Yeah, I figured we weren't far off from something like this. Publishers hate Gamestop et al.'s pawn shop racket, and have been trying to figure out a way to kill it for years.
It's also going to affect rentals, I'd imagine.
_________________ "Aaaah! Emotions are weird!" - Amdee "... Mirrorshades prevent the forces of normalcy from realizing that one is crazed and possibly dangerous. They are the symbol of the sun-staring visionary, the biker, the rocker, the policeman, and similar outlaws." - Bruce Sterling, preface to Mirrorshades
I know we say this every time. Maybe this will be the last straw for EA. In my opinion there ip isn't so great for the amount of stuff like this they pull. I wonder how much longer the players are going to put up with it.
_________________ I prefer to think of them as "Fighting evil in another dimension"
The most surprising thing about this is how GameStop is on board with it. Their views may have changed, but when I worked there it was all about pushing used sales. As in, to the point where stores/employees were penalized if they didn't reach certain quotas of used business.
Hell, maybe they did drop the used focus, because this move is obviously counter-productive to that line of thinking.
The other things is that used games are ultimately beneficial to the industry. If a person buys a used copy of a game because they were floundering on the franchise, and discover it is good -- they will be more inclined to buy a new version of its next iteration. So yes, you may lose a sale on that particular installment, but you potentially gain future new sales of sequels/spin-offs. So in terms of exposure, used games are very beneficial to the industry.
Gamestop is on board with it because EA's either demanding, or bribing them with something.
_________________ "Aaaah! Emotions are weird!" - Amdee "... Mirrorshades prevent the forces of normalcy from realizing that one is crazed and possibly dangerous. They are the symbol of the sun-staring visionary, the biker, the rocker, the policeman, and similar outlaws." - Bruce Sterling, preface to Mirrorshades
Gamestop will probably also be selling the online passes, and making some margin off of those, too. I doubt that required bribery.
Eh, it's its own bribery.
_________________ "Aaaah! Emotions are weird!" - Amdee "... Mirrorshades prevent the forces of normalcy from realizing that one is crazed and possibly dangerous. They are the symbol of the sun-staring visionary, the biker, the rocker, the policeman, and similar outlaws." - Bruce Sterling, preface to Mirrorshades
The most surprising thing about this is how GameStop is on board with it. Their views may have changed, but when I worked there it was all about pushing used sales. As in, to the point where stores/employees were penalized if they didn't reach certain quotas of used business.
Hell, maybe they did drop the used focus, because this move is obviously counter-productive to that line of thinking.
Uh, yeaaaaahhhh...I don't think so. GameStop is a pawn shop now, nothing more. They almost refuse to traffic in new games. It's utterly ridiculous.
Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year edition came out today. None of the GameStops around had it. At all. Their reason? "No one pre-ordered it, so we didn't get any copies in." That would be fine, I suppose, if you weren't a store that ostensibly specialized in video games.
Imbeciles. May your business model destroy yourselves.
So this means renting an EA Sports product will be unusable online unless you pay another $10? HAHA. Bye EA. I'm done with you.
From the above article.. you are incorrect.
The $10 fee will allow you to use some content, but it sadi specifically multiplayer is not one of those things.
Quote:
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.
_________________ Darksiege Traveller, Calé, Whisperer Lead me not into temptation; for I know a shortcut
So this means renting an EA Sports product will be unusable online unless you pay another $10? HAHA. Bye EA. I'm done with you.
From the above article.. you are incorrect.
The $10 fee will allow you to use some content, but it sadi specifically multiplayer is not one of those things.
Quote:
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.
Um...it says "Players will not have access to basic features if purchased used." That means, you can't play online unless you buy new.
Gamestop is on board because they are also dicks, and will be perfectly happy to sell customers that come back in 3 hours later another piece of merchandise for 10 dollars, adding to every used game sold.
Who I really feel sorry for in this (other than gamers), is all those poor beaten down minimum wage gamestop employees. "Gee sir, you mean I get to deal with TRULY pissed off people coming back in every time I sell a used game where the multiplayer doesn't work? Oh JOY!"
What surprises me is it took this long for them to figure out a technical solution and implement it. Everquest and games before it use this exact model.
As for the idea itself, I have no problem with it. All the ballyhoo about it is just histrionics: if the used game market is really big, it will force retailers who saturate themselves with unsellable product (high priced new releases) to put pressure back on the development studio/publishers. Conversely, if retailers aren't willing to risk carrying hot, in demand inventory (i.e. new releases) for fear of too much inventory because they had a lucrative used games business, this will also hurt them.
_________________ "It's real, grew up in trife life, the times of white lines The hype vice, murderous nighttimes and knife fights invite crimes" - Nasir Jones
Um...it says "Players will not have access to basic features if purchased used." That means, you can't play online unless you buy new.
My apologies. I read "So this means renting an EA Sports product will be unusable online unless you pay another $10?" as a thought that you could still buy the pass to play online, but the article said otherwise.
So I must have misunderstood what you initially said; my bad.
_________________ Darksiege Traveller, Calé, Whisperer Lead me not into temptation; for I know a shortcut
Joined: Wed Sep 02, 2009 10:49 pm Posts: 3455 Location: St. Louis, MO
The article seems to not quite convey the meaning it should.
Spoiler:
EA wrote:
How do I unlock my Online Pass access code? When you connect online with your new EA SPORTS game for the first time, you’ll be prompted to confirm your EA account details. If you don’t already have an EA account, you’ll be asked to accept our Online Terms and Conditions and then create an account. After confirming or creating your account, a screen will appear that enables you to redeem your Online Pass code.
If you haven’t already enabled Online Pass, when you try to access an online feature in your game, you will be prompted to enter your code. If you do not have a code, you may purchase Online Pass access from within the game. If you’re not sure online is for you, you can enjoy a temporary free trial before purchasing access.
Where do I find the Online Pass access code? The code is on the back of the manual inside your game. When you open the package, you’ll see the game disc on the right. On the left you will find the game manual along with other printed material. Flip the manual over, and you’ll see the code at the top of the back page.
If I have a used game, how will I know if the access code that came with the game still works? Your Online Pass code comes with the original retail purchase of the game. If the original consumer of the game did not use the Online Pass code, the second-hand consumer may use that code.
Does one Online Pass give me online access to all EA SPORTS titles? In order to access online features and bonus content for a specific title, you need to activate or purchase Online Pass for each title. A code to activate Online Pass is found on the back of the manual of each EA SPORTS title purchased new.
How do I buy online access or get a code if I do not have a one or my code has already been used? If you have purchased a new game, your code is printed on the back of the manual included inside your game packaging. If you have purchased a used game and the code originally included has already been activated, you will need to purchase EA SPORTS Online Pass access from within your game by choosing PURCHASE ONLINE ACCESS from the Code Redemption screen.
Can I buy my code from ea.com or is it only available via Microsoft and Sony? An Online Pass needs to be purchased through Xbox LIVE Marketplace or PlayStation®Store. You can purchase Online Pass access from within your game by choosing PURCHASE ONLINE ACCESS from the Code Redemption screen.
How do I unlock my code once I buy it? If you have a code for EA SPORTS Online Pass access, you will be prompted to enter the code when you access an online feature in your game. If you have purchased online access from within your game, you do not need to enter a code.
Do I still need to buy an Xbox LIVE gold subscription to use online features? Yes, multiplayer online game modes require an Xbox LIVE Gold subscription for gamers playing on Xbox 360 consoles.
What online features will work if I don’t subscribe to Xbox LIVE Gold? You will be able to enjoy all the offline content of your game and will be able to download other items from the in-game store. You will be unable to play multiplayer online game modes or use your downloaded content in online game modes.
Excluding multiplayer online gameplay, some online features, on a game-by-game basis may be available for use without a Gold subscription.
What happens if my console dies or is lost or stolen? If you have already redeemed the code from your game manual or purchased Online Pass access, you will be able to access online features from any console using the same Xbox 360 gamer tag or Playstation3 persona. You may need to go to the ‘my downloaded content’ section in Xbox LIVE Marketplace or PSN Store to re-download your EA SPORTS Online Pass.
Can I still buy downloadable content without activation of an Online Pass? Yes. If you do not have Xbox LIVE Gold access, you will only be able to use downloadable content in offline game modes.
Can I still get free downloadable game add-ons? Yes, you may still download game add-ons such as EA Sports Ultimate Team (when applicable). However, if you do not have Xbox LIVE Gold access or EA SPORTS Online Pass access, you will only be able to use downloadable content in offline game modes.
What if I’m not connected to the Internet? An internet connection is required to activate the Online Pass and to gain access to bonus content.
Do I need to purchase an Online Pass when I rent a game? Each Xbox LIVE gamertag or Sony PSN ID is entitled to a free 7 day trial per title. Beyond that, users will be required to redeem or purchase Online Pass access.
Do I need an unique Online Pass for every user on my console? No. One Online Pass will give online access to multiple users logged into the console where the Online Pass was first activated (subject to the console manufacturer’s and EA online terms of service).
Also, the user that activated the Online Pass will be allowed to access online features on other consoles (of the same manufacturer) by logging into the same account credentials that they used when they enabled the Online Pass.
What happens if I play at a friend’s console? If you have purchased Online Pass access or redeemed a code for free access on one console, you can use your access on any other console. To do so, sign in using your Xbox LIVE gamertag or PSN ID persona on your friend’s console when playing online.
Spoiler:
Quote:
Five Questions with Andrew Wilson, Senior Vice President of World Wide Development, EA SPORTS
What exactly is Online Pass and when does it launch? Online Pass launches in all EA SPORTS simulation games on the PS3 and Xbox 360 beginning in June with Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 11. It’s quite simple – every game will come with a game-specific, one-time use registration code with each unit sold new at retail. With your Online Pass, you’ll have access to multiplayer online play, group features like online dynasty and leagues, user created content, and bonus downloadable content for your game including, for example, a new driver in Tiger. If the original access code has been redeemed and fans wish to get access to the online content (for example, if you pick up a used copy), you can access a free 7-day trial or additional Online Passes will be available for $10.
What do you mean by “bonus content”? What type of content will that be? In addition to Online Team Play, Live Tournaments and other modes and features, we expect every product will include additional content as part of its Online Pass. Access to bonus content is included in the purchase of an Online Pass for a particular product. For example, in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 11, an advanced driver used on the PGA TOUR for play in-game will be included with the Online Pass. Our goal is to provide value to consumers, and this is one piece of that philosophy.
We’ve seen a lot of different publishers, including EA, introduce the concept of registration codes. How is this different, or the same, from others we’ve seen in the past year? The concept of a code isn’t new, and in fact it’s something we’ve used in recent years with Live Season in FIFA and with Dynamic DNA in NBA LIVE. The Online Pass though accelerates what we’ve done in the past and is unique in that all users will have access to the premium online services and content we provide. Customers who purchase the games new for the full retail price get access to online services and features, as well as bonus game content; other customers will have access to all the online services and content for $10. GameStop has also offered their support. Gamers will be able to purchase access to the Online Pass and additional DLC from EA at their stores and through their website.
Why charge anything for online access? First, it’s important to be clear that all users have access to premium content. I’ve been here now for more than a decade, and the investments we’re making in developing for digital are profound, compared to even a few years ago. And it makes sense. When we see how many people are playing all of our games online, consumers are telling us that competition is endemic to sports in a way that most people don’t get just by playing a game alone on their couch. As a result, we’ve made a significant investment to offer the most immersive online experience available. We want to reserve EA SPORTS online services for people who pay EA to access them.
Is this intended to combat second sale? 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.
The article seems to not quite convey the meaning it should.
Spoiler:
EA wrote:
How do I unlock my Online Pass access code? When you connect online with your new EA SPORTS game for the first time, you’ll be prompted to confirm your EA account details. If you don’t already have an EA account, you’ll be asked to accept our Online Terms and Conditions and then create an account. After confirming or creating your account, a screen will appear that enables you to redeem your Online Pass code.
If you haven’t already enabled Online Pass, when you try to access an online feature in your game, you will be prompted to enter your code. If you do not have a code, you may purchase Online Pass access from within the game. If you’re not sure online is for you, you can enjoy a temporary free trial before purchasing access.
Where do I find the Online Pass access code? The code is on the back of the manual inside your game. When you open the package, you’ll see the game disc on the right. On the left you will find the game manual along with other printed material. Flip the manual over, and you’ll see the code at the top of the back page.
If I have a used game, how will I know if the access code that came with the game still works? Your Online Pass code comes with the original retail purchase of the game. If the original consumer of the game did not use the Online Pass code, the second-hand consumer may use that code.
Does one Online Pass give me online access to all EA SPORTS titles? In order to access online features and bonus content for a specific title, you need to activate or purchase Online Pass for each title. A code to activate Online Pass is found on the back of the manual of each EA SPORTS title purchased new.
How do I buy online access or get a code if I do not have a one or my code has already been used? If you have purchased a new game, your code is printed on the back of the manual included inside your game packaging. If you have purchased a used game and the code originally included has already been activated, you will need to purchase EA SPORTS Online Pass access from within your game by choosing PURCHASE ONLINE ACCESS from the Code Redemption screen.
Can I buy my code from ea.com or is it only available via Microsoft and Sony? An Online Pass needs to be purchased through Xbox LIVE Marketplace or PlayStation®Store. You can purchase Online Pass access from within your game by choosing PURCHASE ONLINE ACCESS from the Code Redemption screen.
How do I unlock my code once I buy it? If you have a code for EA SPORTS Online Pass access, you will be prompted to enter the code when you access an online feature in your game. If you have purchased online access from within your game, you do not need to enter a code.
Do I still need to buy an Xbox LIVE gold subscription to use online features? Yes, multiplayer online game modes require an Xbox LIVE Gold subscription for gamers playing on Xbox 360 consoles.
What online features will work if I don’t subscribe to Xbox LIVE Gold? You will be able to enjoy all the offline content of your game and will be able to download other items from the in-game store. You will be unable to play multiplayer online game modes or use your downloaded content in online game modes.
Excluding multiplayer online gameplay, some online features, on a game-by-game basis may be available for use without a Gold subscription.
What happens if my console dies or is lost or stolen? If you have already redeemed the code from your game manual or purchased Online Pass access, you will be able to access online features from any console using the same Xbox 360 gamer tag or Playstation3 persona. You may need to go to the ‘my downloaded content’ section in Xbox LIVE Marketplace or PSN Store to re-download your EA SPORTS Online Pass.
Can I still buy downloadable content without activation of an Online Pass? Yes. If you do not have Xbox LIVE Gold access, you will only be able to use downloadable content in offline game modes.
Can I still get free downloadable game add-ons? Yes, you may still download game add-ons such as EA Sports Ultimate Team (when applicable). However, if you do not have Xbox LIVE Gold access or EA SPORTS Online Pass access, you will only be able to use downloadable content in offline game modes.
What if I’m not connected to the Internet? An internet connection is required to activate the Online Pass and to gain access to bonus content.
Do I need to purchase an Online Pass when I rent a game? Each Xbox LIVE gamertag or Sony PSN ID is entitled to a free 7 day trial per title. Beyond that, users will be required to redeem or purchase Online Pass access.
Do I need an unique Online Pass for every user on my console? No. One Online Pass will give online access to multiple users logged into the console where the Online Pass was first activated (subject to the console manufacturer’s and EA online terms of service).
Also, the user that activated the Online Pass will be allowed to access online features on other consoles (of the same manufacturer) by logging into the same account credentials that they used when they enabled the Online Pass.
What happens if I play at a friend’s console? If you have purchased Online Pass access or redeemed a code for free access on one console, you can use your access on any other console. To do so, sign in using your Xbox LIVE gamertag or PSN ID persona on your friend’s console when playing online.
Spoiler:
Quote:
Five Questions with Andrew Wilson, Senior Vice President of World Wide Development, EA SPORTS
What exactly is Online Pass and when does it launch? Online Pass launches in all EA SPORTS simulation games on the PS3 and Xbox 360 beginning in June with Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 11. It’s quite simple – every game will come with a game-specific, one-time use registration code with each unit sold new at retail. With your Online Pass, you’ll have access to multiplayer online play, group features like online dynasty and leagues, user created content, and bonus downloadable content for your game including, for example, a new driver in Tiger. If the original access code has been redeemed and fans wish to get access to the online content (for example, if you pick up a used copy), you can access a free 7-day trial or additional Online Passes will be available for $10.
What do you mean by “bonus content”? What type of content will that be? In addition to Online Team Play, Live Tournaments and other modes and features, we expect every product will include additional content as part of its Online Pass. Access to bonus content is included in the purchase of an Online Pass for a particular product. For example, in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 11, an advanced driver used on the PGA TOUR for play in-game will be included with the Online Pass. Our goal is to provide value to consumers, and this is one piece of that philosophy.
We’ve seen a lot of different publishers, including EA, introduce the concept of registration codes. How is this different, or the same, from others we’ve seen in the past year? The concept of a code isn’t new, and in fact it’s something we’ve used in recent years with Live Season in FIFA and with Dynamic DNA in NBA LIVE. The Online Pass though accelerates what we’ve done in the past and is unique in that all users will have access to the premium online services and content we provide. Customers who purchase the games new for the full retail price get access to online services and features, as well as bonus game content; other customers will have access to all the online services and content for $10. GameStop has also offered their support. Gamers will be able to purchase access to the Online Pass and additional DLC from EA at their stores and through their website.
Why charge anything for online access? First, it’s important to be clear that all users have access to premium content. I’ve been here now for more than a decade, and the investments we’re making in developing for digital are profound, compared to even a few years ago. And it makes sense. When we see how many people are playing all of our games online, consumers are telling us that competition is endemic to sports in a way that most people don’t get just by playing a game alone on their couch. As a result, we’ve made a significant investment to offer the most immersive online experience available. We want to reserve EA SPORTS online services for people who pay EA to access them.
Is this intended to combat second sale? 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.
What exact meaning should it be conveying? From everything I'm reading, it's conveying the exact message EA is: We are going to charge you to use online content if you don't buy the game first-hand.
I love how they walk on eggshells when talking about secondhand sales, saying they value those customers. The only reason they are doing this is to tap into the secondhand sales market, a market that previously netted them zero dollars. By charging John to access online content after he buys Tiger Woods 11 used from Gamestop, EA brings in $10 more than they ever previously did. I'm very curious why Gamestop and EA both think this is such a great thing. Gamestop charges $55 for popular used games. Now, players will have to pay $10 on top of that $55 if they want full access to the game. If I'm not mistaken, it'd be cheaper to just buy the game new at $60. In order to make it even worth it to the buyer, Gamestop will need to lower the price to $45 now. Even then, the consumer is only saving $5 on a used game, after you factor in the price to access EA's online content. In this equation, EA gains $10, and Gamestop loses $10. Again, why is Gamestop so open to this? They will have to forever lower their prices on used games, or they simply won't sell over the new versions.
Honestly, I don't know if EA's online offerings (at least when looking at their track record) are even worth $10. I fail to see why Microsoft is open to this as well. People are already paying monthly to play games online with XBL. I can't believe Microsoft doesn't mind other people charging to use XBL for specific titles. I remember when MS didn't want EA to use their own servers for games. They wanted standardization, yet now EA is trying to capitalize off the fact that MS allowed them to use their own servers. I suppose I don't blame them, since they're just trying to make money. I just think it's a bone-headed move on their part. It's a move that will detract from their offerings and their already glorious reputation.
My prediction: EA's online games will have less people playing online in the future.
Yeah, that pretty much seals it. No more EA games for me. After all the time I've wasted trying to get Sims 3 to work for my wife on her computer, I'm done.
This change by EA, like the advent of the missing Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 downloads, has its roots in one of the console manufacturers; but, I don't hear any of you advocating a boycott of Sony.
_________________
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Facism is not a school of thought, it is a racial slur.
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