So, apparently EA is mad that used games are being sold rampantly throughout the country at shops everywhere (*cough*…Gamestop). Last year they implemented an access code into Madden 10 that restricts second hand players from playing the online franchise mode. Players that obtained a copy of Madden 10 whose code had been used were forced to pay a service charge of $10 to gain access to the feature.
Apparently they were happy with the results because this year starting with the release of Tiger Woods PGA 11 more features are getting locked down across multiple titles. The main feature getting the shackles is online play. Titles like Madden, Fifa, NCAA Football and Basketball and even the EA published MMA game are going to get locked down. The program is called “Online Pass”.
This is obviously an attempt at gaining some green from the ever expanding used game sales that are available at several legitimate retailers. Its a step in a great direction for the industry monetarily, but my question is will this start a bigger trend? Ubisoft is combating PC piracy, with a ludicrous “always on” internet ping check, and pre-order bonuses are becoming more extravagant every year to try and pull the money out of the consumer’s pocket day one. Will this lead to one time use codes for games that restrict the entire game? God, I hope not!
I don’t see this having a big effect on the used game market, at least not anytime soon. If anything, it will cause some of the titles to drop in price faster, since every used sale of the game may cost the buyer an extra $10. In true Gamestop fashion I see them striking up a deal with EA to offer a new code bundled with a used game.
If this really takes off you can bet that every, I mean every, publisher will follow suit. I can’t help but have mixed feelings about this setup. Yeah, I like buying used games cheap, but I do kinda feel bad that the developers get no money when I do so. Another factor is that the $10 may not be worth it. EA is notorious for discontinuing the online play for its sports titles prematurely.
Often times to get a good deal on a used game you have to wait 8-12 months from release and if EA is going to cut support for the game 14 months after release $10 seems like a dumb investment. Oh well, it was bound to happen, too many people are filling their pockets with used game sales money, by putting in a fraction of the work a game developer does.