After years of lamenting that they see no kickback from the extremely lucrative used game market, game makers have launched a counter-attack by packing new games with one-use codes for extra content.

New copies of Epic's Gears of War 2 (360) will include a one-use download code that will rewards with 5 additional multiplayer maps, all pulled from the original Gears of War. According to GamePro, these maps will not be available for purchase through the Xbox Live Marketplace, with Epic claiming they are "special gifts [for] our loyal fans."

EA Canada's NBA Live 09 utilizes a similar strategy. The game's much-touted 365 functionality, which brings daily roster and stat updates to the PS3 and Xbox 360 editions, will only be free for those that buy a new copy and redeem the included code. Without the code, that feature will cost $19.99.

"This information and data is very valuable and it wasn't free for us," an... Read more

Update: Developer Harmonix and studio owner MTV have officially announced the AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack for a November release in North America, followed by a European release at "most major retailers" in early December.

Due November 2, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions will sell for $40, while the PlayStation 2 release will be priced at $30. The $40 Wii edition follows on November 16.

Downloadable albums for Rock Band and Rock Band 2, such as Rush's "Moving Pictures" and Red Hot Chili Pepper's "Blood Sugar Sex Magik", and have traditionally sold for no more than $20.

Using an "export authentication code," PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners will be able to export the game's 18 tracks--all culled from AC/DC's "Live at Donnigton"--and play them in either the original Rock Band or Rock Band 2. The company noted that the process will require an "online connection and title update."

Curiously, today's press release made no mention of last night's revelation that the game will be exclusively sold at Wal-Mart stores in the United States.

AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack will include the following... Read more