Yes, it is generally acceptable to test a game by running it to evaluate its performance before purchasing it.
Yes, it is generally acceptable to test a game by running it to evaluate its performance before purchasing it.
The distinction lies in the fact that an illegal download for testing isn't about someone who values the item enough to buy it, but rather about individuals who believe it's worth using and then proceed to purchase it. It's a self-inflicted issue; developers need more flexibility, allowing consumers to try the product before investing significant money.
The simple and contemptible reason we don't have many demos anymore is because the big mega-publishers base so much of their business models today on blind pre-order and day one sales. Many of these games wouldn't sell on merit alone. It's the same reason Ubisoft will keep a review embargo in place for twelve hours after their game goes on sale. It's the same reason they all push the pre-orders so, so hard. So no, personally, if you honestly plan on buying the games I wouldn't condemn you for doing this, though having the patience to wait for reviews and benchmarks to come out would be much better. But I can at least understand the reason why it sounds like a good idea. I'll add that EA gets a lot of shit for holding demo events and calling them "beta events," but at least they do them. I'm pretty appreciative that they let me try out a $59.99 game before spending any money, and that they're confident enough in their product that they think it won't hurt their sales to let us play it.