Forums » Impact Engine » Another 'trial version' topic

Hey,

Yes, this topic is about 'trial version'. You're probably crying now, but read on (:p).

I'm an 'experienced' game developer, and program in several languages. I've also used a bunch of game engines, which always had a free/trial version. There were usually as much 'free' users as 'paid users'.

I think a free version will give your engine more accessability and (as result) more popularity. I mean, we've all heard of Unity(http://unity3d.com/) and Game Maker(http://www.yoyogames.com/), but have you ever heard about Leadwerks(http://leadwerks.com/)?
Probably not. I think a lite/trial version is VITAL if you want to survive in this industry.

So, there are two options:
-Lite - a version with restrictions
-Trial - a full version for a certain period

LITE: in my opinion the best option. Just remove some functionality(such as playing sounds, remove functions from the editor, etc. I've only browsed through the site quickly, so I can't give you any tips about what to remove). I know users might be able to write those systems for their lite version, but if they are, why wouldn't they write their own engine?

TRIAL: I don't really know how you should implement this in an open-source engine.. Conclusion: Lite :p

I'm just 16, but however, I'm really willing to pay $100 for a good engine(I've won more than six times more prize money with other engines =D), but the problem is that I can't see if this is a good engine or not. The content on this site is (completely logical of course) subjective to the engine. To really see it's capability, I have to see some games, but since the engine is just released, there aren't much..

In short: A lite version, which misses some functionality and maybe has an other license('you may not sell your game', 'you should give me credit'), a standard splash screen or whatever, will bring more users to your program, more popularity, more sales.

I know it's will be hard, but by making a free, lite version you will remove the last gap for a lot of users to use (and eventually: buy) your engine!

Last but not least: nice site, nice engine(as far as I can see :p): good job =D

regards,
BlueMoonProductions

I agree in general. Giving people the ability to try it out would be cool.

That said, I don't think it'd be a good idea for dominic to focus on that right now. If we were talking about a well funded, well staffed software company here then maybe I'd be right there with you.

To be fair - dominic has said that if you find out that the engine is not for you, he'll issue a refund. (Do check with him, as I don't speak for him in any way).

For me, $99 was money well spent even if I just use Impact as a way to further my understanding of how to write Javascript well. Anything else at this point is icing on the cake.

I'm not sure if I speak for everyone who has purchased then engine, but at least for me, I'm very satisfied. I spent a lot of time creating an engine in C++ a couple of years ago, and I know what sort of work goes into it.

At 16, you will probably spend more money on new sneakers and a date to the movies then this game engine. If you're serious, then just give it a whirl. I think you (and all others who are hung up on the $99) will be glad that you did.

I totally understand that you first want to try software before you buy it. Even more so with a Game Engine. But at this point, as ape mentioned, putting together and supporting a trial version is just not feasible for me.

And I think you're absolutely right that Impact would be more popular if there was a trial version. I don't know if I would sell more licenses, but I'm pretty sure I would have a lot more work with support.


I'm happy with how things are right now with Impact. I still have some contract work to finish (that I stupidly accepted last December), so Impact is - not yet - my full time job.

Thank you for your answer.

But are you planning to make a lite/trial version once, or not at all?

No, there won't be a trial version in the in the foreseeable future, sorry.

@dominic: are you willing to offer a refund? Just curious, since it was mentioned above.

I don't like to make it that public, because I'm a bit afraid of scammers, but yes - I'm offering a refund if you don't like what you get.