GarethRDR Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 From the Beeb... Players force EA to drop online pass for used games Electronic Arts is discontinuing a controversial program that stifled trade in second-hand games. The Online Pass program locked many titles so second-hand games could only be fully played if a person bought a code from EA to unlock online add-ons. Some of EA's most popular games, including Battlefield 3, Dead Space and Madden NFL, used Online Pass. The company said it had decided to end the program partly because players did not like it. Introduced in 2010, Online Pass was supposed to be a way to ensure that the online elements of games, such as extra downloadable content, were preserved as they were sold on, EA spokesman John Reseburg told the Venture Beat tech news website. However, he said, "many players didn't respond to the format". That reaction and ongoing feedback from players about Online Pass had now led to it being scrapped, he said. No future EA games would have it included. Also an Online Pass would no longer be needed to play games from EA that have an online element. Despite EA's claims that the system was supposed to serve players, many industry watchers saw it as a way for the game-maker to reduce trade in second-hand games. In addition, it allowed EA to make money from second-hand sales and from its titles that had online elements. Many games-makers have been worried about the growing trade in second-hand games fearing that many people prefer to wait and pay a lower price for a used copy than buy it full price on launch day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVFCforever1991 Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StefanAVFC Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darrenm Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 I was only last night trying to figure out how to get the Sims 3 registering online for the kid after we bought it at CEX. This might be the leverage I need. Woohoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StefanAVFC Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 This year I've had to buy online passes for both FIFA and Madden. Thank god for small mercies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 EA of all companies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islingtonclaret Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 I think the headline here is EA listening to it's customers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samjp26 Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 Also an Online Pass would no longer be needed to play games from EA that have an online element. So if I were to buy Madden right now, I wouldn't need an online pass? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StefanAVFC Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 Probably starting from next year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chindie Posted May 18, 2013 VT Supporter Share Posted May 18, 2013 I think the headline here is EA listening to it's customers. No. They've only dropped it either because they believe they will make more money from dropping the requirement (by allowing a larger audience to access online purchase opportunities) or there's a better system to achieve the same thing on the way. Nothing to do with listening to the consumer IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flamingsombrero Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 (edited) They must have something pretty daunting up their sleeve if they are dropping their pet project like this. Next-Gen console details will probably hold the key. Wouldn't surprise me if people were wishing it was still just an online pass in a year or two's time. Edited May 18, 2013 by flamingsombrero Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P3te Posted May 19, 2013 Share Posted May 19, 2013 I think the headline here is EA listening to it's customers. No. They've only dropped it either because they believe they will make more money from dropping the requirement (by allowing a larger audience to access online purchase opportunities) or there's a better system to achieve the same thing on the way. Nothing to do with listening to the consumer IMO. ^This^ They're milking free press by announcing something that would've been obsolete come November anyway. Shrewd move, makes them look like they're listening and gets them lots and lots of coverage for free. The name "online pass" might be gone, but you can be your bollox the sentiment isn't Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legov Posted May 19, 2013 Share Posted May 19, 2013 PC gamer says hi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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