EA Sports Locks Out Multiplayer Modes On Used Sales

May 10, 2010 - EA Sports is going after the used game market.

Starting with the release of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, the publisher will introduce a new Online Pass, a one-time registration code included with each brand new copy of the game. The code allows players to access "online services, features and bonus content."

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.

"You will be unable to play multiplayer online game modes or use your downloaded content in online game modes," EA says. Online leagues, dynasty and franchise modes are also only available with the Online Pass. The break down for each title can be seen on the publisher's official website.

"This is an important inflection point in our business because it allows us to accelerate our commitment to enhance premium online services to the entire robust EA SPORTS online community," said Peter Moore, President of EA SPORTS.

Despite being the leader in used game sales, retailer GameStop, which acknowledged it plans to focus on digital content in the future, supports Electronic Arts' new direction.

"GameStop is excited to partner with such a forward-thinking publisher as Electronic Arts," said Dan DeMatteo, Chief Executive Officer of GameStop Corp. "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."

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/108/1088621p1.html

That sucks, but it's just another reason I hate E.A. I would never pay full price for a sports title because they shell them out each year with only basic roster updates and maybe a new or tweaked thing and charge a full $60, even the returned copies are like $54.99 for a while, so you would end up paying more for the used and a "Online pass".
I think Gamestop will probably lower the price of the used games and make it so the new price includes the "Online pass" and still sell it for the same amount as before.

Yeah I can definitely see gamestop doing that. People complain about microsoft charging for everything but then you look at EA and this lmao?