Sacred 2 Encourages Sharing to Promote Purchasing

By Joe Haygood | November 7, 2008

CDV released a press statement today, talking about their new method to encourage people to buy the PC version of the game, instead of possibly “borrowing it” from file sharing sites. 

The plan calls for anyone that purchases Sacred 2 to distribute the disc to friends and family, or anyone else they would care to try the game.  Anyone that installs the game from the original disc can unlock the full game for 24 hours from the time of install.  They can play it as far as they would like, no restrictions.  After the 24 hour period is over, the player will be presented with a page to purchase and unlock the full game again.

It is an interesting concept that CDV is trying out here, and if it succeeds, it would be nice to see other companies step in and try the same process.  Also, there is no info on how the process works, most likely to deter pirates from finding a way to circumvent the process.  Click the jump for the full press release.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel Introduces a Unique New “Try Before You Buy” Option
Innovative option allows consumers to share copies of the game with friends and family

November 7, 2008, Cary, NC – Looking to give consumers the most flexibility with their purchases of the Windows PC version of Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, cdv Software Entertainment USA and Ascaron Entertainment are pleased to announce the inclusion of an innovative “Try Before You Buy” system for their upcoming RPG game.

Using this innovative new feature, downloaded or purchased copies of the full game can be shared with friends and family, with these shared copies acting as full-featured demos for the duration of one calendar day. During the demo period the game is completely unlocked for single-player and LAN multiplayer modes. After the demo install expires the consumer has the option of purchasing the full game online, or simply uninstalling it. This, for example, allows consumers who purchased the full game in stores or via digital distribution channels, to share their game with friends, with those subsequent installs acting as time-limited “try before you buy” versions that allow gamers to enjoy almost all features found in the full game.

“We feel that consumers should have a right to choose, and this innovative system offers the perfect purchasing option for gamers,” said Heiko tom Felde, Managing Director of ASCARON. “It’s a great system for family and friends, allowing everyone the opportunity to try out the game and play together, then making a purchase decision.”

“This innovative digital rights management solution raises the bar on how consumers can sample games before they buy them,” added Mario Kroll, Director of Marketing and PR for cdv Software Entertainment USA. “Rather than showcasing only a limited character or content selection, as most traditional demos do, gamers can share and enjoy the full game experience, trying out the features that most appeal to them, and getting a true sense of the full game.”

For more information about Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, please visit http://www.cdvus.com

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is an Action-RPG with a rich story that takes place in a giant, open-ended and seamless world. This world contains hundreds of dungeons, treacherous opponents and a variety of challenging quests. Intelligent enemies, steadily adapting in number and difficulty based on player progress, challenge players in heroic single- and multiplayer battles.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel provides numerous unique items that can be gathered in this mystical world. A deep reward system further enables advancements in character, individual attributes and character-specific fighting styles, each designed to keep players returning to the world of Sacred 2: Fallen Angel to discover what is around the next bend. Drop-in styled cooperative multiplayer gameplay ensures players will enjoy the game alone or seamlessly with friends at any time. Five unique multiplayer modes round out the experience and offer a refreshing, first-class gaming experience in Sacred 2: Fallen Angel.

About cdv Software Entertainment USA

cdv Software Entertainment USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of cdv Software Entertainment AG, is a leading publisher of third-party video games and interactive entertainment with offices in New Jersey and headquarters in Cary, North Carolina. cdv Software Entertainment USA has published critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles including Divine Divinity, Blitzkrieg, American Conquest, Codename: Panzers, City Life, DarkStar One, War Front: Turning Point and the acclaimed Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened. The company will continue to expand its offerings with upcoming titles including the highly anticipated Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, as well as the Marc Ecko Entertainment co-produced I Heart Geeks! (DS) and My Little Baby (DS). For more information, please visit http://www.cdvus.com.

About Ascaron Entertainment, GmbH

Ascaron Entertainment GmbH is one of the pioneers in the development of computer games. It is also one of the leading developers of computer games in Germany and has been prominent in the sales charts for more than a decade with titles such as Patrician, ANSTOSS, Vermeer, Port Royale, DarkStar One and the original SACRED. Ascaron Entertainment is headquartered in Gütersloh, Germany, and maintains an office in Potsdam, a development studio in Aachen, Germany, as well as an international department in Birmingham (UK). Currently, Ascaron Entertainment markets its products in more than 34 countries.