Discord Teams Up with Nvidia and Epic to Let Users Try AAA Games for Free
Gamers are about to experience a major shift in how they try out new titles. Nvidia’s GeForce Now is rolling out an exciting update next month in collaboration with Discord and Epic Games, giving users the chance to play top-tier AAA games instantly — without downloading, installing, or paying upfront.
How the Feature Works
As part of the testing phase, Discord servers will soon display a “Try a Game” button alongside supported titles. With just one click, players can jump directly into a game session powered by GeForce Now, provided they link their Epic Games account.
The feature is being showcased at Gamescom 2025, with Fortnite as the first game available for instant trials. Nvidia’s product marketing director, Andrew Fear, explained:
“You’ll be playing Fortnite within seconds — no downloads, no installations needed.”
While quick access is a major advantage, an Epic Games account connection is still required, so the process isn’t fully account-free.
Limited-Time Fortnite Demo
Currently, the Fortnite trial comes with a 30-minute play limit. Nvidia has described this as a “technology preview” rather than a permanent launch, meaning it’s uncertain if more titles will be added or if the feature will extend beyond the Gamescom showcase.
Not the First Attempt at Instant Gaming
The concept of instant game streaming isn’t entirely new. Platforms like Gaikai (later acquired by Sony) and Google Stadia also introduced “try-before-you-buy” demos in the past. However, they struggled to gain traction, mainly due to publishers’ hesitation in offering commitment-free trials.
This time, Nvidia’s involvement may encourage more developers and studios to adopt the model, reviving interest in cloud-based free game trials.
What’s Next?
For now, the project remains experimental with no confirmed global rollout date. Still, if successful, this initiative could reshape the gaming industry by allowing players to test AAA games instantly on Discord, making it easier than ever to decide before making a purchase.
