EA Sports Locks Out Multiplayer Modes On Used Sales

**OldSchoolGamer** · 05-10-2010, 09:42 PM

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

PRICKS..........

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."

**November Mike** · 05-11-2010, 02:45 AM

Wow.

Sucks man.

NHL 10 is by far my favorite 360 game to date and I refuse to allow the lame business practices of a given publisher ruin the fun that NHL 11 will be. It's maybe poor ethics on my part, but I buy games because they are fun to play, not because I want to support a given dev/pub. Frankly, I don't care. *shrugs*

**entexman** · 05-11-2010, 02:54 AM

Originally Posted by November Mike

Wow.

Sucks man.

NHL 10 is by far my favorite 360 game to date and I refuse to allow the lame business practices of a given publisher ruin the fun that NHL 11 will be. It's maybe poor ethics on my part, but I buy games because they are fun to play, not because I want to support a given dev/pub. Frankly, I don't care. *shrugs*

As a consumer of video games that is all that should matter to you. The fact is companies like Gamestop are stealing profits from publishers/developers because they are reselling games close to the full selling price for a new copy. This new practice allows the publisher to get a piece of the re-sell pie. Did I mention I really hate gamestop?

**merman1974** · 05-11-2010, 03:07 AM

I totally disagree that used sales are bad for the industry (since the majority of that money comes back long-term, and keeps separate games shops on the high street/in the malls).

I also totally disagree with whichever knee-jerking jerk comes along and jerks us all around with their "BOYCOTT EA!!! H8 THEM11111" campaign. As consumers, you pays your money and takes your choice. If you want online play with those games, pay for it.

**alexjlopez** · 05-11-2010, 07:05 AM

Confirmed--this won't affect the Wii versions of these games hehe. For the record, the Wii version of Tiger Woods has been the highest selling one for the past three years.

**javierdlopez** · 05-11-2010, 07:23 AM

Originally Posted by alexjlopez

Confirmed--this won't affect the Wii versions of these games hehe. For the record, the Wii version of Tiger Woods has been the highest selling one for the past three years.

I wonder if they'll include a "How many groupies can you bang" mini game on future iterations?

I don't have a problem with the stance EA has been taking with their games recently. Although you may not feel any affinity towards devs or publishers, as NovemberMike mentioned, he really enjoys playing the crap out of NHL10. By buying the game "new" you're letting the EA know that you actually enjoy their game and that they should continue making games like it. If sales are poor, then EA puts less money into the franchise or kills the franchise altogether.

EA isn't a model citizen either. They recently nuked online gameplay for a ton of older (current gen) sports titles. It's their way of forcing the public to go out and buy the latest version of their game. If they follow through with that trend, then NovemberMike's copy of NHL10 may lose it's multiplayer feature, which is some really bad hockey...

**BurgerTyme** · 05-11-2010, 08:00 AM

Why not just sell it for $10 less and let folks that want online play pay the extra $10 for the ability whether they have a new or used game. I don't play games online, so I guess I can always sell the code for $5.

**Turbo2Xs** · 05-11-2010, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by entexman

The fact is companies like Gamestop are stealing profits from publishers/developers because they are reselling games close to the full selling price for a new copy. This new practice allows the publisher to get a piece of the re-sell pie.

I see what you're saying but in a way, you could reword the above to:

"The fact is, game publishers like EA are stealing from consumers because they are reselling rehashed games at the full selling price of last years copy."

**November Mike** · 05-11-2010, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by javierdlopez

EA isn't a model citizen either. They recently nuked online gameplay for a ton of older (current gen) sports titles. It's their way of forcing the public to go out and buy the latest version of their game. If they follow through with that trend, then NovemberMike's copy of NHL10 may lose it's multiplayer feature, which is some really bad hockey...

LOL... you really cracked me up, a banging mini game? buhahaha

Lets remember, this is NHL, and not MADDEN. I remember that list, they cut off NHL07... but Madden09. Madden IS the big enchilada for them and that is why they only support the lastest edition. You're right though, I have played the crap out of it and I do plan on buying '11 (as mentioned above) so dropped features on '10 wouldn't matter to me. But this is what kept me from getting Madden09 after 10 came out and the price dropped.