UK Game Store Charges People $6 to Test PSVR For 10 Minutes

Forget “try before you buy,” Game UK are running a “pay before you buy” campaign with PlayStation VR.

Virtual Reality is really hard to sell to people via traditional marketing means. It really is something that the user has to experience first hand to understand. Additionally, you’ve got no idea if the thing you’re about to drop $400 will simply make you violently ill every time you use it (like in my case!). Well if you want to get your hands on the PlayStation VR in the UK, Game UK have unveiled an… interesting strategy in where it is charging users up to $18 to simply take it for a test drive. For real.

Eurogamer reports on the “special deal,” which is charges customers as thus:

• For a 10 minute demonstration: 5.00GBP (~$6USD)
• For a 20 minute demonstration: 10.00GBP (~$12USD)
• For a 30 minute demonstration: 15.00GBP (~$18USD)

If you opt to purchase a PSVR immediately after your demo, you’ll get your money refunded. But if you walk away thinking “this isn’t for me,” or want a few days to think about your purchase, then Game keeps your cash.

The “promotion” has sparked plenty of outrage from customers, who see it as exploitative. Others question Sony’s involvement. In response, Game UK released the following statement:

Our pay-to-play PlayStation VR experience is a GAME-led initiative. The cost to use the in-store PS4 pod is entirely refundable for customers that go on to buy either the headset or a PS4 console. The payment allows us to ensure that we have dedicated staff manning the PlayStation VR pods who have been fully trained to adhere to best practice demo guidelines.
The demos are intended to give our customers access to one of the most exciting new gaming technologies in 2016 and provide them with the opportunity to get a feel for VR before they commit to buy.

What do you guys think about this promotion? Is it a dick move, or simply a legitimate business strategy?

Source: Eurogamer