Update: August 29, 2024
Correction Notice
In an earlier version of this article, it was incorrectly mentioned that the Astro Bot in-store demo was limited to Canada and would end on September 6. These errors have since been rectified.
Exclusive Astro Bot Demo Experience
Some fortunate fans have the opportunity to experience a demo of a highly anticipated PlayStation 5 exclusive before its official release. Set to launch in Fall 2024, the demo will be accessible for approximately two weeks prior to its full release. However, this demo won’t be universally available. Only residents of a specific country, who visit a particular store franchise, will have the chance to try it.
PlayStation, along with developers Team ASOBI, is offering fans a sneak peek at Astro Bot prior to its official launch. The catch? The Astro Bot demo is only playable in select locations. Branded as the “Astro Bot in-store demo experience” by the PlayStation website, it can be found in 31 Best Buy stores throughout Canada. Canadian enthusiasts can check the PlayStation website to locate participating stores nearby. The demo became available on August 26. Fans in other countries should stay tuned to local retailers for potential Astro Bot demo availability.
Astro Bot: All Edition Differences & Pre-Order Bonuses
Astro Bot Demo: A Homage to Its Origins
The Evolution of a Tiny Robot
Astro Bot first emerged in the gaming world in 2016, piloting its tiny jetpack. Back then, Team ASOBI was part of Sony’s in-house development studio, and they needed a method to introduce new VR users to the device. This led to The Playroom VR, a virtual playground provided for free with the purchase of a VR console. The Playroom offered several minigames to help new users get acquainted with the controller and headset, among which was the little robot that became Astro Bot’s star.
Following the launch of The PlayRoom VR, Team ASOBI released two successful VR games: Astro Bot Rescue Mission and Astro’s Playroom. The latter was a free demo designed to highlight the PlayStation 5’s capabilities, pre-installed on new consoles.
Today, Team ASOBI operates as an independent studio, and the upcoming Astro Bot will be a complete game. For the second time in Astro Bot’s journey, the game will not require VR, making it more accessible to players who are not inclined to invest in a PS VR. However, this does not mean the game will lack excitement; the team has confirmed that Astro Bot will creatively utilize DualSense controllers.
Before its full release, developers are eager to place Astro Bot in the hands of players. Although limited in reach, the in-store demo experience serves as a nod to its beginnings as a free game. Astro Bot is set to launch for everyone on September 6.
Source: PlayStation
