DEM File Extension

What is DEM file?

DEM files are used to store demo versions of computer games. DEM files are typically used for distribution of first-person shooter games, commonly referred to as shooters.

What are the contents of a DEM file?

DEM files contain gameplay replay data recorded on the game engine.

What types of DEM files are there?

There are two main types of DEM files:

• playable demo – fully interactive game demo; the main purpose of playable demos is to show the game to potential buyers, get them acquainted with game mechanics, present the game world, etc.,
• non-playable demo – non-interactive game demo consisting of prerecorded gameplay elements shown form various camera perspectives. This type of demo is typically used for engine performance showcases.

DEM files can store both types of gameplay demos.

What is the difference between a demo and shareware?

Shareware is a type of demo with additional constraints, functional or time-related. Those restrictions can be however removed by suppling special activation code or by installing additional components, for example. DEM demos are stand-alone applications which cannot be in any way updated to full versions.

What are DEM files created for?

Game demos are commonly released by game developers in different stages of production for marketing purposes. Depending on how advanced is the production process of given game is, DEM files can be non-playable demos showcasing graphics engine or main game concepts, for example, or playable demos showing elements of the gameplay mechanics or game world distributed just before the official release date.

Programs which support DEM file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open DEM files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with DEM suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 03/12/2022

How to open file with DEM extension?

Being unable to open files with DEM extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Video Game Demo Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with DEM files.

Step 1. Download and install Counter-Strike

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening DEM files is that no program that can handle DEM files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Counter-Strike or different compatible program, such as VirtualDub, Quake, Hexen. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Counter-Strike website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of Counter-Strike and update if needed

If you already have Counter-Strike installed on your systems and DEM files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Counter-Strike cannot handle files with DEM may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Counter-Strike should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Counter-Strike to DEM files

If you have the latest version of Counter-Strike installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage DEM on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the DEM file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Counter-Strike is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open DEM files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the DEM file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with DEM extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the DEM for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the DEM file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The DEM may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the DEM is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the DEM file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the DEM file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the DEM file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the DEM file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with DEM extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Video Game Demo Format file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Counter-Strike

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with DEM extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Video Game Demo Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle DEM files.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the DEM file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on DEM file.