EA: No Online for Used Games

[MadeManG74]

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

Damn it, EA.

[fluffymoochicken]

I'm going to copy and paste my reply from the SEGA forums:

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).

[MadeManG74]

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.

[fluffymoochicken]

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.

[Sharky]

I wont have a hard time boycotting EA... I rarely buy their games anyway.

[Orta]

I already pay for Internet access and Xbox Live. Keep your games, EA.

[George]

Online is free if you buy it new.

[MadeManG74]

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.

[George]

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.

[Autosaver]

What? Madden 202 with one improvement isn't selling too well?

What a shocker!

[George]

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

[Orta]

Actually their sports line has been pretty good lately overall. Peter Moore has been doing his magic.

[Barry the Nomad]

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.

[fluffymoochicken]

I think the only EA game I own is Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri.

[MadeManG74]

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).