Joystiq

EA puts an end to its Online Pass program

David Hinkle — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:14:00 EST

EA has announced it will discontinue its Online Pass program. "Yes, we're discontinuing Online Pass," EA's senior director of corporate communications John Reseburg told GamesBeat in an e-mail. "None of our new EA titles will include that feature."

Reseburg added that "many players didn't respond to the format," despite EA going on record months after instituting Online Passes, reporting it had not seen a "significant" backlash. "We've listened to the feedback and decided to do away with it moving forward."

The Online Pass, a one-time use code required for online play, was first introduced in 2010 with the intent of being exclusive to EA Sports games, though it quickly escalated from there. Online Pass revenue generated between $10-$15 million for EA in its first year alone.

EA puts an end to its Online Pass program originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No online pass for Fuse, demo 'closer to release'

David Hinkle — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:30:00 EST

Insomniac Games will present a demo prior to Fuse's launch on May 28, for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 players, the developer has confirmed in an online FAQ. Fuse will support split-screen and online play, lacks micro-transactions and will not ship with an online pass.

Originally billed as Overstrike, Fuse was delayed earlier this year before a final launch date of May 28 was settled upon. All pre-orders unlock additional gear for each of the headless four protagonists.

No online pass for Fuse, demo 'closer to release' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSX online pass doesn't lock out multiplayer

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST

The online pass for SSX will not lock players out of multiplayer competition. Instead, it is used to lock players out of obtaining in-game credits used to unlock content.

EA tells Game Informer that players without the online pass will be able to compete and play in both of SSX's online game modes, "Explore" and "Global Events," but that credits awarded to those without the online pass in Global Events will be inaccessible and banked until they pony up the $10 for the pass.

EA concludes, "Economy balance makes it possible to unlock all available content and allows you to participate in all event drops across both Explore and Global Events, with credits earned solely in Explore."

Gallery: SSX (2012) (9/30/11)

SSX online pass doesn't lock out multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSX to feature online pass

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST

In today's least surprising headline, it appears that the upcoming SSX will use an online pass. In an SSX video posted by Giant Bomb, an option to acquire an online pass can be seen clearly in one of the game's menus (pictured above). ~~It's not clear exactly which features the pass will unlock.~~

Again, though, it's hardly shocking, given EA's commitment to the concept. Last week, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning was also confirmed to have an online pass.

Update: The online pass is tied to in-game credits.

SSX to feature online pass originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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38 Studios head Curt Schilling elaborates on Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning online pass quest lockout

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST

Yesterday, we reported that Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning will make use of EA's Online Pass system, and that used copies of the game will not include access to a specific quest line, similar to Catwoman's Online Pass exclusion from used copies of Batman: Arkham City. Initially, it looked as though the pass granted access to data already on the disc, however this was later clarified by a post made on the 38 Studios Forums, where community manager Muse informed the public that the quest line is in fact day-one DLC, rather than content actually on the disc.

38 Studios founder Curt Schilling has written his own statement regarding the situation, and it's just about as frank and honest as we've come to expect from Schilling over the last couple of days: "You can argue the merits and effectiveness of it, but right now it's how it's done and as someone that's as invested as I am in this company, I stand by what has happened."

Schilling goes on to say that the free DLC is intended to be an incentive to early adopters and a reward for "fans and gamers who commit to us with their time and money when it benefits the company." He does, however, realize that the situation could have been handled differently: "It is my responsibility as the leader to know of things like this and be aware that it would become an issue, I failed on both accounts. No one else is to blame, but at the same time there is no nefarious attempt to do anything under handed here."

38 Studios head Curt Schilling elaborates on Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning online pass quest lockout originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning locks out questline via online pass [update: 38 Studios and EA respond]

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST

It looks like the House of Valor faction in Amalur's various kingdoms will be joining Catwoman in the limbo-like world of online passes. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning's House of Valor faction questline is dependent on players having an online pass that only comes with new copies of the game, as our reviews editor Richard Mitchell spotted in his retail copy of the game on Xbox 360.

According to the insert included in our copy of the game, online pass owners (read: those who purchase new copies of the game) will get access to "seven additional player quests" throughout the House of Valor faction questline. It's unclear whether the PlayStation 3 and PC versions of the game contain the same stipulation, but we've reached out to EA for clarification.

Update: 38 Studios community manager "Muse" posted the following statement to the 38 Studios forums, as pointed out in our comments section: "We wanted to post a quick clarification for something we've seen a few comments about. For what it's worth, the House of Valor content was not in the finished game/disc at one point, then removed. It isn't there and we're locking you out of it. The House of Valor was created as stand-alone content, and was always intended to be the first DLC. Instead of holding onto it and charging for it later, we opted to give it to everyone who purchases the game new, for free, on launch day. We hope that helps clarify that point, at least."

Update 2: EA issued this response to Joystiq this afternoon: "The House of Valor quest line is free bonus content available to those who purchase a new copy of Kingdom of Amalur: Reckoning for the Xbox 360 and PS3 by entering the Online Pass included with the game. PC players who purchase Reckoning at one of the many digital retailers online including Origin, Steam and more, will also receive the House of Valor quest line at no cost."

Continue reading Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning locks out questline via online pass [update: 38 Studios and EA respond]

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning locks out questline via online pass [update: 38 Studios and EA respond] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA: Online Pass can expire for new-game purchases, but it shouldn't

Jessica Conditt — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST

A NeoGAF member posited that his new copy of EA's Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit contained an Online Pass that was expired, blocking him from accessing online content -- others on the forum came forward with similar stories, suggesting that EA's disclaimer covers this clause and he was out of luck. Since blocking new-game purchasers from using online content seems like an unproductive move (even) for EA, we asked an EA Advisor for clarification on its Online Pass expiration policy.

EA's Online Pass can indeed expire for some new games, blocking buyers out of online content until they download a new pass or attain one from EA directly, EA confirmed to Joystiq. As a rule, no Online Pass should expire, but a few titles will have a time limit on their use, even for new purchases, EA said. Dragon Age 2, for example, has an Online Pass that expires on March 31, 2012, according to EA's EULA description. Re-downloading or getting a new Pass is free, EA said.

This still seems like a strange extra step for EA to infuse in its new games, and we have contacted EA more directly for further clarification. Until then, maybe you shouldn't wait until the holiday tear the shrinkwrap off that copy of Dead Space 2.

EA: Online Pass can expire for new-game purchases, but it shouldn't originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA has made $10 - $15 million off Online Pass

David Hinkle — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:30:00 EST

You may know EA as simply a company that creates and publishes games, but we're pretty sure the company is full of wizards. How else can you explain conjuring up between $10 and $15 million dollars? That's what the Online Pass has helped the company do, CFO Eric Brown revealed (via Gamasutra).

"The revenues we derive from that haven't been dramatic. I'd say they're in the $10-$15 million range since we initiated the program," he said. First introduced last year for EA Sports titles, the Online Pass quickly spread to a majority of EA's games. Now, plenty of other third-party publishers utilize the same code system.

It was introduced to combat lost revenue from used game sales and, we'd say, a wild success, if not just straight-up magic.

EA has made $10 - $15 million off Online Pass originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battlefield 3 'probably' shipping with online pass

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:05:00 EST

The confusion regarding EA's plans for Battlefield 3's multiplayer access is palpable. GamerZines reports that Battlefield 3 Executive Producer Patrick Bach stated in an interview last week that the game would "probably" require a code for access to multiplayer. When pushed on whether EA would lock out second-hand players through use of an online pass, he replied, "I think we are." EA told the site it would pick up the conversation "another time."

The latest major iteration of the Battlefield franchise, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, implemented a "VIP Pass," granting access to extra content, but placed no initial limitations on multiplayer access. EA's online pass (i.e. Project Ten Dollar) -- now utilized by many publishers, with Ubisoft being the latest -- cuts off multiplayer to anyone who doesn't purchase a code, which comes bundled in new copies of games. Of course, with today's announcement of EA Sports Season Ticket (i.e. Project 25 Dollar), there's a whole new level of possibility.

"The whole idea is that we're paying for servers and if you create a new account there is a big process on how that is being handled in the back end," Bach said. "We would rather have you buy a new game than a used game because buying a used game is only a cost to us; we don't get a single dime from a used game, but we still need to create server space and everything for you."

Update: EA's statement: "We have not made any announcements regarding Battlefield 3 and Online Pass."

We've reached out to EA for clarification.

Battlefield 3 'probably' shipping with online pass originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Dead Space 2 DLC workaround for non-Gold members

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST

If you're an Xbox Live "free" member ready to "strategically dismember" bits of EA because you can't redeem the DLC included in the Dead Space 2 "Collector's Edition", just go ahead and put away the plasma cutter. The redemption card (pictured) gives instructions that won't work for those who aren't Gold members -- but there is a workaround.

An EA rep tells Joystiq that Live free members should go to the "Extras" menu and input the code in the "redeem code" section. This will unlock the single-player Zealot Suit and Zealot Force Gun without the need for a Gold membership. The problem with going through the Online Pass screen is that it's used for multiplayer, which you can't access without a Gold membership. This isn't the first (and likely not the last) time that DLC insert cards have caused confusion.

[Thanks, Dayton W.]

PSA: Dead Space 2 DLC workaround for non-Gold members originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA hasn't seen 'significant' backlash to Online Pass

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Though comments on our posts regarding EA Sports' Online Pass program haven't been the sunniest reading material to pore over, Electronic Arts CFO Eric Brown recently told the Deutsche Bank 2010 Technology Conference that reaction to the initiative hasn't exactly been apocalyptic, either.

"There's been no significant pushback from the user," Brown said of the program, which charges $10 for access to online modes in games acquired secondhand. "People know bandwidth isn't free, so the fact that we're diffusing online costs isn't seen as unreasonable." That's a pretty sensible outlook on the situation; though when a company's as large as EA, the definition of "significant" might be kind of obscure. We guess they didn't see our skywriting message over Pensacola Beach which read: "EA no pay for Onl. Pa." So what? We abbreviated -- it was $15 per letter! We're not made of money, guys.

EA hasn't seen 'significant' backlash to Online Pass originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA Sports Online Pass redeemed by 60% of users, says EA

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

During EA's Q1 financial conference call, COO John Schappert discussed the success of the company's "Online Pass" initiative. According to Schappert, early results from NCAA Football 11 and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 indicated that "sixty percent to seventy percent of online connected users" have redeemed a code for Online Pass. He noted further that "the level of online play is up" over last year, as is revenue from paid downloadable content.

When asked how Online Pass has impacted used game sales, Schappert noted that it's "too early to tell" but that EA is "encouraged by" the number of people playing online, and that the "extra gift" offered by Online Pass is "driving some of that adoption."

EA announced its Online Pass program earlier this year -- bundling a code with new copies of NCA Football 11 and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 -- which allows access to online features like multiplayer (among other things). Those who choose to buy used copies of the games can purchase an Online Pass for an additional $10. The Online Pass program operates as part of "Project Ten Dollar," created to stop losses generated by the used game industry. Based on the numbers touted by Schappert, as well as those reported by EA for the quarter, the strategy just might be working.

EA Sports Online Pass redeemed by 60% of users, says EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA's Ramsdale: Project Ten Dollar 'not a defensive measure against pre-owned or piracy'

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

An MCV interview with Electronic Arts UK General Manager Keith Ramsdale took a turn for the Munchausen fantastical when the executive claimed EA's "Project Ten Dollar" and Online Pass are programs "all about the customer, about improving their experience," and simply "not a defensive measure against pre-owned or piracy." And just as those words left his mouth, a unicorn leaving a rainbow trail in its wake burst into the room and moved toward Ramsdale. Cherubim flew in, picked up the executive and spirited him away on the majestic steed.

Sorry, there were no unicorns or pudgy angels, we just wanted to get into the spirit of that amazing tale explaining the purpose of "Project Ten Dollar."

On a more serious note, Ramsdale expressed that there are five core sectors EA currently focuses on: football (soccer); racing; sims; shooters; and fitness. The publisher considers those genres to be "year-round opportunities" that will utilize year-round work with retail, marketing and communication with the communities, though we wonder how much that leaves for creative endeavors that fall outside those sectors. Where would a Mirror's Edge fit in?

EA's Ramsdale: Project Ten Dollar 'not a defensive measure against pre-owned or piracy' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LGJ: EA Online Pass a Ticket to FTCville?

Mark Methenitis — Sat, 29 May 2010 03:30:00 EST

Filed under: Features

Mark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq ("LGJ"), a column on legal issues as they relate to video games:

By now, I'm sure everyone has seen the copious discussions on the EA Sports Online Pass. If, for some reason, you've been hiding in your closet because of an irrational fear of oil spills, or have been stuck in an airport without internet as a result of plumes of volcanic ash, the summary of these discussions is that EA will be charging people who purchase used versions of future EA Sports titles $10 for the use of certain online components of the game, which "can include basic online multiplayer, as well as group/league features, roster and playbook updates, downloads of user-created content." Not surprisingly, the announcement has been met with some frustration, some angry fist shaking and some relative acceptance from the consumer base. On the other hand, there has been a surprising amount of reports of puppies, unicorns and rainbows from analysts and even GameStop as a result of the Online Pass. While I hate to be the bringer of doom and gloom, it's just part of the lawyer's job description. What doom and gloom am I referring to? Government regulation.

But before I get too far ahead of myself, I want to first play a bit of devil's advocate with some of the statements related to the need for and logic behind the Online Pass. It's been argued that the need for these kind of charges stem from the newly emerging "long tail" of content that comes with disc-based games. And on the face of things, this does seem true. Games now have downloadable content that didn't exist years ago, and players continue to take advantage of this for some time. In fact, this is the basic model that MMO games have used for some time now, so why not see something similar added to these EA Sports games, with their roster downloads and other content?

Continue reading LGJ: EA Online Pass a Ticket to FTCville?

LGJ: EA Online Pass a Ticket to FTCville? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 May 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Analysts discuss impact of EA Sports Online Pass

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 12 May 2010 18:30:00 EST

Over at IndustryGamers, several analysts have chimed in on EA's latest assault on used game sales: The EA Sports Online Pass. The pass will offer players access to online features -- up to and possibly including online multiplayer -- on all future EA Sports titles starting with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11. Should someone buy a game used, additional passes can be purchased for $10. The overall consensus among analysts: It's a good thing and a smart move on EA's part.

According to Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter, it only makes sense that EA should be compensated for rendering online services. He noted that EA "currently does not get paid" by those who purchase used games and that the pass "is ensuring that second-hand purchasers will pay something for the maintenance of the server network and for access to premium content."

The majority of analysts agreed with Pachter, with EEDAR's Jesse Divnich noting that games now extend far beyond their own physical media. "Seven years ago, when you purchased Grand Theft Auto for $50, the entire experience was encapsulated on a DVD," said Divnich, "in 2010 that is no longer the case." He added that it is "perfectly reasonable" for EA to expect payment for features that aren't included directly on the disc. Also, DFC Intelligence's David Cole expects more companies to pursue similar programs in the future.

Meanwhile, Lazard Capital Markets' Cole Sebastian referred to the program as "a double-edged sword for publishers." While it may lower used sales, said Sebastian, it also diminishes the resale value of games that customers would trade in to purchase new ones.

Analysts discuss impact of EA Sports Online Pass originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 May 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Online Pass' specific to EA Sports, 'no announcement' on Medal of Honor

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 11 May 2010 14:55:00 EST

Listen, we get it. You're a "pre-owned" type of game buyer. To us, and your online comrades, we're equals in the game owning world. To EA, well, you're sucking its server's bandwidth. Defending EA Sports' "Online Pass," Senior Vice President Andrew Wilson told Develop, "We want to reserve EA Sports online services for people who pay EA to access them."

We were curious to find out if the same held true for non-EA Sports titles; specifically, if this program would be implemented with Medal of Honor's online multiplayer. A company representative informed Joystiq, "Online Pass is a program specific to EA Sports. However other EA titles and franchises are planning similar offerings to reward players with bonus content and online services. No announcements today related to Medal of Honor."

Begun, the game-owner class wars have.

'Online Pass' specific to EA Sports, 'no announcement' on Medal of Honor originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA introduces one-time-use 'Online Pass' for sports games

JC Fletcher — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:05:00 EST

EA just announced the next step of its "Project Ten Dollar" initiative, one that's likely to affect a lot of people much more deeply than the allure of some extra DLC. Starting with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, out June 8, EA Sports games for PS3 and Xbox 360 will include a title-specific "Online Pass" that enables access to "online services, features, and bonus content." If the code has already been redeemed (i.e. if you bought the game used) additional Online Passes will be available for (you guessed it!) ten dollars. Each game will include a seven-day free trial.

The online services under the Online Pass vary by game, but an EA rep told us they can include basic online multiplayer, as well as group/league features, roster and playbook updates, downloads of user-created content (like Photo Game Faces) and tournament support.

We'd think GameStop would be most upset about this plan, given that it's basically the destination for trade-ins of last year's sports games toward the new model, but CEO Dan DeMatteo offers a cheerful quote in the announcement. "GameStop is excited to partner with such a forward-thinking publisher as Electronic Arts," DeMatteo said. "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."

EA introduces one-time-use 'Online Pass' for sports games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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