EA has today announced that it will be discontinuing its somewhat controversial EA Online Passes system. The u-turn for EA regarding their EA Online Passes has come about thanks mainly to player response and feedback, says EA.
EA is not the only publisher using an online pass system; Activision and Ubisoft also run similar online pass services and systems for gamers. Will they now follow suit?
The Impact of Online Pass Systems
Online pass systems were initially introduced as a way for game publishers to combat the resale of used games. When a game is sold second-hand, the publisher does not receive any additional revenue. To counter this, companies like EA, Activision, and Ubisoft implemented online passes, which required players to enter a code to access online multiplayer features. This code was typically included with new copies of the game but had to be purchased separately if the game was bought used.
Publishers have also been worried that consumers were buying games used instead of new, especially with regards to more popular games featuring multiplayer modes, using the EA Online Passes. EA senior director of corporate communications John Reseburg explained a little more about the EA Online Passes decision to GamesBeat in an e-mail, saying:
“Yes, we’re discontinuing EA Online Passes,”-“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.”-“We’re still committed to creating content and services that enhance the game experience well beyond the day you first start playing,”.
Player Feedback and Industry Trends
The decision to discontinue the EA Online Passes system is a significant one, driven largely by player feedback. Many gamers felt that the online pass system was an unfair additional cost, especially for those who purchased games second-hand. The backlash was strong enough to prompt EA to reconsider its strategy. This move could signal a shift in the industry, as other publishers may also reevaluate their online pass systems in response to consumer sentiment.
For example, Activision and Ubisoft, who also employ similar systems, might be closely watching EA’s decision and the subsequent player reactions. If EA’s move proves to be popular among gamers, it could lead to a broader industry trend away from online passes and towards more consumer-friendly practices.
Moreover, the discontinuation of the online pass system could also be seen as a response to the growing popularity of digital downloads and subscription services. With platforms like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now offering extensive libraries of games for a monthly fee, the traditional model of buying and reselling physical copies is becoming less prevalent. This shift in how games are consumed may have contributed to EA’s decision to phase out the online pass system.
In conclusion, EA’s decision to discontinue the EA Online Passes system marks a significant change in the company’s approach to online content and services. By listening to player feedback and adapting to industry trends, EA aims to create a more enjoyable and accessible gaming experience for all players. It remains to be seen whether other publishers will follow suit, but this move could potentially lead to a more consumer-friendly landscape in the gaming industry.
Source: Venture Beat
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