A retail store named Game held a live demonstration of the new PlayStation Virtual Reality headset for customers who are interested in buying one and they are charging customers who want to try. People met it with mixed reactions and Sony was quick to show that they are not associated with Game's business idea.
According to a written article at BBC, Game is charging £5 ($6) for 10 minutes or for £15 for a half hour to try the PSVR headset. In a statement, Game said, "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." The firm also stated that the fee is refundable against headset orders and it has enabled them to employ dedicated staff members for the demo stands.
With Game's decision, people met the firm's decision with mixed reactions. Some thought of it as "not cool" and "disgraceful". Some, however, also met it with praise and gave their support.
Jamie Feltham from virtual reality news website Upload VR said he was blocked by Game's Twitter account after retweeting a promotional tweet from one of its stores that accompanied a comment showing his disapproval of the stunt. Also in Twitter, many people expressed their disapproval of the store's business idea.
However, amidst the much disapproval from the public, there were few who gave praise and showed support for Game. According an article at Irish Examiner, a tweet was posted saying "If you don't already own a PSVR, but might [want] to buy one, surely to goodness paying £5 to try it is much better than paying £350+ to then find out it... doesn't do what you wanted it to do."
With the news about Game's business stunt, Sony was quick to tell BBC that the decision to charge was "at the discretion" of Game. Sony has no connection about Game's decision and was adamant to continue the UK-wide free demo tour.
