Metal Gear Online Demo and Freebies Trying to Draw in New Players

When an online demo of Metal Gear Online was released last month, we didn't think much of it other than that Konami is hoping to find new customers that might be receiving a PlayStation 3 for Christmas. But Konami's actually doing more than that, we've learned, as they've instituted the "Welcome Rookie" campaign. Any newly registered Metal Gear Online players (between December 24, 2008 and February 16, 2009) will be provided with 5,000 reward points -- used to purchase in-game items -- and the Metal Gear Online Codec Pack which provides players with additional in-game voice commands. Anyone who's played the game before or has installed MGO on their system won't be eligible for this offer. That doesnt' seem like a fair deal to early adopters (who always get the shaft), but at least the new crop of players should provide veterans with some easy target practice. The MGO demo will only be available through January 29 so ... (link)