Why This Store Charges to Try PlayStation VR

In-store demos for PlayStation VR have been popping up since June. Not many of the stores hosting these demos have charged people to try them, but that's exactly what UK retailer Game is doing. The store makes people pay up to £15 (about $18) to demo Sony's new headset.

As Eurogamer reports, Game issued a statement after anger and controversy arose from this, explaining why it charges for the in-store demos. It's described as "a Game-led intiative," which suggests that this was not a Sony-influenced promotion.

"Our pay-to-play PlayStation VR experience is a Game-led initiative," the statement reads. "The cost to use the in-store PS4 pod is entirely refundable for customers that go on to buy either the headset or a PS4 console. 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."

Game's in-store demo promotion kicked off last week, revealing that customers have to book a time in advance. The prices for a PlayStation VR demo are:

• £5 ($6) for a 10-minute demo
• £10 ($12) for a 20-minute demo
• £15 ($18) for a 30-minute demo

As stated previously, the fee cost can be deducted from the purchase of a PlayStation VR headset or PS4, though you'll need to make that decision after the completion of your demo. It's important to note that there are other retailers offering free demos of the PlayStation VR, so you don't have to pay to try out the new technology.

Furthermore, you can check out GameSpot's review of the virtual reality headset. Critic Jimmy Thang said that "while there are a handful of fun titles, there's nothing that [he's] played at launch so far to indicate to [him] that the PSVR is a must-buy right now." For a wider view of the critical reception, you can check out our review roundup.