's a demo, then it's not like the demo of BTS, which is 100 turns of a scenario that has been modded so much that it little reflects the actual game.

 

[Sleepehead]

One neat thing about Steam is that full featured demos can be offered in the form of free weekends. The game is free to download and play in full during that time, but once it's over, you have to buy the game to keep playing. I've never noticed it done near or before the release of a game on Steam though. However, it always works to make me buy games (TF2 most recently).

A normal, 100 turn type demo would be cool too. Personally though, I know I'll be buying the game at some point, and I'd rather Firaxis put their efforts into the main game instead of a demo. But it would be good for convincing friends to buy it...

They only do free weekends for other games outside of TF2 and L4D after it's release. Usually about 1 month or so. And I've only seen Unreal tournament, TF2, and L4D have more than 1 free weekend.

Demo would be the best choice

 

[Schuesseled]

I dont think this game needs a demo, if one came out, i'd definetly play it but it would just end up leaving me wanting a lot more.

 

[PieceOfMind]

I dont think this game needs a demo, if one came out, i'd definetly play it but it would just end up leaving me wanting a lot more.

So it would be a successful demo, right?

 

[Alki]

Sounds like the lad is watering at the mouth already.

 

[V. Soma]

No hope for a pre-release demo, I am afraid.

All will happen that Take2 will give the game to IGN, Gamespot and the like some 3-4 weeks before release to write the hands-on pieces, see:

IGN

Civilization IV Review - October 21, 2005, Review
6,000 years of fun packed into a single game.

Oct 7

Civilization IV - October 07, 2005, Preview
From BC to AD, we go hands on with the upcoming sequel.

Gamespot

Civilization IV Review
If you have even a passing interest in strategy games, world history, or getting less sleep at night, you owe it to yourself to give Civilization IV a try.
Review - Posted Oct 26, 2005 6:04 pm PT


Sep 20-22

Civilization IV Hands-On - The Middle and Late Eras of the Game
We play around with the middle to late parts of a Civ IV game to get a feel for what to expect.
Preview - Posted Sep 22, 2005 7:00 pm PT

Civilization IV World Exclusive Hands-On
It's one of the most anticipated games of the year, and we played the heck out of it.
Preview - Posted Sep 20, 2005 5:11 pm PT

 

[mattigus]

Outside of Valve games, free weekends on Steam usually mean the game isn't selling well enough.

 

[Schuesseled]

So it would be a successful demo, right?

no not really. I already want the game. Not fair to give a half strip tease, then slide the cover back on the box.

 

[Quintillus]

They only do free weekends for other games outside of TF2 and L4D after it's release. Usually about 1 month or so. And I've only seen Unreal tournament, TF2, and L4D have more than 1 free weekend.

Demo would be the best choice

I'm almost sure I've seen Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare 2 have two free weekends on Steam. And it certainly wasn't due to it not selling well enough.

But I agree that a demo would be better overall. Then anyone who's thinking of buying the game can try it any time they like, which may well not coincide with a free weekend. And while I'd like to play a demo before making a purchasing decision, it wouldn't be a major deal to me if the demo weren't out at release - I'd rather Firaxis work on the game up until the publishing guideline, and then make a demo, than sacrifice release quality just to get a demo out early.

 

[PieceOfMind]

no not really. I already want the game. Not fair to give a half strip tease, then slide the cover back on the box.

If you already know you want the game, you are probably not the target audience of the demo, so in effect you're irrelevant.

 

[kaltorak]

I would only want a demo to be able to play sooner will buy the game anyway.

 

[Alki]

Might be nice to have a demo to get an idea of tactics, strategy and the game interface so you could start a proper game straight out of the box*

*Or after 500 attempts to access steam because it will be crazily busy after release.

 

[davbenbak]

A demo will usually give me a good idea how the game will work on my system. I have made system up-grades just to play a particular game going back as far as the original Wolfenstein. After I bought Civ4 the first day it hit the shelves I was left with a bad taste in my mouth which I don't care to repeat. I'm also not 12 years old any more means bragging on forums that "I got it first" just it's that important to me. I will wait for a demo to be released before I buy the game. Besides, it will give me something to do between game release and the first patch update.