Poll Question 298 – How often do you play the free trials on Steam?

21st August 2014

Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3

Originally, this poll was going to be about “Have you ever found a game in your Steam Library and have no idea how it got there?” because I saw Borderlands 2 in my Library and tweeted about it and helpfully Dan Jordan told me it was on free trial.

But then I realized that it probably never happens anyway – or does it?

So, this idea came from that one.

To be honest, I don’t think I have ever taken advantage of a free trial. Basically, if I like the look of a game I buy it. That sounds a bit snobbish and I recognize that I should use these trials to play games outside of my usual genre.

I kinda wrote something along the same idea years ago called Game Radio Idea.

Well, there you have the background to this poll, but now it’s time to let me have your thoughts on these free trails and don’t forget to vote…

Time to vote


9 Comments

  1. JG

    The one game where I did this and ended up buying a 4-pack was Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed. I’m really happy I took advantage of that, because I probably wouldn’t have checked out the game otherwise, but it ended up being a fantastic racing game that gave Mario Kart (even the new Mario Kart) a run for its money. It’s also my go-to recommendation for anyone who enjoys Kart games but doesn’t own a Nintendo console.

    But yes, a game has to appeal to me in some way or another first. I like Sonic, so I’m bound to try something featuring him. But generic military shooters? Forget it. If you can’t demonstrate any creativity in your setting and environment, what chance does your gameplay have?

    Borderlands 2 is a game that’s definitely worth playing, although whether it resonates or not comes down to how much you enjoy collecting things. As someone who has a bit of an OCD streak, it’s terrible for me. 😉

  2. Firstly, welcome back! Hope you had a good time!

    And to the subject. I play the free trials 80% of the time. I have a few games I got that way. I tried Sanctum 2 when it was on free weekend not long ago. It was fun for about 20 minutes and during that time I was certain that I was buying it, but then it just got a bit repetitive.

    The games are usually on sale at the same time so you get to try it and get the game for a discout.

    I mean, there is not harm in not trying the trials right?

    1. Firstly, welcome back! Hope you had a good time!

      Thank you, I did.

  3. Ooh, I always love free stuff, mods, demos, free trials, betas almost always excellent value for money.
    At the moment I’m trying out Titanfall (trial on Origin) this one is a 48 hour trial that can be activated anytime which I prefer its frustrating when you see something you’re curious about but you don’t have time that weekend.

    One thing to bear in mind with free trials is that the servers are way fuller than they would ordinarily be, I bought Sniper Elite: Zombie Army 2 off the strength of the weekend trial but after the trial there is no one online to play with.

  4. Rabid_moustache

    I’ve only done one, that was Serious Sam HD back in 2009/10

  5. I’m in an unfortunate location where I don’t get the full worth of the free weekend trials. Because I’m almost a day ahead of the US time-zone, I only get Sunday (my local time) to try the game and due to my relatively slow internet connection, half of that time is spent waiting for the game to download. In the end, it isn’t really worth the effort but I will still give it a go if the game looks interesting enough.

    I like the idea but the implementation on Steam could be better for non-US users.

  6. VCD

    Only once, and it was a few weeks ago, to try Dishonored. I really like it and im waiting for a sale to buy it 😀

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