Thread: Don't buy used games anymore. Starting with EA Sports.

EA Sports Locks Out Multiplayer Modes On Used Sales - Xbox 360 News at IGN

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."

As if DLC (Downloadable Content) isn't already ruining gaming.. this is coming next.

To anyone who buys used games, you're going to have to pay an extra 10 bucks to EA Sports to access online play + updates.

Thoughts?

*******s

Don't play sport games online?

I would prefer buying a new sports game over a used one anyway, but damn. EA is ruining themselves with the DLC first, and now this. Bunch of money hungry ****ing morans!

If their server/service was reliable it might make sense...too bad I get booted from EA's Server (not my internet connection) regularly so that playing online with only 2 people is a crap shoot to finish w/o a DNF.
I also get intermittent lag issues nearly every game, even if I don't get booted.
Also the mics/headsets never work consistently.

I have no confidence this extra money they make will make the experience any better...they'll do just enough to get "buy".

F 'em. I don't even play their sports games. They know what they are doing though. How many people do you know buy the latest Madden just because ? Exactly.

EA has been doing this for eons with PC games. I'm surprised its taken them this long to do it with their console games.

Yeah, EA, right...

Reminds me of promising "brand new highlights" and "next-gen graphics" for the PC version of the NHL series for three years...just to cancel any further installment in 09...

What's next, you have you to pay extra to unlock all 30 teams, or whatever it is in each sport. Eventually we'll have to buy the "special edition" just to have a "complete" game. Not to mention all the extras for DLC.