But a trial does exist - and it illustrates the flexibility of the DRM solution chosen... any potential user is able to install the software on any device that will run it. All he then needs is to be able to access his own (or another 'borrowed' license) and can do so from anywhere on his network (including a WAN so long as sufficient permissions exist for the necessary handshakes and optionally Hamachi or similar VPN software). If he chooses he can also add secondary licenses to the CM stick and share these (and his primary license if he doesn't want to join in too) to others on his 'network'.

This is a way that many people have used to trial the software recently - you get the full version to try out, plus an immediate access to helpful and knowledgeable members of the SB community who can answer questions, join in MP sessions, give advice and feedback etc, as the license is frequently hosted by those with more experience in using SB Pro (in both military and PE versions sometimes).

No one needs to wonder if the software will run on his system or whether the style of simulation/control will be accessible & sufficiently controllable for their needs - they can explicitly test this for no risk except their time to install and test, before purchasing if they consider it would meet their needs... Further, the resale value of the software seems to hold very well, so 'cost' of owning the software for a few years is no more than 1 mid-range title if you did decide to recoup expenses by selling it off - (but you must have the dongle in good working condition - don't lose it and try not to break it). Short-term you can again 'borrow' a license to continue playing while waiting for a replacement/repair but it will cost you something to ship and replace the device.

You're right, forgot about buying an additional license and loan it to someone you know. I was thinking more along the lines of a demo specific DRM without the dongle. I have been debating buying a license for my son to try as well.....doooh! So, yes, there is a way. Try it, you'll enjoy it once you get all the controls figured out, not meaning its impossible. I wish someone had offered me a trial version, though admittedly my mind was made up without the demo, its that good.

Matt

I for one am glad that we had this debate, and could clear up a few misconceptions about SB Pro PE that way.

Wow! This basically started because I responded to a a screenshot thread about price vs. quality. I was hesitant to post it because I figured it would just turn into a flame war with nasty responses and not a level headed, quality debate. I guess the tank guys are more 'grounded' and 'level headed'...lol

I still have not gotten SB but it is on my list of things to get, though I wish there was a demo, I can understand why there is not. I also think the license borrowing idea is decent way to try it out but a traditional demo would be much easier for the casual passer by and for one that does not visit the forums. As one member said earlier, maybe a narrated quality video that shows a demo from starting the software to the opening screens to options to vehicle selection to pre planning and maps to load out to the actual mission and then mission end.

Like I said before, I just want this sim and ALL sims to grow and gain more followers. The industry needs more companies like ESim and DCS. I would love to see SB on the cover of PC Gamer. Sorry, this is 2012, not 1995.

But I will say this. The main reason I never bought SB is because the most expensive game I ever bought was Matrix War in the Pacific for $89.99 and I just never really played it. Now I know SB is on a different level and genre than WITP, but something burned me up inside to spend that extra cash and not use it. I can't even begin to tell you how many $49.99 games I bought and never used, but something about spending $49.99 doesnt bother me as much.

This isn't the Cliffs of Dover section you know

I posted this in another thread, but I have several licenses available if anyone wants to try pro pe. They are on a server running 24/7. PM me for details if you are interested.

I am also willing to lend my license for short periods so that people may try.I have already helped a few out this past month and heard more than a few giggles once they experienced firing KE down range.

I had no qualms in paying what works out to be about £65 for SB Pro PE as I do not mind paying above the norm for PC sims. I paid £50 for DCS A-10C when I bought the Beta and the same for Black Shark plus £12 recently for the update the BS2 and again have no problem with that.

I would not pay more than £30 for 'normal' PC games as I feel they are not worth more than that as their life span is limited for me as I rarely go back and play again, with the sims I have mentioned I do.

I get more than my monies worth with SB Pro PE and therefore ends up being cheaper than a £30 game, if that makes sense.

It's a trick..be careful!! You will purchase this game after playing it a few hours with that license!
BUT BUT.. I mean "YOU" will purchase it!! Nothing tricky in the background.. it's that good if you like tanks.

I probably purchased about every game out there with a tank at some point or another.. except this one for years! I could not justify paying 100.00 plus for a game!

After playing about an hour with the license, I got a friend to join in.. together we played maybe one or two net games and both agreed.. whoops..there goes 100.00 bucks on a game! It's just that good in feeling and sound. Played against each other and teamed in a tank.. "pleasant experience" found only in Red Orchestra series using Darkest hour mod to date. The graphics remind me of ArmaII level and work out fine although I will be hunting out Hi rez building mods and road mods. Sometimes looks aint everything.. and this just feels right! From watching the boys bail out the back of a bradley to getting baked in a M1!

I can honestly say though, the youtubes. ads and reviews never got me to turn loose that 100+ pricetag. It took the demo/temp play. Graviteams Steel Armor Blaze of War does look better except they didn't add in the network play..sigh.. and does not have the solid feel or ease of play as steelbeasts has. I like both but I really needed a game I could ride inside the M60 and priced right, graviteam did that nicely.. so I am content having both now...

As a brand new users I can only take off scores for the Network having no drop in.. which was the case of rise of flight for about a year.. then they got smart. And yes, they both are the same type games imo. There is always room for reserves in war. And the getting stuck in ponds here and there does get a bit annoying but more or less users fault! Ok, maybe the AI not turning to the most powerful enemy in his line of sight has it's moments. But the AI sure knows how to get around trees overall..maybe a few stucks here and there.. Still, one of the best in AI performance in this respect.

Other than that..this game is a winner and needs more advertising now that 100+ price tag is more on line with the 60.00 triple A titles now selling on the market. Yes, more advertising is probably needed, but people do find it if they like tanks.

Just my opinion obviously and thanks for a good game eGames and the use of the License SeanSB!!

Glad you like it! I think an all out free for all demo would simply overwhelm our ability to support it correctly. This "unofficial" one allows us to help a few people at a time get it going and see what it is like.