There will be other ways to play the demo, BioWare said. Likewise, there will be technical previews for those who are willing to put up with a lack of polish to play the game as soon as possible.

It's not completely surprising that BioWare would want to release a demo. Anthem represents a departure for a developer best-known for its RPGs (see the newer trailer below), and the company will want to show not only that it has a handle on the gameplay concept, but that it can overcome the stigmas created by Mass Effect: Andromeda and the policy decisions of its parent brand EA. The first impression a demo provides could make the difference between a strong launch and a shrug from jaded players.