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EA: Online Pass staying dead after PS4 reveal, program's expiration not tied to Xbox One
"It's dead, it's dead, it's deep-sixed, it's at the bottom of the Mariana Trench," Electronic Arts' President of EA Labels Frank Gibeau stated plainly yesterday about the company's Online Pass program to Joystiq. Following EA's announcement in late May that it was eliminating the Online Pass program, gamers braced for "the twist." That occurred last week when Microsoft finally announced the digital rights management (DRM) scheme for the Xbox One, which would have made an Online Pass program unnecessary. However, with Sony's announcement the PlayStation 4 will follow the current model of game console DRM and used games, it was a question if Online Pass was back on the table at EA. "We're not crafting a strategy to bring [Online Pass] back, you will not input codes to unlock your game, it's not going to happen," said Gibeau. The executive then moved on to tell us the company's decision to kill Online Pass and Microsoft's Xbox One DRM plans weren't linked at all, therefore PlayStation 4's recent reveal wouldn't have changed their decision on the program anyway. He called the Online Pass program "flat out dumb."
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning online pass DLC detailed, available now
Project Ten Dollar continues unabated. All new copies of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning include something called House of Valor, essentially a DLC content pack offering seven exclusive quests and the Valor Arena where players must survive a "barbaric tournament and ultimately seize control of the arena."Players will meet new companions and rivals throughout these quests, earning unique items and other rewards along the way. Players without a code can purchase an online pass for 800 MS Points ($10) through Xbox Live Marketplace or the PlayStation Network.For more on Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, make sure to check out the Joystiq review.
Warner solving Arkham City DLC issue with a simple 5 step process
According to a tipster, it looks like Warner Bros. is taking steps to resolve the various downloadable content issues faced by purchasers of Batman: Arkham City. Or, more precisely, Warner is asking customers to take steps -- five of them, actually. Alright, six if you include having to contact customer service in the first place. A Joystiq tipster by the name of Michel contacted customer service, and was told to provide the following: A dated proof of purchase (receipt, invoice) showing the purchase of a NEW copy of the game (not a rented or used copy, nor a copy purchased from eBay) Your gamertag for Xbox Live, or your profile for the PSN Your email address A scan or digital picture of the package and game disc(s) A scan or digital picture of the code sheet (both sides). Upon receipt of the information, customer service promised it would "escalate" Michel's issue "so a code can be produced." Obviously, the whole ordeal once again raises concern for the concept of "Online Pass" or "Project Ten Dollar," which is ostensibly aimed at reducing used game sales and thus increasing publisher revenue. Then again, it's supposed to reward customer loyalty, offering new purchasers something extra for supporting the developer and publisher.
Mass Effect 3's multiplayer tied to Online Pass
There's one important aspect of the Mass Effect 3 multiplayer experience, called "Galaxy at War," that we hadn't heard yet. Well, there are several that we still haven't heard -- like what Galaxy at War is outside of the co-op mode -- but we've just learned of one. It's the Online Pass content. The Galaxy at War feature is unlocked via a code included in new copies, EA revealed today. If you don't have the code (because you don't have a new copy) and you want to engage in multiplayer, you'll have to pay extra. In an updated version of its FAQ, BioWare also clarified that you won't be controlling Shepard and his pals in the multiplayer. "Commander Shepard's part in the war will take place in the single-player campaign, as will that of other beloved characters in the franchise such as Garrus, Ashley, and Liara," BioWare noted. "These characters do not appear in the multiplayer missions." So when you attempt to "romance" your friends' characters, it'll be their originally generated characters, just like in those fanfics you wrote.
Battlefield 3 'probably' shipping with online pass
The confusion regarding EA's plans for Battlefield 3's multiplayer access is palpable. GamerZines reports that Battlefield 3 Executive Producer Patrick Bach stated in an interview last week that the game would "probably" require a code for access to multiplayer. When pushed on whether EA would lock out second-hand players through use of an online pass, he replied, "I think we are." EA told the site it would pick up the conversation "another time." The latest major iteration of the Battlefield franchise, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, implemented a "VIP Pass," granting access to extra content, but placed no initial limitations on multiplayer access. EA's online pass (i.e. Project Ten Dollar) -- now utilized by many publishers, with Ubisoft being the latest -- cuts off multiplayer to anyone who doesn't purchase a code, which comes bundled in new copies of games. Of course, with today's announcement of EA Sports Season Ticket (i.e. Project 25 Dollar), there's a whole new level of possibility. "The whole idea is that we're paying for servers and if you create a new account there is a big process on how that is being handled in the back end," Bach said. "We would rather have you buy a new game than a used game because buying a used game is only a cost to us; we don't get a single dime from a used game, but we still need to create server space and everything for you." Update: EA's statement: "We have not made any announcements regarding Battlefield 3 and Online Pass." We've reached out to EA for clarification.
EA Sports Season Ticket launches today, offers full-game demos and DLC discounts
Electronic Arts is launching the "EA Sports Season Ticket" today, an annual $25 (2000 MSP) program that provides a premium service alongside five of the publisher's titles. The "deal" will grant full access to digital versions of games three days before their retail launch, offer a 20-percent discount on DLC, and enable "free premium web content" and brand you as a paying customer (i.e. "membership recognition"). Now, obtaining full, early versions of games sounds fantastic, until you read the fine print. Let's allow EA to do the talking: "The digitally downloaded game will time out when the game is available at retail and consumers have the option to purchase the same full game on disc at retail." If we're reading that correctly, it means you get to download the game three days early, but you still have to go to the store to actually buy it. This probably explains why GameStop is "excited to be selected as the exclusive retail marketing partner for the roll-out of EA Sports Season Ticket." (Note: According to Videogamer, EA is still working out specifics with Sony Europe, making it an Xbox 360 exclusive in that region for the time being.) The "Free Premium Web Content" will kick off with the "Creation Center" in FIFA 12. It claims to allow greater customization tools, including team and tournament building. It'll all be available "until the membership to the program has expired." The participating Season Ticket games will be this month's Madden NFL 12, along with NHL, FIFA, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR golf and NCAA Football going forward. You'll be able to easily recognize those who bought into the program with their "exclusive membership" recognition badge that is displayed in-game and online. Welcome to Project 25 Dollar.
Alice: Madness Returns' 'Online Pass' grants you Alice 1 (it's $10 otherwise)
"I should very much like to tell you of Project Ten Dollar," pleaded Alice. "Well, I never heard it before, but it sounds uncommon nonsense," replied The Mock Turtle. EA has confirmed that the original American McGee's Alice will be bundled as a downloadable bonus with Alice: Madness Returns when it's released on June 14. The catch is that the download will be tied to an "Online Pass," EA's special name for access to its games' online components, which are unlocked with registration codes included in new copies of the games. Additionally, players will be required to have the Madness Returns disc in the tray to access Alice 1. If you purchase Madness Returns used (and without an unused Online Pass code), you'd have to pay $10 for the downloadable bonus. This marks the first time that the original Alice will be available on consoles. It will not be available on XBLA or PSN as a separate purchase -- at least, not immediately.
Dragon Age 2 bonus DLC opens the Black Emporium for business
It wouldn't be a proper EA game release without both pre-order exclusive DLC and a "Project Ten Dollar" bonus for new copies, and Dragon Age 2 is holding to those sacred tenets. Pre-ordering the game from "participating retailers" -- or already having done so -- will earn you the Fadeshear long sword, which deals extra damage against demons and undead enemies, and the Lion of Orlais shield, which boosts health and experience and has two rune slots. Just buying the game new will get you an even better bonus: the "Black Emporium" location (huh, maybe that one should have been reserved for GameStop!) where you can find an appearance-changing mirror and a whistle that summons a mabari warhound. To sum up: puppy!%Gallery-114024%
Dragon Age 2 to include bonus DLC pipeline like Mass Effect 2's Cerberus Network
Unsurprisingly, Dragon Age 2 will feature some manifestation of "Project Ten Dollar" (an incentive to buy EA's games new) akin to Mass Effect 2's bonus content delivery system, the Cerberus Network. "We will be doing that," executive producer Mark Darrah confirmed to Joystiq during a recent press preview of the game. "We haven't announced what's in it, but it'll definitely be something kind of in that Cerberus vein where there will be additional content." Speaking of Dragon Age 2 DLC in general (and not necessarily just the freebie content), Darrah said we could expect to see a boost in quality over the Dragon Age: Origins DLC, which prompted complaints about a limited scope and areas being recycled from the main game. He assured us that the sequel's add-ons would be more unique: "What we're doing with the DLC in Dragon Age 2 is making it larger; so it'll be bigger teams, more unique environments, more unique creatures -- so that it gets the attention it deserves to get." BioWare intends to offer free DLC to early birds as well, with pre-orders of Dragon Age 2 being upgraded to the BioWare Signature Edition at no extra charge. Dragon Age 2 will launch on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC on March 8, 2011.
Sony 'exploring' idea of Online Pass style system for its titles
In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, SCE Europe boss Andrew House has suggested that the company is taking a serious look at implementing something similar to EA's Online Pass -- which requires those who buy its titles used to pay $10 to play them online -- with its first-party games. "On the principle of making online portions of the game available or unlocked from the disc-based release for a fee, we're broadly supportive of that," House said. "And we're exploring actively the same option for our own content." House admitted that such a system could be perceived as contradictory to Sony's long-running pitch of PlayStation Network's free online play model. "In terms of just a charge for basic online play, that's something that we have to talk about a lot more," he said. "We struggle with [that] a little bit because we feel very vindicated and base a lot of the success of PSN today -- a 70 percent connection rate across consoles -- on the fact that we've removed that major initial barrier to entry." Still, Sony has already dabbled with charging to enable online play for used (or, in the following instance, likely pirated) PSP titles like SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3. In this case, the game included an online activation code which, if already used or otherwise non-existent, could be replaced for a $20 fee.
New copies of WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 include free online pass, DLC
THQ has announced that WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 will not only come with multiple covers, but a devastating clothesline to used game buyers. The manual will include a code that can be redeemed for "online access and the game's first DLC package," with Chris Masters as a playable character and Halloween-style costumes for Rey Mysterio and Kelly Kelly. Those who buy the game used (presumably without the code) will need to buy the DLC for 800 MS points, or $9.99 on PSN. "Project Ten Dollar"? Isn't that the new TLC match team? Elsewhere, in the list of features actually available on the disc itself, wrestling fans will find a WWE Universe mode, an updated Road to Wrestlemania feature, more than 70 different WWE personalities and a custom character creator, plus the usual roundup of punches, kicks and sweaty holds in more than 100 different match types. Check them all out in a trailer after the break -- no in-the-box redeem code necessary.
EA Sports Online Pass redeemed by 60% of users, says EA
During EA's Q1 financial conference call, COO John Schappert discussed the success of the company's "Online Pass" initiative. According to Schappert, early results from NCAA Football 11 and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 indicated that "sixty percent to seventy percent of online connected users" have redeemed a code for Online Pass. He noted further that "the level of online play is up" over last year, as is revenue from paid downloadable content. When asked how Online Pass has impacted used game sales, Schappert noted that it's "too early to tell" but that EA is "encouraged by" the number of people playing online, and that the "extra gift" offered by Online Pass is "driving some of that adoption." EA announced its Online Pass program earlier this year -- bundling a code with new copies of NCA Football 11 and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 -- which allows access to online features like multiplayer (among other things). Those who choose to buy used copies of the games can purchase an Online Pass for an additional $10. The Online Pass program operates as part of "Project Ten Dollar," created to stop losses generated by the used game industry. Based on the numbers touted by Schappert, as well as those reported by EA for the quarter, the strategy just might be working.
EA's Ramsdale: Project Ten Dollar 'not a defensive measure against pre-owned or piracy'
An MCV interview with Electronic Arts UK General Manager Keith Ramsdale took a turn for the Munchausen fantastical when the executive claimed EA's "Project Ten Dollar" and Online Pass are programs "all about the customer, about improving their experience," and simply "not a defensive measure against pre-owned or piracy." And just as those words left his mouth, a unicorn leaving a rainbow trail in its wake burst into the room and moved toward Ramsdale. Cherubim flew in, picked up the executive and spirited him away on the majestic steed. Sorry, there were no unicorns or pudgy angels, we just wanted to get into the spirit of that amazing tale explaining the purpose of "Project Ten Dollar." On a more serious note, Ramsdale expressed that there are five core sectors EA currently focuses on: football (soccer); racing; sims; shooters; and fitness. The publisher considers those genres to be "year-round opportunities" that will utilize year-round work with retail, marketing and communication with the communities, though we wonder how much that leaves for creative endeavors that fall outside those sectors. Where would a Mirror's Edge fit in?
THQ introduces its own 'Online Pass' in UFC 2010
EA isn't the only company to hit on the idea of a one-time-use code for online play of sports games. THQ is penalizing used sales of UFC Undisputed 2010 in exactly the same way -- and, since Undisputed will be in stores next week, THQ is even beating EA to it. Pastapadre discovered that copies of Undisputed will include a code on the back page of the instruction manual, required for online play. THQ confirmed the existence of the codes in a statement to Destructoid, adding that "Codes for accessing the content will be available for second-time buyers for an additional $5." So, right now, THQ is winning the price war in terms of online play privileges. Well, not counting all those companies that let even second-hand buyers play games online without additional chrages (for now).
Ubisoft remains refocused on Xbox 360, PS3 in new year
In January, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot told investors that the company would "refocus"' its development efforts on Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2010, with particular emphasis on iterating its major franchises on the HD consoles. Today, as Ubisoft reported its earnings (actually, losses) for the fiscal year ending March 31, the company remained committed to the ongoing strategy outlined earlier this year. "We will have more 360 [and] PS3 revenue this [fiscal] year than we had last year," Guillemot said during an investor call today. "The big franchises -- seven of the eight franchises -- will be on 360; and six will be on PS3. And we will have around six or seven on the Wii." CFO Alain Martinez put last fiscal year's combined sales from PS3 and Xbox 360 software at "about 45 percent" of revenue for the publisher, adding, "I wouldn't be surprised if we are over 50 percent on these two platforms" at the end of the current fiscal year (April 2010 – March 2011). Martinez noted that Wii software sales accounted for "about 26 percent" of revenue in the last fiscal year and hopes sales to be close to that percentage again this fiscal year. In total, Ubisoft is looking to draw "about 77 percent" of its revenue from the three console platforms over the next four quarters.
Analysts discuss impact of EA Sports Online Pass
Over at IndustryGamers, several analysts have chimed in on EA's latest assault on used game sales: The EA Sports Online Pass. The pass will offer players access to online features -- up to and possibly including online multiplayer -- on all future EA Sports titles starting with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11. Should someone buy a game used, additional passes can be purchased for $10. The overall consensus among analysts: It's a good thing and a smart move on EA's part. According to Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter, it only makes sense that EA should be compensated for rendering online services. He noted that EA "currently does not get paid" by those who purchase used games and that the pass "is ensuring that second-hand purchasers will pay something for the maintenance of the server network and for access to premium content." The majority of analysts agreed with Pachter, with EEDAR's Jesse Divnich noting that games now extend far beyond their own physical media. "Seven years ago, when you purchased Grand Theft Auto for $50, the entire experience was encapsulated on a DVD," said Divnich, "in 2010 that is no longer the case." He added that it is "perfectly reasonable" for EA to expect payment for features that aren't included directly on the disc. Also, DFC Intelligence's David Cole expects more companies to pursue similar programs in the future. Meanwhile, Lazard Capital Markets' Cole Sebastian referred to the program as "a double-edged sword for publishers." While it may lower used sales, said Sebastian, it also diminishes the resale value of games that customers would trade in to purchase new ones.
EA posts $677 million loss in FY2010 alongside downed revenues
EA has reported the results for its fiscal year 2010, which ran from April 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010, showing a downed revenue stream for the year and an improved loss. The company took in $3.654 billion (down from $4.212 billion in FY2009) and, measured against money spent, lost $677 million (an improvement from last year's $1.088 billion in losses). Additionally, Q4 2010, running from January 1 – March 31, 2010, saw $979 million come in, compared with $860 million in Q4 the previous fiscal year and $1.243 billion last quarter -- a profitable final quarter for the company, contrasting last year's Q4 loss of $42 million with $30 million earned. CFO Eric Brown said of the coming fiscal year, "We are affirming our FY11 and Q1 non-GAAP guidance and expect to grow profitably in the year ahead. Our digital businesses are expected to grow approximately 30 percent." For all of you wondering what that means in human speak, he's saying that, regardless of today's announcement, he's confident in what the company has predicted for the coming year (as you might imagine, EA predicts it's going to do better than last year). It also means that Brown and EA expect to see a lot more dollars coming in on the digital front in the coming year, a likely possibility given initiatives like Project Ten Dollar, the EA Sports Online Pass and the usual stream of DLC for new games.
'Online Pass' specific to EA Sports, 'no announcement' on Medal of Honor
Listen, we get it. You're a "pre-owned" type of game buyer. To us, and your online comrades, we're equals in the game owning world. To EA, well, you're sucking its server's bandwidth. Defending EA Sports' "Online Pass," Senior Vice President Andrew Wilson told Develop, "We want to reserve EA Sports online services for people who pay EA to access them." We were curious to find out if the same held true for non-EA Sports titles; specifically, if this program would be implemented with Medal of Honor's online multiplayer. A company representative informed Joystiq, "Online Pass is a program specific to EA Sports. However other EA titles and franchises are planning similar offerings to reward players with bonus content and online services. No announcements today related to Medal of Honor." Begun, the game-owner class wars have.
EA introduces one-time-use 'Online Pass' for sports games
EA just announced the next step of its "Project Ten Dollar" initiative, one that's likely to affect a lot of people much more deeply than the allure of some extra DLC. Starting with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, out June 8, EA Sports games for PS3 and Xbox 360 will include a title-specific "Online Pass" that enables access to "online services, features, and bonus content." If the code has already been redeemed (i.e. if you bought the game used) additional Online Passes will be available for (you guessed it!) ten dollars. Each game will include a seven-day free trial. The online services under the Online Pass vary by game, but an EA rep told us they can include basic online multiplayer, as well as group/league features, roster and playbook updates, downloads of user-created content (like Photo Game Faces) and tournament support. We'd think GameStop would be most upset about this plan, given that it's basically the destination for trade-ins of last year's sports games toward the new model, but CEO Dan DeMatteo offers a cheerful quote in the announcement. "GameStop is excited to partner with such a forward-thinking publisher as Electronic Arts," DeMatteo said. "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."
Buy Alan Wake new, get first 'game add-on' free
Apparently EA's Project Ten Dollar has had an influence on other publishers, as Microsoft announced that new purchases of Alan Wake will come with a "token code card" allowing for the free download of the first game add-on (said to be coming "later this year"). The Bright Falls Bonus Pack was also detailed, with participating retailers divvying out Avatar gear (the 'I Am Awake' t-shirt) and a Bright Falls Xbox Live theme to those of you who pre-order (the Avatar shirt and Dashboard theme also come with the Limited Collector's Edition). And yeah, in fairness, Alan Wake isn't the first MGS-published title to get an incentivized new purchase plan (Gears of War 2 says hello), but it's certainly been some time since we last saw Microsoft employ the business model. No price has been set or release date given for the first bit of content, but we'll assuredly find out soon enough, as Alan Wake is set to arrive at retail in just a few more weeks on May 18.
