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Codemasters ditching online pass for F1 2013
Grid and Dirt series developer Codemasters will drop the "VIP Pass" online multiplayer activation system initially planned for its upcoming racer F1 2013, MCV reports. Codemasters launched the VIP Pass program in 2011, requiring players to either input a code or pay a one-time fee to access the online multiplayer features in Grid 2, Dirt 3, and other games. The publisher did not announce whether it plans to abandon the VIP Pass program for all of its upcoming releases. Electronic Arts eliminated the equivalent Online Pass system for its current and future games in March. "We recently reviewed the VIP Pass activation system and took the decision not to include it in either F1 2013 and F1 2013: Classic Edition," a Codemasters spokesperson told MCV. "Players will not be required to activate multiplayer functionality via a VIP Pass code and we have no plans to replace the pass with an alternative paid-for activation system in the game when it launches this October."
Dirt 3's 'VIP Pass' can't be disabled for PS3 owners
WB and Netherrealm earned some goodwill from PS3 Mortal Kombat owners recently, by disabling the "Kombat Pass" and allowing players to fight online without redeeming the one-time-use code in the PlayStation Store (which is down). Unfortunately, such a concession won't be possible for Dirt 3. "We've looked into doing something similar for Dirt 3 but it's not technically possible," a Codemasters rep told Eurogamer. "It's hard-coded into the game." Removing the VIP pass requirement would involve a patch, the publisher explained, which would likely take longer to push through than it will take for the Store to come back online. An alternate solution to this problem (though not for Dirt 3, since it's already out) would be to cut out Online Pass schemes in general. We wonder if anyone has suggested that.
Dirt 3 to feature $10 Online Pass for used purchases
Codemasters has added its name to the list of publishers who are attempting to keep their games out of the pre-owned bin by equipping them with one-time-use tickets to the internet. According to Eurogamer, new copies of Dirt 3 -- which arrives on store shelves tomorrow -- include a "VIP Pass," which unlocks five exclusive automobiles and enables the game's online multiplayer modes. Folks who purchase a used copy of the game with a code that's already been redeemed will have to buy the code on Xbox Live or PSN for 800 Microsoft Points ($10). The Online Pass scheme usually evokes some mixed reactions from the gaming community, but we always get stuck imagining even worse scenarios. Imagine this: What if all of the game's cars only had three wheels? Oh, what -- you want that fourth wheel? No problem, just put in that VIP Pass. Oh, you don't have one? Well, we hope you don't like winning races, Sparky.
EVE Online interview confirms details of retail release
One of announcements that came out of EVE Online's most recent Fanfest was news that the game will be sold on retail shelves this March, with the release of the Apocrypha expansion. A publishing deal struck between EVE's developer CCP Games and Atari means that the game may well see an influx of players in the coming months. MMORPG.com's Managing Editor Jon Wood caught up with Ryan Dancey, Chief Marketing Officer at CCP Games, and the two discussed how EVE's shift away from being a purely digital product will affect the game. Also notable is that Dancey gives the details of what that $39.95 (€39.99) for the box will buy: Mac and PC versions; a Career Guide for new pilots; 60 days of game time that can be converted into PLEX; automatically have needed standings for factional warfare; a VIP pass which functions like the Buddy Program; and a shuttle with expanded cargo capacity. These extras were previously rumored to be included with the EVE retail purchase, but Ryan Dancey's comments in the MMORPG.com interview would seem to confirm those rumors. Have a look at the rest of the interview focused on EVE Online's retail release for more on how the publishing deal between CCP Games and Atari is shaping up.
