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EA is scrapping its Online Pass system, the controversial program that requires players to input a one-time use code or purchase a license to access online functionality, the publisher has confirmed.
“Yes, we’re discontinuing Online Pass,” EA senior director of corporate communications John Reseburg told VentureBeat. “None of our new EA titles will include that feature.”
EA first introduced the program in 2010 with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, and has used it regularly in subsequent EA Sports titles and titles on other EA labels, including Battlefield 3 and the Need For Speed series.
Other publishers, including Codemasters, Sony, Ubisoft and Warner Bros. followed suit with their own versions of Online Pass.
The initiative was reportedly introduced to battle lost revenue from the sale of pre-owned titles.
“Initially launched as an effort to package a full menu of online content and services, many players didn’t respond to the format,” added Reseburg. “We’ve listened to the feedback and decided to do away with it moving forward.”
Are you pleased with EA’s decision to kill off Online Pass? Will you begin purchasing more pre-owned titles as a result? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: VentureBeat
