EA has put and end to its controversial Online Pass initiative following widespread player disapproval.
“Yes, we’re discontinuing Online Pass,” EA’s John Reseburg told VentureBeat, before confirming that “none of our new EA titles will include that feature.”
Launched in 2010, EA’s Online Pass was established alongside numerous rival efforts in a bid to claw back some funds from the thriving second hand games market. As things stood, only retailers such as Game and HMV profited from the process of selling on used video games.
Online Pass ensured that buyers of pre-owned EA software had to pay a one-off fee (usually around £10) for access to online features such as multiplayer or additional playable characters.
However, Reseburg has revealed that “many players didn’t respond to the format.” He claims that EA has “listened to the feedback” – most likely in the form of disappointing sales figures as much as negative comments – “and decided to do away with it moving forward.”
For those worried that this will mean a reduction in effort and resources when it comes to creating rich online content, Reseburg assures you that “we’re still committed to creating content and services that enhance the game experience well beyond the day you first start playing.”
This prompts the question: has the online pass bubble burst? Will we see EA’s major rivals Ubisoft and Activision cancelling their own second hand game money making initiatives before the PS4 and Xbox Infinity launch at the turn of the year?
Why not read about our picks for the best games of 2013 so far?
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
