EA Sports Says “Buy New or Pay Extra” for online multiplayer

It looks like EA isn’t crazy about losing revenue to used game sales, so much so that they are taking the bold step of charging for online multiplayer if you are playing a used copy.

 

It looks like EA isn’t crazy about losing revenue to used game sales, so much so that they are taking the bold step of charging for online multiplayer if you are playing a used copy. Check it out for yourself at the EA Sports online pass page:

 

                                          

 

Now, if you scroll down you come to this:

 

 

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.

 

 

What this means is that buying a used EA Sports game at your favorite game retailer just got more complicated. Instead of just going home and putting the disc in, you now have to sign up for an account with EA and spend some cash. Users who have purchased the game used get a free trial but it’s still strange.

 

If you think about it, after the first purchase, the game disc loses a significant value because the next person cannot play online. 

 

 

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.

 

 

Is this a wise move?

 

[Via EA Sports]