Valve has made an exciting addition to its Steam client by introducing 90-minute free trials, starting with the highly anticipated Dead Space remake. Available until May 29, players can now experience a substantial portion of the game and explore the eerie depths of the USG Ishimura within the time frame. Furthermore, to celebrate the launch of the game trial, a 20% price cut has been implemented.
This move marks the first extended game trial of its kind on Steam, opening up possibilities for other major PC games to follow suit. Previously, the only option for users to try out games on the platform was to make a purchase and request a refund within a two-hour window if the game didn’t meet expectations or encountered performance issues.
The introduction of this new feature comes in response to recent mixed receptions of some big releases on Steam, such as Star Wars: Jedi Survivor and The Last of Us: Part 1, which received negative reviews due to performance problems on PC. By offering a 90-minute game trial, players can now assess the visuals and performance of these titles on their own machines without any financial risk. If more game developers, including EA, adopt this consumer-friendly approach, future releases like F1 23 and Immortals of Aveum could potentially launch with similar trial options.
Valve’s decision to kick off the Game Trials with the Dead Space remake is well-founded. The game has garnered a “Very positive” rating from players, who praise its excellent optimization and overall high quality. In our own review, we found the Dead Space remake to be a remarkable reimagining, featuring outstanding combat, breathtaking environmental design, and strong replay value. Additionally, the game runs smoothly and looks impressive across PC, Xbox Series X, and PS5. The 90-minute trial provides ample time for players to determine if they want to embark on the full 12-15 hour experience.
While it remains unknown if more Game Trials will be introduced on Steam, this initial launch with one of the most well-received games of 2023 sets a promising precedent. As game demos have become increasingly rare, the adoption of game trials offers players a chance to make informed decisions and avoid potential disappointment while ensuring their wallets remain protected.
