Electronic Arts has decided to get rid of its Online Pass system, a system which saw new copies of EA titles coming with a numerical key that gave players access to online features in games.
The company’s senior director of corporate communications John Reseburg, speaking to GamesBeat, said that the Online Pass system would not be implemented in future EA games. Reseburg said “Yes, we’re discontinuing Online Pass. None of our new EA titles will include that feature.”
“Initially launched as an effort to package a full menu of online content and services, many players didn’t respond to the format. We’ve listened to the feedback and decided to do away with it moving forward.”
Players have not been keen on EA’s system since it prevents players from getting the full experience from second-hand games, in addition to adding another layer of complexity to playing online. Online Passes for EA were previously sold to players who had purchased a second hand game. Reseburg also said “We’re still committed to creating content and services that enhance the game experience well beyond the day you first start playing”, so it seems that EA will be continuing with downloadable content and possibly microtransactions for its future titles.
EA might be stepping back from this option in their games but several other games publishers will continue to use their own versions of the online pass.
Source: The Verge