EA will no longer use Online Pass
They started it and now they’re ending it. First introduced in 2010 and originally intended to be exclusively for EA games, the online pass has grown into a quick and easy way for developers to make money from used titles. In an attempt to capitalize on the used market, EA introduced the online pass which forced players to pay up if they wished to have access to the online features of a game they’d bought second hand. Some weren’t too happy with this new feature, particularly those strapped for cash and unable to buy a game brand new at full price.
However it seems the angry comments on forums and in emails may have finally gotten through to EA because today they have announced they won’t be utilizing the feature for any future EA game.
Director of corporate communications for EA John Reseburg confirmed in an e-mail to GamesBeat with the following statement:
“Yes, we’re discontinuing Online Pass, none of our new EA titles will include that feature. We’ve listened to the feedback and decided to do away with it moving forward. We’re still committed to creating content and services that enhance the game experience well beyond the day you first start playing”
The online pass has generated $10-15 million in revenue for EA this year alone.
Article By Steven van Eekeren
With almost 30 years of video game experience to his name, Steven knows more than a thing or two about the industry and has been putting it all to words these past few years. As a trophy hunter, the Playstation brand gets most of his attention. Twitter: SteveVanEekeren PSN: Devils_Demon
Follow Steven van Eekeren on:
Twitter: @SteveVanEekeren