Gameloft launches Try Before You Buy set up for Android games

Gameloft's obvious aversion to Android Market is only viable if the publisher can serve up a palatable alternative.

As such, the firm's decision to launch a new Try Before You Buy set up for Android is an interesting way to circumvent Google's marketplace, and a smart way of tempting potential consumers to try out the publisher's titles for free.

Games ready to go

The new deal consists of eleven of the publisher's Android line-up, including Real Football 2010, Asphalt 5, Assassin's Creed, Dungeon Hunter, Gangstar: West Coast Hustle, Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X., Hero of Sparta, Let's Golf!, Modern Combat: Sandstorm, N.O.V.A. and UNO, with Avatar also set to launch shortly.

Each game can be downloaded either directly handset or via a PC, with users having to register their number on Gameloft's dedicated Android website before being sent a download link via SMS.

The titles can then be played for free, with users then able to pay for the full game at a later date through their phone bill.

Early days for Android

The new set up follows a previous approach that saw Gameloft charging users' credit cards for titles.

Indeed, it's likely Try Before You Buy won't be the last experiment Gameloft attempts either, with veep of publishing Baudouin Corman telling Wired he believes Android is still in the early stages of games distribution.

"We have supported Android from the very beginning," he told the site in an email.