EA: Online Pass profits didn't balance out reputation damage and player frustration
EA is finally ditching Online Passes so the three-year experiment clearly didn't work out quite as it had hoped, but how bad was it? "The amount of money that we made, it didn't replace the amount of frustration we put on our customers and it didn't offset the reputation dam...
READ MORE >Ninja Gaiden 3 uses online pass
As is oh so hip, cool and trendy to do nowadays, Ninja Gaiden 3's publisher Tecmo Koei is locking its online multiplayer away behind a single-use code included with new copies. If you buy a used copy, you'll need to pay extra to cut up your pals.
READ MORE >EA: Online Passes 'do not expire' as long as game is still supported
Electronic Arts has told Shacknews its 'Online Pass' codes, which grant users access to the multiplayer components of select games, are not intended to expire.
READ MORE >"So then EA what is the reason why these codes for these games are not working - if the codes ..."
see all 32 commentsEA: 'Time limit' on online pass for 'a few titles'
Though EA has yet to respond to our inquires, the company did offer some explanation for expiring Online Passes in select titles available in stores.
READ MORE >"Check the update. Looks like this whole thing may have been wrong. "
see all 16 commentsUsers complain of expired EA 'Online Pass' codes
Though Electronic Arts games regularly feature an "Online Pass" to activate multiplayer and other features, it would appear that the codes due have an expiration date.
READ MORE >"At least play the single player, while not ground breaking I still really enjoyed it ."
see all 21 commentsEA: Online Pass has made $10-15 million
EA's Online Pass scheme has brought in $10-15 million since it launched last year. It wrings money from used games sales by locking multiplayer off behind a single-use code included free with new copies or sold separately for $10.
READ MORE >"meh... no biggie. I'm pretty patient when it comes to playing games, so i'll just wait for price ..."
see all 5 commentsRage 'sewer access' only available to new game purchasers
Bethesda appears to be joining the throngs of publishers rushing to set aside specific content to gamers that decide to purchase new copies of games, beginning with Rage.
READ MORE >"To all the people complaining about an online pass type situation to combat used games sales. ..."
see all 158 commentsMortal Kombat 'Kombat Pass' waived on PS3 for a limited time
For the time being, NetherRealm Studios is waiving the required "Kombat Pass" for its new title Mortal Kombat on the PlayStation 3 as a temporary solution to the continuing PSN Store outage.
READ MORE >"still dumb. the ability to play the game online was purchased when the game was purchased new. ..."
see all 15 commentsRumor: Warner initiating 'Online Pass' program for core titles, beginning with Mortal Kombat
A tipster has shared an email with Shacknews stating that NetherRealm's upcoming Mortal Kombat reboot will include an one-use code to enable online...
READ MORE >"Who wants to carry around 2-3 games when you can just carry it all on a jump drive."
see all 61 commentsHomefront to Feature THQ's Online Pass; Multiplayer Available but Capped for Secondary Users
Shacknews has confirmed that THQ's upcoming "war at home" shooter Homefront will use the company's newly developed Online Pass for...
READ MORE >"Well I think they're just trying it out right now. Testing the waters per se."
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"Ubisoft doesn't have the online check anymore since like 2011? I know Far Cry 3 worked fine ..."
- Sailor of Fortune see all 22 comments