EA Locks out Multiplayer.

[larkis]

Each EA Sports game in the 11 series onwards will have a code to access online features.
If you buy a used game with the code already used, you'll have to purchase the code for an additional fee of $10 US (EA usually translates this to $12-13 AU)

 

[Ant_]

So $10 on top of the game purchase and live? **** off, I'm sure they could have a one use code packaged in the game like Mass Effect 2 and the free DLC.

Edit : Ahh $10 for a used game.

 

[aussiedude]

wont bother me at all i buy all my games new most of the time day1

 

[WhySoSerious]

Not quite. You only pay a fee if you haven't purchased the game brand new and obviously only if you want to.

It's a 1 time fee if you choose to pay it, if you buy the game brand new there is no fee at all (remember, "brand new" does not mean $100, you can always buy online or wait a few months for the price to go down).

The thing about Activision was them wanting to have a pay-to-play online scheme for COD in which you have an MMO like fee from month to month. Which I personally see as ridiculous as COD might be good, but it's certainly not the only great FPS title out there.

Sports games are different, you've got a maximum of about 3 companies bringing out a sports title for one individual sport and usually it's only 2. The quality is fairly transparent and the way I see it, is if you're going to purchase one of these titles, it will usually be day one or at least brand new.The problem comes down to the publisher just not making enough money to keep afloat. This is one of many last ditch efforts to keep the money on new games being purchased.

IMO EA Sports is really the only company that could really keep this offer up simply because their sports games (bar NBA and Madden maybe) are the leading games out of any sporting titles and the opposition is playing catch up much like EA were doing for so long. Also, since they have their titles come out annually it means that they've found that people are opting for the pre-owned versions of the year before's title which would offer more reason for EA to go, "well if you purchase that one used, you won't be getting the same online services as this years brand new copy."

I will say, that as a person who has bought into the pre-owned fad and purchased a number of those games it would be fairly annoying if this happened as it would make you think when EB have one of their "MASSIVE PRE-OWNED SALE'S" like they have on right now. But for the amount of titles I have purchased pre-owned, the online's have either been deserted or crap anyway.

Ahk, I misunderstood. I was thinking it was some sort of a subscription service along the same lines that Activision are planning to do with some of there titles (unless I misunderstood that aswell ).

It still doesnt make it right though. It's basically them trying to continue making money off an old product they otherwise wouldnt be. It's not like when people sell a game they still have the ability to play online, so what does it matter if the product changes hands? When the game was sold new all the services and features were included in the price then and there, what happens after that should be out of there hands. Going to cause a ton of problems for retailers such as EBgames and Gamestop that make the most of there money through the pre-owned games market.

Wont affect me much anyways as I honestly cant remember the last game I bought pre-owned. Dont agree with it all though.

 

[Kerrby]

The difference being that EVERYONE get's cut out with that compared to those who want to save a few bucks with EA's system.

If you buy the game NEW you still get the online features.

In the end it comes down to whether you'll be able to buy the game new somewhere for cheaper than it is pre-owned plus the online 'tax' if you will. And I'd wager you'll be able to find it just as cheap brand new online.

How can you not see anything wrong with it? When I first bought my PS3, I went to EB and bought a recently released GTA IV for $105 pre-owned because it was $5 cheaper than a new copy (This was pretty much the first console I bought my own games for, so I was a bit of a n00b ). What if that system was in place and without knowing I had to pay an extra $10, it would be cheaper to buy a brand new copy.

Let's not go overboard. There are still tons of features offline to use, it's not like if you were to lend the game to a friend they'd not be able to play the game at all.

You're acting like multiplayer in FIFA isn't a main part of the game...

 

[Gazza_11]

Ok, didn't realise it was only for used. That's alright, but I can see online play becoming expensive very soon.

 

[Hawks1523]

I thought it was for new games as well, had me worried for a minute.

Only own one pre-owned game and it's only because I couldn't find a new copy anywhere. (Guitar Hero 3)

 

[Forrest Gimp]

I can understand why they are doing this, and as long as they not only not punish those who have bought the game new, but also reward them with free DLC after the games release ala BC2/Mass Effect2, I can see people being OK with this. Dice refusing to charge for new maps in fear of splitting online communities and hence becoming more like valve with L4D/TF2, in that releasing free packs keeps sales going a long time after release is a good thing, imo.

EA are tackling this problem in a new way, but it doesn't have to be a screwjob to consumers if they play it smart.

 

[HBK619]

How can you not see anything wrong with it? When I first bought my PS3, I went to EB and bought a recently released GTA IV for $105 pre-owned because it was $5 cheaper than a new copy (This was pretty much the first console I bought my own games for, so I was a bit of a n00b ). What if that system was in place and without knowing I had to pay an extra $10, it would be cheaper to buy a brand new copy.

There's still the 7 day return period at EB specifically and there's almost always a different return option at other retailers as well.

If you end up being ignorant enough to not look for the title new at what is $5-$10 more at the time then really I find it to be your fault more than the publishers. Personally I will never buy a pre-owned title unless it's under $50.

I can see where the un-initiated can be found out unfortunately with this, but there's still options to which you can return a game and go for a cheaper option.

You're acting like multiplayer in FIFA isn't a main part of the game...

Well for me it's not. I actually only play online against Cotchin 9 on most occasions. Otherwise, all of my time is playing Manager Mode and offline modes. Sure I like the multiplayer, but that's why I'd always buy the game new and not used.

 

[Conan Troutman]

There's still the 7 day return period at EB specifically and there's almost always a different return option at other retailers as well.

Speaking of which, wont EB have to stop doing this with future EA games, in case the code has been used? Unless they sell those games as pre-owned?

 

[HBK619]

Speaking of which, wont EB have to stop doing this with future EA games, in case the code has been used? Unless they sell those games as pre-owned?

I guess so. It all depends on their policy with other types of games using any sort of codes (namely Limited Editions). They all fit under the same 7 day banner and you couldn't sell a Limited Edition pre-owned when nowadays half of the content is stuff that you get from DLC using a code, so all of that stuff is effectively useless anyway.

Would be a good question to pose to someone at EB (who actually knows, not your regular nub).

 

[Conan Troutman]

Yeah, good point with the Limited Ed. versions, didn't think of those. Would be interesting to find out what they do there.

I've always wondered if you were quick enough to hire out a game first, can you use the codes there too. Haven't tried myself though. AC/DC Rock Band comes with a once off code to export the whole thing to Rock Band 1 & 2, but I've never seen it to hire. COD4 GOTY ed. had a map code too from memory.

 

[Noppo]

It shouldn't matter. You don't understand why people are upset that they have to pay extra to get features that come with the game anyway. Remember the stink over the Resident Evil 5 DLC, where you had to pay money for a code that unlocks content already on the disc? It's disgraceful that EA are doing this.

What do you do if you lend the game to a friend? They have to go out and buy a US$10 code just to access the features.

Same situation if you rent the game.

Resident Evil 5 is a completely different story and I agree that Capcom screwed up majorly with that, but it has nothing to do with what EA is doing here. I will also agree with you when it comes to lending the game to a friend, since that is rather sketchy, but then again that's what the 7 day trial is for.

People who buy the game new pay for the online code anyway, if you understand what I mean, since the code comes included with the game. If you pay over $50 for a used game then you're not looking hard enough because the value goes down way more than that after someone has owned it, so paying an extra $10 and still saving a lot of money shouldn't be a big issue here.

As it should be. When I buy a second hand car I don't pay an extra $1000 to the original company that made the car.

What's next? Locking dvd's so you can only watch them 20 times or only on one dvd player?

People want something back for their cash and being able to play multiplayer should be a given.

That car example isn't a fair one. A more suitable example would be buying a used car and expecting to have free roadside assistance from the manufacturer, when that only applies to a new car and you would have to pay for assistance.

I'm not saying people aren't entitled to something they've paid for, since the $80-$100 gets them the code as well. However when they pay the $20-$40 for it used, and save heaps, whats the extra $10?

 

[Ochre]

i actually only play online against cotchin 9 on most occasions.

GET AROUND HIM FFS!!!!!

 

[Glenno23]

Speaking of which, wont EB have to stop doing this with future EA games, in case the code has been used? Unless they sell those games as pre-owned?

Yep. It will be the exact same as PC games that have DRM with them. They are also un returnable due to the online activation.

EA are playing with fire. In the end, if they piss off the retailers enough, the major players will tell them to get ****ed. Anyone who reads Gameinformer (next weeks edition) should really read the artice Chris wrote about game prices in Australia and why we pay so much.

Specialist retailers would not survive without Pre owned games. There is little to no margin to be made off selling new games, and very little to an actual loss on selling hardware (consoles) Now if they make pre owned less attractive, then it makes them harder to sell their new games, which gives them less money.

This is worst case of course, but it could go that way. What about all the people with jobs in retail? Their families?

They would lose a lot of sales if Game and EB were to close.

 

[HBK619]

THQ have jumped on the bandwagon. Will start with UFC requiring a online code. Although if you need to buy the code, it will be US$5 cheaper than EA's.

Source: http://au.ps3.ign.com/articles/109/1091290p1.html

THQ GETS INTO ONLINE CODES
The company confirmed PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions UFC Undisputed 2010 will require players to enter a one-time use code to access the game's multiplayer modes and features.

The code is available with all new copies of the game. If the game is bought used and the code has already been redeemed, then a US$5 access fee is required.

And Ubisoft have signalled their intent at following suit.

Source: http://edge-online.com/news/ubisoft-to-follow-eas-used-game-strategy

UBISOFT TO FOLLOW EA?
During a recent investors call, Ubisoft seniors said: "We are looking very carefully at what is being done by EA regarding what we call the $10 solution and we will probably follow that line at some time in the future."

 

[melbournemartin]

This is why everyone should become a pirate.

 

[melbournemartin]

There's still the 7 day return period at EB specifically

My best friend in the whole wide world.

 

[sacka]

THQ have jumped on the bandwagon. Will start with UFC requiring a online code.

it was only a matter of time that when one company did it that the rest would follow.

 

[Forrest Gimp]

This is why everyone should become a pirate.

No, it's not. That's just a lame excuse. If you don't like what being offered, don't buy it.

 

[melbournemartin]

No, it's not. That's just a lame excuse. If you don't like what being offered, don't buy it.

None of this seems to be a big deal. Basically consoles are now getting the same treatment that PC has had for years.

For those who are too entrenched in their console worlds to understand what true gaming is, when you buy 9 out of 10 PC games these days they have a CD key. The purpose of this key normally falls into 3 catagories

1) Online activation is required so the CD key is essential for any playing of the game
2) CD key is required for multiplayer only
3) CD key is just there for shits and giggles

It was hilarious that EA Sports PC games used to have CD keys yet they served no purpose. Everyone could play online and offline from the same key. Sometimes just typing in 1111-1111-... would work.

It seems that console games are now experincing 2 from the above list. Big whoop. If you want to pay less for a game then you shouldn't be complaining that you can't get all the features.

This is why people need to do the ole "Buy - Burn - Return" from EB which I've mastered.

 

[Forrest Gimp]

and how does that justify pirating games?

 

[Noppo]

and how does that justify pirating games?

Agreed. It amazes me how many people say "I have a right to pirate games. How DARE a company stop me from pirating games by adding a CD key or DRM! How dare they impare my ability to steal."