Sony previously said that the demo would be exclusive to GameStop pre-orderers until the game shipped. The Guerilla Games-developed shooter will be out on February 27, so they are technically staying true to their word.

Sure to get lots of flack over such a controversial decision, Sony decided to justify it by stating that this approach “helps seal the deal”. Here’s what SCEA product marketing VP Scott Steinberg had to say:

Offering a playable demo to motivate preorders speaks to our confidence in the appeal of a game such as Killzone 2. We take this approach when we are convinced that the experience will cement a consumer’s interest in purchasing. Retailers will then merchandise those demos within their stores and online to maximize their visibility. Through this process, consumers are often times able to reserve their copy of the final game, which provides an incentive to purchase and helps seal the deal. We also offer demos on the PSN, which we have done in the past with great success, and will continue to make that available. Killzone 2, for example, will have a downloadable demo launch in North America the week that the game is launching, for consumers who prefer that option.