SEGAbits Forums

Gaming => General Gaming Discussion => Topic started by: MadeManG74 on May 11, 2010, 04:27:37 pm

Title: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 11, 2010, 04:27:37 pm
Quote
EA Sports is going after the used game market.

Starting with the release of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, the publisher will introduce a new Online Pass, a one-time registration code included with each brand new copy of the game. The code allows players to access "online services, features and bonus content."

Those who purchase the game used can buy an Online Pass for $10 or sign up for a free 7-day trial. The pass will be implemented for NCAA Football 11, NHL 11, Madden NFL 11, NBA 11, FIFA 11, and EA Sports MMA as well. The pass offers different features for each title, however, players will not have access to basic multiplayer features if purchased used.

"You will be unable to play multiplayer online game modes or use your downloaded content in online game modes," EA says. Online leagues, dynasty and franchise modes are also only available with the Online Pass. The break down for each title can be seen on the publisher's official website.

"This is an important inflection point in our business because it allows us to accelerate our commitment to enhance premium online services to the entire robust EA SPORTS online community," said Peter Moore, President of EA SPORTS.

Despite being the leader in used game sales, retailer GameStop, which acknowledged it plans to focus on digital content in the future, supports Electronic Arts' new direction.

"GameStop is excited to partner with such a forward-thinking publisher as Electronic Arts," said Dan DeMatteo, Chief Executive Officer of GameStop Corp. "This relationship allows us to capitalize on our investments to market and sell downloadable content online, as well as through our network of stores worldwide."

http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/108/1088621p1.html (http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/108/1088621p1.html)

Damn it, EA.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: fluffymoochicken on May 11, 2010, 04:29:33 pm
I'm going to copy and paste my reply from the SEGA forums:

Quote
Soon, they'll charge you $10 for online play even when you do buy the game new.

And the Camrons of the future will be like, "It's good because you're paying for a premium service" (even if they've switched to all peer to peer connections).
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 11, 2010, 04:55:55 pm
I don't think I've ever played a game with a monthly fee, and the day EA starts charging is the day I stop buying their games. Even if it was something like Brutal Legend I would probably skip it.

Hopefully this is just some shit they are throwing against the wall to see if it sticks, and hope even more it doesn't. Like when they used to have cheats up on XBLM to buy.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: fluffymoochicken on May 11, 2010, 05:01:40 pm
Don't forget that time when they tried increasing game prices to $60... oh wait, that stuck around. Damnit.

I have a bad feeling that this will stick around, too. Then, as I said, they might try and push the envelope towards online fees for all copies, new or used.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Sharky on May 11, 2010, 05:36:58 pm
I wont have a hard time boycotting EA... I rarely buy their games anyway.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Orta on May 11, 2010, 05:57:37 pm
I already pay for Internet access and Xbox Live. Keep your games, EA.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: George on May 11, 2010, 06:05:02 pm
Online is free if you buy it new.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 11, 2010, 06:10:16 pm
Quote from: "George"
Online is free if you buy it new.

Yes, we know that. I think that charging for it when it's second hand is annoying though.

If  they want to combat used game sales they should lower the price of games so people won't feel the need to wait to buy it used for cheaper.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: George on May 11, 2010, 06:14:03 pm
I said it in the other thread, EA games mostly don't sell as well as they should cuz they 'buyers' buy them used. They even lower prices quickly. Brutal Legends, Mirrors Edge and Burnout Paradise dropped prices rather fast.

They are losing 600 million in revenue, used game sales are up and EA sports franchises are in a decline.

What they need to do is team up with walmart (who is already testing used game sales) along with other publishers and have a contract to get paid SOME money for their used game sales.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Autosaver on May 11, 2010, 06:34:37 pm
What? Madden 202 with one improvement isn't selling too well?

What a shocker!
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: George on May 11, 2010, 06:37:18 pm
It selling well, just not as well as 2009's which was actually "Just a Madden with no improvements"

They have actually went back and did improvements
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Orta on May 11, 2010, 07:07:00 pm
Actually their sports line has been pretty good lately overall. Peter Moore has been doing his magic.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Barry the Nomad on May 11, 2010, 09:31:19 pm
Just checked my collection, the only EA games I own are a scuzzy cart of 'James Pond' for the Genesis and a used copy of 'The Simpsons Game' for the 360. Fuck EA.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: fluffymoochicken on May 11, 2010, 09:41:43 pm
I think the only EA game I own is Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 11, 2010, 09:52:51 pm
I hate when this kind of 'EA GAMES R SHIT' starts. EA published Mass Effect 2 and Brutal Legend which are two of my favourite games this gen. Not to mention Fight Night is a fantastic series (and not an annually updated one).
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Sega Uranus on May 11, 2010, 11:10:00 pm
Why is everyone against this idea? Just buy the game new, then you can play online. It is simple as that. It is effective against second hand purchases, pirates and will improve sales of all of their online-enabled products. It will also force shady dealers from being able to repackage used products as new.

Honestly, I think this is one of the smartest ideas I have seen be implemented to the industry in years, it is the kind of idea I think every publisher needs to pick up... Except Nintendo because all of their products are offline practically.  :P

I cannot really say I am a big EA fan at all... Far from it. The only game of theirs I own is Mass Effect, and I got that for free and it was released before EA bought BioWare! That is not to say I do not think they are a good developer or publisher at all. I think they have been on a roll for these past few years really quality-wise, fixing up their sports franchises, trying new ideas and creating tons of new IPs, lots of stuff. Though, it has obviously hurt them, so I am not sure where they will go from here.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: fluffymoochicken on May 11, 2010, 11:15:25 pm
Quote from: "MadeManG74"
EA published Mass Effect 2 and Brutal Legend
I'm not impressed.

They really need to start making better games.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Sega Uranus on May 11, 2010, 11:25:57 pm
Quote from: "fluffymoochicken"
Quote from: "MadeManG74"
EA published Mass Effect 2 and Brutal Legend
I'm not impressed.

They really need to start making better games.

Like Muscle March and Rainbow Islands?

Get over yourself, Mass Effect 2 and Brutal Legend are two very good games, and that is only the tip of the iceberg my friend.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 11, 2010, 11:30:14 pm
Quote from: "Sega Uranus"
Why is everyone against this idea? Just buy the game new, then you can play online. It is simple as that. It is effective against second hand purchases, pirates and will improve sales of all of their online-enabled products. It will also force shady dealers from being able to repackage used products as new.

Since when did second-hand buyers become bad guys? I still say if publishers want to cull second hand sales and piracy, then make your prices lower.

Even so this doesn't affect me personally since I don't buy games second hand often (prices on second-hand games are stupidly high in most shops).

Quote from: "fluffymoochicken"
Quote from: "MadeManG74"
EA published Mass Effect 2 and Brutal Legend
I'm not impressed.

They really need to start making better games.

Those games are both outstanding, if you aren't impressed because they only published them though, then what about Mirror's Edge, Dead Space and Bad Company 2? All of those are internally developed (I think). The Fight Night series is also fantastic, I'm not even a big boxing fan but love FN3 and 4.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: fluffymoochicken on May 11, 2010, 11:41:50 pm
Quote from: "Sega Uranus"
Like ... Rainbow Islands?
Yeah, like that.

Quote
Those games are both outstanding, if you aren't impressed because they only published them though, then what about Mirror's Edge, Dead Space and Bad Company 2? All of those are internally developed (I think). The Fight Night series is also fantastic, I'm not even a big boxing fan but love FN3 and 4.
Mirror's Edge had a very nice visual style, for sure.

But... Bad Company 2? Was that suggestion your idea of a joke? :P
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Sega Uranus on May 11, 2010, 11:55:51 pm
Quote from: "MadeManG74"
Quote from: "Sega Uranus"
Why is everyone against this idea? Just buy the game new, then you can play online. It is simple as that. It is effective against second hand purchases, pirates and will improve sales of all of their online-enabled products. It will also force shady dealers from being able to repackage used products as new.

Since when did second-hand buyers become bad guys? I still say if publishers want to cull second hand sales and piracy, then make your prices lower.

Even so this doesn't affect me personally since I don't buy games second hand often (prices on second-hand games are stupidly high in most shops).

I never said they were bad, but anyone purchasing games used hurts the industry as the publishers and the developers will never receive any of that money. Most publishers drop the price of their games within months too. Nintendo is pretty much the only exception, in which case they have been known to increase their prices. It also effectively stops pirates playing online at all, something which lowering prices could never change.

Plus it is not that bad really. Some people just want to buy games to play the single player stuff with themselves or with local friends, these people do not need to worry about anything at all.

Apparently this is also just for their sports games at the moment, so most of us will not even be effected.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 12, 2010, 12:11:49 am
Quote from: "fluffymoochicken"
But... Bad Company 2? Was that suggestion your idea of a joke? :P

What exactly is bad about it? I've heard nothing but good things.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: fluffymoochicken on May 12, 2010, 12:44:00 am
Quote from: "MadeManG74"
What exactly is bad about it? I've heard nothing but good things.
You expect me to praise EA for making another bland, mediocre, generic war first person shooter? Do you know who you're talking to?

You must be losing it, man. :P
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 12, 2010, 12:55:52 am
Quote from: "fluffymoochicken"
Quote from: "MadeManG74"
What exactly is bad about it? I've heard nothing but good things.
You expect me to praise EA for making another bland, mediocre, generic war first person shooter? Do you know who you're talking to?

You must be losing it, man. :P

Wow you must be so insecure about your 'Underground gamer cred'.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: fluffymoochicken on May 12, 2010, 01:00:01 am
Quote from: "MadeManG74"
Wow you must be so insecure about your 'Underground gamer cred'.
Lol, naw, but if I'm going to play an FPS, I'm going to go with one that's far crazier than (and hopefully has more colors than) Bad Company 2.

Bad Company 2 is a slow paced shooter almost specifically designed for controller-only console gamers to enjoy. :P
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: George on May 12, 2010, 01:07:04 am
Battlefield Bad Company 2 is rather good. I'd buy it if my internet ping time wasn't in the shitter.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Orta on May 12, 2010, 04:52:17 am
EA has been a very good company this generation. While no online for used games is a bad, bad idea, I should point the evil is in Activision now.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Monkeroony on May 12, 2010, 04:59:38 am
Quote from: "fluffymoochicken"
Quote from: "MadeManG74"
Wow you must be so insecure about your 'Underground gamer cred'.
Lol, naw, but if I'm going to play an FPS, I'm going to go with one that's far crazier than (and hopefully has more colors than) Bad Company 2.

Bad Company 2 is a slow paced shooter almost specifically designed for controller-only console gamers to enjoy. :P

Err.

This gen I have played:

Halo 3
Halo ODST
Bioshock 1 & 2
GRAW
Rainbow Six Vegas
Killzone 2
Gears of War 1 & 2
Uncharted 1 & 2
Call of Duty 2,4,5 and 6
Resistance 1 & 2
Batttlefield Bad Company 1 & 2
Battlefield 1943
Army of Two
Left 4 Dead 2
Perfect Dark Zero
Far Cry Instincts
Lost Planet

And Bad Company 2 is easily my favourite, the levels are massively varied and change from lush jungle to desert and arctic settings with changing weather effects.

If you haven't played it you don't really get an opinion on it.


-On topic, I think this is a good thing EA need money and $10 should hopefully cause more people to buy it new and support the devlopers.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Barry the Nomad on May 12, 2010, 07:38:20 am
I'm far from hating EA, it's just that their games don't grab me as much as other publishers do. I do agree that Brutal Legend and Mass Effect are awesome, despite not owning them myself.

As for used games, I buy new when I can, but when it comes to walking into a GameStop and seeing a used copy for less than a new one, I'll buy used. I could give a rat's ass about who the money goes to. The one exception is Sega, I'll buy Sega games new.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: George on May 12, 2010, 08:03:49 am
Quote from: "Orta"
EA has been a very good company this generation. While no online for used games is a bad, bad idea, I should point the evil is in Activision now.
I don't mind it, since I don't like the fact that Gamestop makes BILLIONS of dollars a year off of used games, publishers make $0 bucks. The only thing that pisses me off is trading. I trade a ton of games with other people, would suck if a EA game (I would never trade for or buy a EA sports game) had this that I wanted/liked.

I think EA should think about 'traders' that want to get rid of their shitty games. How about this, a user can pass OVER their license (like gifting is done on steam or something) to another user. That way there won't be a 'FACELESS CORP' making a ton of money.

Do we all win now?
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: crackdude on May 12, 2010, 08:06:22 am
I buy games. That alone should be good, no?

There's this developer saying that used games are worse than piracy. Well then, fuck you developer. You are a moron.


"I think EA should think about 'traders' that want to get rid of their shitty games. How about this, a user can pass OVER their license (like gifting is done on steam or something) to another user. That way there won't be a 'FACELESS CORP' making a ton of money.

Do we all win now?"

How bout this: we keep everything the fucking way it is now. Do WE win now? Fucking developers. Want to sell more new games? How bout them not costing HALF THE CONSOLE'S PRICE for a start?
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: George on May 12, 2010, 08:07:38 am
Half? Oh you live in Portugal. Most new games are rather cheap here. Amazon slashes prices and about 90% of the time are cheaper than used.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Monkeroony on May 12, 2010, 08:14:42 am
I don't usually use the word lol as I think that it is generally the seal honk of an idiot on the internet that isn't aware that the joke is usually on him, but!

Half the price of a console, lol, lol indeed.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: crackdude on May 12, 2010, 08:45:26 am
An Xbox game here comes out at 70/75€. The Xbox itself (base model) costs 150.

Take in mind that 75€ = 95$
So fuck'em.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Monkeroony on May 12, 2010, 10:14:04 am
Its $10!
Hardly breaking the bank, it would most likely drive used prices down too, so unless you are playing the game online you would save so much more of your money.

Why don't you want to support the devs, if no one does then you can kiss all their future games goodbye as they need to be paid.

I think that what you are suggesting is a bit naive.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: fluffymoochicken on May 12, 2010, 12:07:18 pm
Quote from: "Monkeroony"
Err.

This gen I have played:

Halo 3
Halo ODST
Bioshock 1 & 2
GRAW
Rainbow Six Vegas
Killzone 2
Gears of War 1 & 2
Uncharted 1 & 2
Call of Duty 2,4,5 and 6
Resistance 1 & 2
Batttlefield Bad Company 1 & 2
Battlefield 1943
Army of Two
Left 4 Dead 2
Perfect Dark Zero
Far Cry Instincts
Lost Planet
Oh, so you're an expert on crappy gramer (http://http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=gramer) games. Good for you?

As for me, I'll stick to better games. (http://http://forums.sega.com/images/icons/icon7.gif)
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Barry the Nomad on May 12, 2010, 12:28:31 pm
fluffymoochicken, cut it out. Everybody has an opinion on what makes a good game and Monkeroony is entitled to that. Quit flame baiting.

In Monkeroony's defense, he posted games that are not only good in his opinion, but are also widely received as good games by critics.

Back to EA discussion.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: crackdude on May 12, 2010, 12:35:50 pm
Quote from: "Monkeroony"
Its $10!
Hardly breaking the bank, it would most likely drive used prices down too, so unless you are playing the game online you would save so much more of your money.

Why don't you want to support the devs, if no one does then you can kiss all their future games goodbye as they need to be paid.

I think that what you are suggesting is a bit naive.
Naive?
I'm all for supporting devs. I'm not at all for paying the exaggerated prices they put out.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: fluffymoochicken on May 12, 2010, 01:05:08 pm
Quote from: "Barry the Nomad"
fluffymoochicken, cut it out. Everybody has an opinion on what makes a good game and Monkeroony is entitled to that. Quit flame baiting.

In Monkeroony's defense, he posted games that are not only good in his opinion, but are also widely received as good games by critics.

Back to EA discussion.
Why not tell him to cut it out instead? I'm not the one who initiated our conversation, nor was I the one who told him that he isn't entitled to an opinion (like he tried to tell me).

And yeah, I do realize that game reviewers love their advertising revenue. (http://http://forums.sega.com/images/icons/icon7.gif)

But whatever. To reel this back on topic, I wouldn't mind EA so much if they actually made good games on a regular basis. Since they don't, I can't say that I care about them very much. However, this news is still disturbing, because if they can get away with charging $10 for online play, then other companies will likely follow suit.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Barry the Nomad on May 12, 2010, 01:08:20 pm
I told you to cut it out because you're perpetuating it. Take it to the PMs if you want to argue with him.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: fluffymoochicken on May 12, 2010, 01:11:11 pm
Alrighty.

Although, I believe I've said my peace on this EA situation, for now.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Orta on May 12, 2010, 04:31:44 pm
Quote from: "George"
I don't mind it, since I don't like the fact that Gamestop makes BILLIONS of dollars a year off of used games, publishers make $0 bucks. The only thing that pisses me off is trading. I trade a ton of games with other people, would suck if a EA game (I would never trade for or buy a EA sports game) had this that I wanted/liked.

I think EA should think about 'traders' that want to get rid of their shitty games. How about this, a user can pass OVER their license (like gifting is done on steam or something) to another user. That way there won't be a 'FACELESS CORP' making a ton of money.

Do we all win now?

I heard a few good points on a podcast about this. One of them was if you buy a used car you don't go to the manufacturer asking for the radio (supposing it's integrated on the car's dashboard...). I think the same thing can be applied to this. I can understand EA's side but, to be honest, there are better ways of making people buy new games. EA did this with Mass Effect 2, giving away codes that allow for free DLC.

The industry is hurting its own consumers....

Quote from: "crackdude"
An Xbox game here comes out at 70/75€. The Xbox itself (base model) costs 150.

Take in mind that 75€ = 95$
So fuck'em.

Buy online and fuck our government in the process. I don't remember a generation being so easy on my wallet and the internet sure is to blame. http://www.find-games.co.uk (http://www.find-games.co.uk)
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Monkeroony on May 13, 2010, 05:12:51 am
Yeah games compare is a pretty good site too.

Shopto.net usually has the best days around, I got SASAR 2 days before release by using them too.


I notice that my last post was deleted.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: crackdude on May 13, 2010, 06:40:04 am
Quote from: "Monkeroony"
Yeah games compare is a pretty good site too.

Shopto.net usually has the best days around, I got SASAR 2 days before release by using them too.


I notice that my last post was deleted.
You must have gotten it days before the developers started working on it too  :afroman:
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Sega Stylista on May 13, 2010, 10:50:15 am
EA just reported a huge loss, it's no wonder they came out with this statement.

Good, I hope they join the push for digital dominated gaming.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Monkeroony on May 14, 2010, 06:01:28 am
Quote from: "crackdude"
Quote from: "Monkeroony"
Yeah games compare is a pretty good site too.

Shopto.net usually has the best days around, I got SASAR 2 days before release by using them too.


I notice that my last post was deleted.
You must have gotten it days before the developers started working on it too  :afroman:


You see, you should use them too!
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: George on May 19, 2010, 11:36:10 pm
It now has been confirmed that UFC 2010 will need an online code to play, found in used games, Ubisoft is also going to do it.

Funny, the companies that do yearly franchises and DON'T deserve the money are the ones doing this. Fuck sake, don't add a few features and charge us 60 bucks. How about 30? Come on.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: fluffymoochicken on May 19, 2010, 11:41:23 pm
Quote from: "George"
Funny, the companies that do yearly franchises and DON'T deserve the money are the ones doing this.
True. Plus, old sports games were already cheap, but now they'll be effectively worthless.

Thanks for the pollution in advance, EA. ^__^
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: George on May 20, 2010, 05:33:36 am
What pisses me the fuck off is that UFC 09, the first one, had SHITTY online. So fucking shitty. Took 10 mins to start a match, so basically no one got online on it. Now they 'FIXED IT' they say, so time to 'force new purcheses'?

Also, reviewers are not allowed to review the online, so their 'scores' do not reflect the online. Bullshit.

How can a consumer trust THQ?
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Emmett The Crab on May 20, 2010, 06:41:14 pm
This is similar to something that some states are adopting with home purchases "transfer tax" means they can collect taxes every time a new owner buys the same house.  Total BS.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: MadeManG74 on May 21, 2010, 12:41:20 am
Quote from: "Emmett The Crab"
This is similar to something that some states are adopting with home purchases "transfer tax" means they can collect taxes every time a new owner buys the same house.  Total BS.

Is that like Stamp Duty? Either way it sounds like something the NSW state government would introduce.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Emmett The Crab on May 23, 2010, 10:41:28 am
I don't know stamp duty.
Title: Re: EA: No Online for Used Games
Post by: Monkeroony on May 23, 2010, 02:36:48 pm
Stamp duty is like a home transfer tax in the UK.