OUYA Moving Away from Required Free-to-Try

[Steven W. Hunt]

I'm actually kind of surprised that this seems to be a deal-breaker for so many people. When I first heard of the OUYA, many positive aspects floated into my brain, but "every game has demos" wasn't even something I gave a second thought. I didn't even remember that it is at thing until I got my OUYA earlier this month. And while I enjoy it, I can't say it'll really affect too much in the future for me. I mean, they're just making it optional now... it's not like they're making it mandatory to not have a demo. I don't see too many of the indie devs utilizing the option. After all, if you're unproven you need all the eyes you can on your product.

[Killswitch]

I'm actually kind of surprised that this seems to be a deal-breaker for so many people. When I first heard of the OUYA, many positive aspects floated into my brain, but "every game has demos" wasn't even something I gave a second thought. I didn't even remember that it is at thing until I got my OUYA earlier this month. And while I enjoy it, I can't say it'll really affect too much in the future for me. I mean, they're just making it optional now... it's not like they're making it mandatory to not have a demo. I don't see too many of the indie devs utilizing the option. After all, if you're unproven you need all the eyes you can on your product.

You weren't one of the original backers. This goes back to the Kickstarter and the ideals that everyone bought into.

[mhtraylor]

So, imagine you are an officer of some executive capacity at some large game company. At the moment, you're in the corporate jet leased to your company by another company for say $1, on whose board sits a former member of your executive board and current stock holder in your company. You're reading a WSJ op-ed other people like you paid to be written. The article is about why wages adjusted for inflation have been declining and the answer is because people are stupid enough to be born poor. Your attractive executive assistant massages your balls while you read, you know, because at this level the work day never really ends.

(I'm just setting the scene here, bear with me.)

"Talk to me!" you yell into your earpiece. You were just getting to the section of the article about the stupid, and your look of mirth changes to grim disappointment. It's the OUYA people on the other line. Again. "Look, we're not bringing over our nostalgic classic Super Mega Dude 4 that runs on an emulation layer and most people have bought seven times over on twelve different platforms to the OUYA. I know your users are just dying for it... I mean, sure, people will buy it an eighth time, but how many users do you--With the grain, dammit, WITH THE GRAIN!" You shoot an annoyed glance at your assistant. "Hmm, well, OUYA Everywhere is tempting... Your platform will be on smart TVs and urinals everywhere, you say? But about your demo requirement?" Your eyes narrow slyly as the other line goes silent. You're not thinking about the massage any more. This is bidness. "Let me get this straight, I'll have to PAY some of our guys to tack on a demo just to release to your store... with real MONEY?! You're crazy. Get back to me when you get rid of that free-to-try crap, and we'll think about bringing Super Monster Man 8X to the OUYA. Ciao."

That's how Free-to-Try got the boot. I know, I was there. In all seriousness, though, I'm guessing that some large, well-known mobile game companies with established "intellectual properties" who have been courted by OUYA simply don't want or don't care to incur any costs that would be required in making free-to-try rereleases of these games.

[Hydrus]

When I first heard of the OUYA, many positive aspects floated into my brain, but "every game has demos" wasn't even something I gave a second thought.

Having demos or not is the least of my worries. The big issue's having an OUYA completely different than from when I first heard of it. Last year OUYA was aiming to be something unique, in the future OUYA's not going to be so unique with all of these changes occuring, and the unannounced ones that are to come.

[Pat1986]

I'm guessing that some large, well-known mobile game companies with established "intellectual properties" who have been courted by OUYA simply don't want or don't care to incur any costs that would be required in making free-to-try rereleases of these games.

I didn't bought the OUYA for any AAA titles from big mobile game companies and second, if you're not d'accord with OUYAS house rules, than just stay out.

[Killswitch]

So, imagine you are an officer of some executive capacity at some large game company. At the moment, you're in the corporate jet leased to your company by another company for say $1, on whose board sits a former member of your executive board and current stock holder in your company. You're reading a WSJ op-ed other people like you paid to be written. The article is about why wages adjusted for inflation have been declining and the answer is because people are stupid enough to be born poor. Your attractive executive assistant massages your balls while you read, you know, because at this level the work day never really ends.

(I'm just setting the scene here, bear with me.)

"Talk to me!" you yell into your earpiece. You were just getting to the section of the article about the stupid, and your look of mirth changes to grim disappointment. It's the OUYA people on the other line. Again. "Look, we're not bringing over our nostalgic classic Super Mega Dude 4 that runs on an emulation layer and most people have bought seven times over on twelve different platforms to the OUYA. I know your users are just dying for it... I mean, sure, people will buy it an eighth time, but how many users do you--With the grain, dammit, WITH THE GRAIN!" You shoot an annoyed glance at your assistant. "Hmm, well, OUYA Everywhere is tempting... Your platform will be on smart TVs and urinals everywhere, you say? But about your demo requirement?" Your eyes narrow slyly as the other line goes silent. You're not thinking about the massage any more. This is bidness. "Let me get this straight, I'll have to PAY some of our guys to tack on a demo just to release to your store... with real MONEY?! You're crazy. Get back to me when you get rid of that free-to-try crap, and we'll think about bringing Super Monster Man 8X to the OUYA. Ciao."

That's how Free-to-Try got the boot. I know, I was there. In all seriousness, though, I'm guessing that some large, well-known mobile game companies with established "intellectual properties" who have been courted by OUYA simply don't want or don't care to incur any costs that would be required in making free-to-try rereleases of these games.

This might be how it happened but it's the WAY it was announced. If people knew this was coming and from who or why or even a little more than what they were given, there would be much less outrage from the consumer side. Instead it looks like this idea came out of nowhere and was dropped on people. I heard it on one of those hangout vids so I knew it was coming but had no clue it would be this soon after that video. It's like announcing OUYA Everywhere and you think it'll be months or whatever but it was instant with MOJO, not that anyone cares about MOJO but when it's done in this fashion it looks like knee jerk reactions.

Usually when you plan to go somewhere you follow the rules. If I have a no shoes in the house policy, you would make sure you have nice crispy socks and take off the shoes right? I shouldn't have to bend to let you into MY place.

[RiotingSpectre]

"Lets take away the free-to-try to get a bunch of games no one would buy if there was a demo for it! We'll make a buck and trick our consumers bwahahahah!" Really thought OUYA was different. RIP.

This is where the "You guys are overreacting" comments come into play.

Besides, without sideloading you'd lose the other half of the equation. I never sideloaded anything, not planning to but it's still a feature that has use to someone. People like you who were here FOR THE CAUSE should also have a say, as well as gamers, as well as developers. One common thread I'm finding is that no one seems to know who these developers are who are saying demos are bad or whatever, not even other developers and we have a ton of them here interacting with the consumers and fellow developers alike. I'd hate to see some of our developers who are actually here interacting with consumers, starting to feel the wrath warranted or not. When this popped up I thought we'd have to have bodyguards for people but it's been civil. Outside of here is a mess....Twitter is a nightmare.

It's funny how some are claiming that anyone who is not happy is whining or whatever yet someone had to "whine" to get this change, it goes both ways.
Keep hearing the term self entitled. I know I used it and used it properly, there are some who think it's like their right to do certain things. I was hoping that number was like 2 or 3 not the number I'm actually seeing.

Well self entitled isn't being mad because one of the principle reasons you supported something is gone.
Self entitled might be feeling like it was some big victory when it is indeed a loss. Too many are only seeing it from their side of the equation and not thinking about the other.
So you want people to buy your games but you sit there and insult them? What does that solve? It's funny how someone who pulled their game for their own principles is now happy OUYA went back on theirs and cursing out people who are not happy. Seriously, what does that do?

The people who complained about the demos are either in hiding on the website, or aren't even on the website at all. It doesn't really matter to me anymore after sleeping on it because it's the company striving to appease both parties in the end anyways is what matters. They aren't lying to us in any way and aren't in this for the money for the wrong reasons. They did this because they had to like we have to do things we don't want to in our own lives.

The entitled thing that has been going back and forth between members and developers is retarded. Hugo got called out as being one when he really wasn't because someone took something personal when everybody else knew it wasn't from the start. People read what they want to read so Hugo got called out like that because the person who said what they did wanted to say it regardless of the facts at hand. It doesn't accomplish or solve anything and just fuels the fire that is against the side you're on. Not only that, but it irritates everybody and derails threads.

As you said, I'm here for the cause that OUYA Incorporate has in mind. I made this thread a long time ago and here's what I opened it with.

I didn't invest my time and (hopefully) money in the OUYA because its OS or its games. I couldn't care less about the hardware, software or its easy open environment. I was on the KickStarter in the first ten minutes and due to unfortunate circumstances because an animal of mine needed to be cremated. I missed out on backing. While his death may have resulted in less hair loss is to be left one's own imagination; it is besides the point.

The reason why I was interested in OUYA(and still am) is the idea behind it. Revolutionize and fix a broken system that has been placed because of years of dips***s with too much influential market control. Create a system where you can have anybody with a dream just "go for it" and give it their best shot. If it's not meant to be then fine, but if we're missing out on incredible ideas and philosophies because the tar is too thick. Well... Let's just say that it makes me want to just up and leave that spectrum of things and go back to my TurboGrafx-16 and Sega Saturn.

I honestly can't say if the customers before retail are on a high horse or not, but certainly flooding a innocent forum when you can go to the source and complain makes no sense. Regardless, I do however think that it's a great thing that OUYA's are selling out everywhere. On the other hand(and stop me if you've heard this) I've been waiting for a very long time just to throw down a hundred bucks and say "This is something I believe in." I would love to have the option to just press a donate button and transfer the funds but in this day of age, people can't just give hard-earned money out and not have something to show for it. Selfish or not, I'd like to at least fiddle around with a OUYA and hopefully be pleased.

Ultimately, If I'm not satisfied with my purchase when I finally do get it; then I'll always be able to take solace in the fact that I gave the idea itself some help.

I still believe OUYA Incorporate can achieve this goal. This is without a doubt a major setback and a sidetrack to boot, but I have faith. The only way OUYA Incorporate will lose is if people like me give up and choose not to support the console through all the trials and tribulations it goes through. We're in this together.

I'm actually kind of surprised that this seems to be a deal-breaker for so many people. When I first heard of the OUYA, many positive aspects floated into my brain, but "every game has demos" wasn't even something I gave a second thought. I didn't even remember that it is at thing until I got my OUYA earlier this month. And while I enjoy it, I can't say it'll really affect too much in the future for me. I mean, they're just making it optional now... it's not like they're making it mandatory to not have a demo. I don't see too many of the indie devs utilizing the option. After all, if you're unproven you need all the eyes you can on your product.

As Killswitch said, some people bought the console for selective purposes.

So, imagine you are an officer of some executive capacity at some large game company. At the moment, you're in the corporate jet leased to your company by another company for say $1, on whose board sits a former member of your executive board and current stock holder in your company. You're reading a WSJ op-ed other people like you paid to be written. The article is about why wages adjusted for inflation have been declining and the answer is because people are stupid enough to be born poor. Your attractive executive assistant massages your balls while you read, you know, because at this level the work day never really ends.

(I'm just setting the scene here, bear with me.)

"Talk to me!" you yell into your earpiece. You were just getting to the section of the article about the stupid, and your look of mirth changes to grim disappointment. It's the OUYA people on the other line. Again. "Look, we're not bringing over our nostalgic classic Super Mega Dude 4 that runs on an emulation layer and most people have bought seven times over on twelve different platforms to the OUYA. I know your users are just dying for it... I mean, sure, people will buy it an eighth time, but how many users do you--With the grain, dammit, WITH THE GRAIN!" You shoot an annoyed glance at your assistant. "Hmm, well, OUYA Everywhere is tempting... Your platform will be on smart TVs and urinals everywhere, you say? But about your demo requirement?" Your eyes narrow slyly as the other line goes silent. You're not thinking about the massage any more. This is bidness. "Let me get this straight, I'll have to PAY some of our guys to tack on a demo just to release to your store... with real MONEY?! You're crazy. Get back to me when you get rid of that free-to-try crap, and we'll think about bringing Super Monster Man 8X to the OUYA. Ciao."

That's how Free-to-Try got the boot. I know, I was there. In all seriousness, though, I'm guessing that some large, well-known mobile game companies with established "intellectual properties" who have been courted by OUYA simply don't want or don't care to incur any costs that would be required in making free-to-try rereleases of these games.

This might be how it happened but it's the WAY it was announced. If people knew this was coming and from who or why or even a little more than what they were given, there would be much less outrage from the consumer side. Instead it looks like this idea came out of nowhere and was dropped on people. I heard it on one of those hangout vids so I knew it was coming but had no clue it would be this soon after that video. It's like announcing OUYA Everywhere and you think it'll be months or whatever but it was instant with MOJO, not that anyone cares about MOJO but when it's done in this fashion it looks like knee jerk reactions.

Usually when you plan to go somewhere you follow the rules. If I have a no shoes in the house policy, you would make sure you have nice crispy socks and take off the shoes right? I shouldn't have to bend to let you into MY place.

You must remember that this was a forced decision due to financial issues so it wouldn't have mattered if we knew prior to it or not since we couldn't stop it. In fact, I'd say it would piss the consumers off even more because they'd spout something about telling the company before the move that it was a bad idea and they did it anyways. This was a lose-lose situation and the company picked the lesser damaging option. Trust me.

[Steven W. Hunt]

You weren't one of the original backers. This goes back to the Kickstarter and the ideals that everyone bought into.

I had intended to be, and would have been had it not been for an unfortunate circumstance. When I was going to do so, though, the demo requirement still was furthest in my mind. But maybe that's part of why my stance is different. I didn't have any thought of the "ideals" of OUYA as much as I was like "Oh shit a new console! And one I can tinker with! Nice!"

Usually when you plan to go somewhere you follow the rules. If I have a no shoes in the house policy, you would make sure you have nice crispy socks and take off the shoes right? I shouldn't have to bend to let you into MY place.

This, I do agree with, however.

[Killswitch]

You must remember that this was a forced decision due to financial issues so it wouldn't have mattered if we knew prior to it or not since we couldn't stop it. In fact, I'd say it would piss the consumers off even more because they'd spout something about telling the company before the move that it was a bad idea and they did it anyways. This was a lose-lose situation and the company picked the lesser damaging option. Trust me.

Maybe. It's just the way it was done didn't help either side. I'm sure there probably is a reason, doesn't matter if I like it, Joe likes it, Wendy likes it, or whatever.
But if you talk to those who supported you from the beginning, you're likely to get LESS of this.
Though the fight may go in another direction.

It's like everything is fine then all of a sudden everything changes out of nowhere and you have no warning. I'm living it.
Some type of warning or anything might not make it easier but it helps you understand. Instead of wondering and asking questions and...
Well now that I'm reminded of something this is going to be a short post.
Enjoy.

[xAD]

Entitled. It's true.

Consumers are entitled to know what they are buying before they pay for it. Devs are not entitled to our money, no matter how hard they worked on their product already, or how much its "artistic integrity" might suffer.

There was a time when demos were mostly impossible to deliver. During that time, games were simple enough that you could tell with great accuracy what they were just by a screen shot. Not any more on either count.

Maybe the folks at OUYA felt this decision was unavoidable. Maybe it was. But it isn't good, regardless.