Direct2Drive launching rental download service

UK consumers will be able to rent digital PC games from Direct2Drive later this year.

The service lets gamers download and play their chosen PC game for five hours. Once the trial has finished, the full game is offered at a lower price.

The company – owned by IGN – began testing this in North America in January, and will bring the scheme to Europe this year.

Being able to try before you buy was the biggest request from Direct2Drive customers,” said the firm’s head of international digital distribution Paul Herron.

We’re currently trialling the software in the US.
As this is proving to be successful, we’re now in the process of securing content for a UK and European launch.

Publishers are positive and gamers love the service, with the conversion from rental to purchase remaining extremely high.”

The news comes as IGN looks at bringing its digital distribution service to additional countries such as Italy, Spain and Germany.

We’re looking at many European markets which are more focused on boxed product,” said Herron.