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SSX will allow players to take part in both the Explore and Global Events multiplayer modes without the need for an online pass, EA has said.
The $10 online pass will still come bundled with new copies of the game, but in a change of tact by the publisher will offer incentives besides enabling online access.
“As you know, all EA Sports games for the Xbox 360 and PS3 have included a game-specific EA Sports Online Pass since June 2010,” EA told Game Informer in a statement. “This is a one-time use registration code with each unit sold new at retail that allows access to online services and features, as well as bonus game content. Once activated, additional passes will be available for $10. Thus, all new copies of SSX will include a code for Online Pass. EA Sports has made a significant investment to offer immersive online services and features. We want to reserve these online services for people who pay EA to access them.
“In SSX, players without an Online Pass are able to compete and play in both of SSX’s online game modes, Explore and Global Events with no restrictions. In Global Events, the top finishers from each event are awarded with in-game credits. These in-game credits earned during play will not be awarded to the player if they do not have an Online Pass; these credits will be stored so that at any time, if a player redeems an Online Pass code, all the credits that they had previously earned in Global Events will be immediately awarded to them.
“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.”
SSX will be released March 2 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
It seems EA is trying a “look at what you could have” approach to the online pass with SSX, which is quite different to the locked off content seen in earlier versions of online pass. We anticipate this will be received much better by gamers.
