Nvidia’s GeForce Now is set for a significant update next month, with an exciting new initiative in tow. Nvidia, Discord, and Epic Games are collaborating to trial instant game demos for Discord servers. This initiative could potentially allow users to try out a game instantly without the need to purchase, download, or register for an account.
“All you need to do is click a ‘try a game’ button, link your Epic Games account, and in moments you’re joining the action, playing Fortnite without any downloads or installations,” explains Nvidia product marketing director Andrew Fear.
Here’s a glimpse of the interface, taken from an Nvidia video, showing the Fortnite demo currently limited to a 30-minute free trial:
While it isn’t completely seamless since an Epic Games account is required, it’s unclear if Nvidia, Epic, and Discord aim to expand the demo outside Gamescom anytime soon. Nvidia refers to it as a “technology announcement” rather than a definitive feature, hoping game publishers and developers will express interest in incorporating it.
Back in 2012, after Sony acquired Gaikai, there were plans for instant try-before-you-buy game demos on the PlayStation 4, which never materialized. Gaikai’s founder later shared that publishers weren’t necessarily on board with the idea.
