Pricing? I'm confused, and I'm the only one

[NTULINUX]

Hi! New to the forums, I tried searching online to see if the DCS series is free (as in cost, not FOSS) and apparently nobody asks or talks about the pricing so here it goes.

 

Why is this page here?

 

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/index.php?scr=product&ProductId=12&end_pos=135&lang=en

 

if you can.... buy it..? for 40 dollars here:

 

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/index.php?end_pos=1322&scr=shop&lang=en

 

I am so confused.. Is BCS Black Shark 2 free and a pay version? Is there a difference in software? I am not using this for business use / commercial use. This is for at home, personal use. I'm downloading the game now off the first link, I have about 1 and 1/2 hours to go.

 

Just curious, why would somebody pay for software if they can get it for free, let alone at the official website? Am I really downloading a 4.6 GB trial? Please help, I'm lost...

 

And how come nobody else is confused by this??????????? :helpsmilie:

[cichlidfan]

The first link in your post is indeed for the whole Black Shark 2 package. The second link is the one you need to use to purchase a license, for personal use, to run the sim. The license is not free, the download is not usable without the license.

 

There is no free/demo version of any DCS sim at this time.

 

 

EDIT: One more thing. It will not ask for the license key until you actual attempt to start a mission. You can wander all over the various screens, change configurations, even edit a mission, but not fly until the key is entered.

 

EDIT2: Welcome to the forum and holler when you have more questions.

Edited February 8, 2012 by cichlidfan

[EtherealN]

The first page is there so you can download it. Purchasing a license is no good if you can't download it. :)

 

The game can be downloaded and installed without purchase, but it cannot be played without a license key - which is what you purchase through the second link. When you start it for the first time, and click to start a flight, you will be prompted for your license key.

 

Make sure to purchase the correct license - 40 dollar one if you do not have Black Shark 1 and downloaded the normal version, 20 dollar one if you have Black Shark 1 and downloaded the "upgrade" version.

[NTULINUX]

The first link in your post is indeed for the whole Black Shark 2 package. The second link is the one you need to use to purchase a license, for personal use, to run the sim. The license is not free, the download is not usable without the license.

 

There is no free/demo version of any DCS sim at this time.

 

Oh now this makes all the sense in the world to me! Thank you! I must be really dumb considering I must be the first person to ask such a thing. Usually games, including the data and license are sold together as one, so it just threw me off. I figured it was like Daemon Tools where you need to buy it if it's for commercial purposes, hence why I stated, "personal, at home" usage. Cheers mate! And thanks again!

[roob]

Usually games, including the data and license are sold together as one, so it just threw me off.!

 

It's Eagle Dynamics. It's love and service, in contrast to Ubisoft or any other evil company that no longer really "care" for games anymore :)