How does this modern jewel of a system work? Let us consult the official website for clues to this mystery:
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"EA SPORTS™ expands your quest for glory by fully immersing you in the entire sports experience. Activating your Online Pass gives you full access to online features and bonus content. Online Pass launches in all future EA SPORTS simulation games on the PS3 and Xbox 360 beginning in June with Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 11. EA SPORTS. It’s In The Game." |
Well, if you pick up a EA title, you are granted the powerful mystical key that allows you added features, bonus content, and of course the ability to play the title online. It's a one of a kind code that you, as the original buyer of the game, are entitled to have. Now then, if you buy the game used from wherever you like to buy your used games from you will be greeted with a brief week-long trial of all of the features that in most cases have been pretty standard for some time (online functionality is a bonus now?). After that trial you're going to be shelling out and additional $10 to continue, well, playing the game online and taking advantage of those nifty bonus features. The first game to get the Online Pass honor is Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11. I'd imagine that all of the Madden games will follow suit, as well as ANY SPORTS GAME EA WILL EVER MAKE EVER AGAIN.
Something I found interesting is that they want to make it seem like this is not a jab at the used game market. In their FAQ that is no way bias they answer this question: Is this intended to combat second sale? Now, this could very well be a chance for EA to just be honest and say, "Well, yeah. We like money." Instead, they want to be the used game buyer's friend:
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"We actually view the second sale market as an opportunity to develop a direct relationship with our consumers, and with Online Pass everyone has access to the same premium online services and content regardless of how and where you buy the game. In order to continue to enhance the online experiences that are attracting nearly five million connected game sessions a day, again, we think it’s fair to get paid for the services we provide and to reserve these online services for people who pay EA to access them. In return, we’ll continue to invest in creating great games and offer industry-leading online services to extend the game experience to everyone. I don’t think even the harshest cynic can argue with that and instead I think fans will see the value we’re committing to deliver when they see all the services, features and bonus content that is extending the life of their products." |
So it boils down to needing the money to continue to provide the gamer with the best level of quality while compensating for the sheer volume of people playing EA's games. Mark my words, the Madden experience sans-Online Pass will culminate with the ability to choose two teams (four on four of course), playing in a fully rendered and awesome realized parking lot environment, for one quarter. It'll be called the Tailgate Edition and it will still sell a million copies.
What do you think? Is it warranted? Is it worth it? Will it spill out into other EA developed or published titles?
