In a major move to expand its role beyond voice and text chat, Discord has announced a new feature that allows users to try premium AAA games for free directly through its platform. The feature is part of Discord’s broader effort to transform into a full-fledged gaming hub, challenging the likes of Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and PlayStation Plus.
Initially rolling out to Nitro subscribers, the new service will offer time-limited game trials for some of the most popular AAA titles from top publishers like Ubisoft, EA, Square Enix, and Capcom. Players will be able to stream or download these titles and experience full gameplay access for a fixed number of hours—typically ranging from 2 to 10 hours, depending on the game.
Discord has partnered with multiple developers to ensure smooth integration, including cloud saving and seamless transition to full versions if users decide to purchase the game. Progress from the trial will carry over into the full game upon purchase, eliminating the need to restart.
This move comes at a time when Discord is actively enhancing its Nitro offering, which already includes free games, custom emojis, boosted servers, and larger file uploads. The AAA trial feature adds significant value to the subscription, aimed at increasing user engagement and retaining paying members.
Gaming communities on Discord have welcomed the update, especially casual and budget-conscious players who now get a chance to explore high-end games without commitment. Analysts suggest this could be a game-changer in digital game distribution if successful.
The feature is currently being rolled out in beta testing for select regions, with a global launch expected by the end of 2025.
Nitro gaming features, free game testing, digital game distribution
