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WWE 2K14, Amazing Spider-Man and DLC discounted on Xbox Live this week
This week's Xbox Live sales include two games and their associated DLC packs. Starting now through Tuesday, April 8, Xbox Live Gold subscribers can pick up WWE 2K14 for 25 percent off ($29.99 / £29.99 / 44.99 euros) and The Amazing Spider-Man at 66 percent off ($13.59 / £10.19 / 13.59 euros). Downloadable add-ons for WWE 2K14 are half-off this week as well, including the game's online pass ($4.99 / £3.99 / 4.99 euros) and season pass ($9.99 / £7.99 / 9.99 euros), the latter granting access to all of the game's DLC except for Undertaker's "American Badass" character and the Ultimate Warrior, each on sale for $0.99 / £0.64 / 0.94 euros. For The Amazing Spider-Man, each of the game's four DLC packs are 66 percent off, including the Stan Lee Adventure Pack ($1.35 / £0.91 / 1.28 euros) and the Oscorp Search and Destroy Pack ($1.01 / £0.67 / 0.96 euros). [Image: 2K Sports]
Xbox Live sale discounts Batman, Assassin's Creed season passes
Today's daily deal in Microsoft's end-of-the-year Xbox sale features discounts on season passes for five games. Each respective season pass offers players bonus content in the form of character skins, challenge stages and other DLC. The season passes on sale are: Batman: Arkham Origins at 30 percent off ($13.99), Assassins Creed 4: Black Flag at 25 percent off ($14.99), half-off for both Metro: Last Light ($7.49) and Injustice: Gods Among Us ($7.49) as well as Saints Row 4 for 30 percent off ($6.99). The season passes join a number of other sales that end tomorrow, such as Killer is Dead and Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate for $13.20 each and Grand Theft Auto 5 for $40.20.
Report: Some Assassin's Creed 4 single-player content gated by Uplay passport
Those that pick up a brand new copy of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag will notice that the game comes with a Uplay Passport, Ubisoft's version of an online pass. While the passport typically grants access to online sections in the game, in the case of Assassin's Creed 4 it also unlocks small pieces of social content. Game Informer reports that the online pass locks away the game's fleet management system, in which players add vessels they board in the game to their fleet and send the ships out on missions to earn additional money. Players with second-hand copies of the game that don't plunk down $10 for a Uplay Passport are unable to manage their fleet, and since real-life friends are able to provide assistance to fleets, the management system is not an offline-only aspect of the game, even though it falls into the single-player campaign. We've contacted Ubisoft for comment on the game's Passport and will update as we learn more.
GameStop's motion to dismiss used games class action lawsuit denied
A federal judge has denied Gamestop's motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit filed over the absence of single-use downloadable content codes for used games, Polygon reports. The lawsuit alleges that this practice violates the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. United States District Judge Robert Kugler's opinion on the lawsuit revealed that the three plaintiffs believed "their pre-owned video games would include all of the content of a new video game." They also alleged that purchasing a used game and a new single-use code actually cost more than if they had purchased a new $60 game. The plaintiffs claim that GameStop knew "DLC was not included with the purchase of pre-owned games, but did not reveal this fact to plaintiffs." They also allege that GameStop "induced" them to purchase used games by stating that its "used game trade program creates value for customers" and by printing savings on receipts.
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."
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."
EA eliminating Online Pass on existing games
As EA discontinues its Online Pass system for future games, existing passes are also getting the axe, making some content and even full games free, first on Xbox 360. Over the coming weeks, EA will get rid of Online Passes in its games, corporate communications rep John Reseburg tells Game Informer. "As we discontinue Online Pass for our new EA titles, we are also in the process of eliminating it from all our existing EA titles as well," Reseburg says. "We heard the feedback from players and decided to do away with Online Pass altogether." When the rollout is complete, EA Sports games will no longer prompt players to enter an Online Pass code, and other games will offer content for free, Reseburg says. NeoGaf member MMaRsu compiled a list of Xbox 360 EA games that already offer free content once barred by the Online Pass, including a free copy of the original American McGee's Alice, Bad Company 2 VIP, Mass Effect 2: Cerberus Network, and more, listed in full below.
EA puts an end to its Online Pass program
EA has announced it will discontinue its Online Pass program. "Yes, we're discontinuing Online Pass," EA's senior director of corporate communications John Reseburg told GamesBeat in an e-mail. "None of our new EA titles will include that feature." Reseburg added that "many players didn't respond to the format," despite EA going on record months after instituting Online Passes, reporting it had not seen a "significant" backlash. "We've listened to the feedback and decided to do away with it moving forward." The Online Pass, a one-time use code required for online play, was first introduced in 2010 with the intent of being exclusive to EA Sports games, though it quickly escalated from there. Online Pass revenue generated between $10-$15 million for EA in its first year alone.
No online pass for Fuse, demo 'closer to release'
Insomniac Games will present a demo prior to Fuse's launch on May 28, for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 players, the developer has confirmed in an online FAQ. Fuse will support split-screen and online play, lacks micro-transactions and will not ship with an online pass.Originally billed as Overstrike, Fuse was delayed earlier this year before a final launch date of May 28 was settled upon. All pre-orders unlock additional gear for each of the headless four protagonists.
Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U Edition doesn't use an online pass
Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U Edition offers some weird new features that aren't in the other versions. One of the additions that is, unquestionably, an improvement: there's no Online Pass. Siliconera originally noted the lack of an Online Pass for the Wii U game, and we've verified (it's as simple as looking in the box, really).TTT2 on PS3 and Xbox 360 required a pass for online multiplayer. On the Wii U, there's no barrier between you and Tekken Ball except, well, a software update that begins downloading when you put the game in the system for the first time.
Hitman: Absolution 'Contracts' mode won't require online pass in North America
When Hitman: Absolution launches on November 20 in North America, players will be free to access the game's asynchronous online 'Contracts' mode without the need of an online pass. In regions outside of North America, however, the 'Contracts' mode will require a code included in retail boxes of the game.Where things get a little confusing is that the online pass for "Contracts" will be available for free in all regions outside of North America, with the pass available for download from each platform's respective digital marketplace at no charge – even if you're in a region that requires the included code."We'd actually planned to have this mode accessible via a code in the game's box, but we really want to make it available to anybody that plays the game – so we want to take a new approach," the official Hitman Tumblr blog notes.If you're in North America, the mode is just there. "If you're elsewhere, you can redeem the code inside the box, or you can simply select the 'Buy Contracts Pass' option. From there, head to the store where 'Contracts' will be free to access."When Ubisoft launched Driver: San Francisco it too altered the plan for its Online Pass, making it available as a free download after printing issues gave users invalid codes. Square Enix, on the other hand, has decided to forgo the pass to ensure all users can access the mode.
Dead or Alive 5 uses an online pass
We were going to tie the news of a Dead or Alive 5 online pass into the series' storyline – possibly something about a ticket to Zack Island or a fee payable to DOATEC for entry into the tournament – but we realized we'd rather not get into DOA storyline discussion unless it was absolutely necessary.Like so many modern games, Dead or Alive 5 uses an online pass, required for access to online multiplayer and leaderboards. If you buy it new, it comes in the box, but if you get a used copy (and how did you find a used copy of DOA5 today?) you can download the pass for ten bucks.%Gallery-166480%
MLB 12: The Show fouled up by online pass issues
When it was released earlier this month for PlayStation 3 and Vita, MLB 12: The Show encountered some significant issues with its online pass, which gives users access to online multiplayer. At least, that's what it's supposed to do, but Vita players encountered a curious bug, namely that their online passes were unredeemable on the Vita. The pass could be redeemed via a PlayStation 3, albeit with one tiny problem: It unlocked online play for the PS3 version instead.The problem has since been fixed for those who have yet to redeem their online pass, according to the PlayStation forums, but at least one user tells Joystiq that related problems persist. Vita owner Benoit redeemed his pass on March 6 before the fix, thus unlocking online play for the PS3 version, which he doesn't own. Per the advice on the forums, Benoit waited a week for the problem to be resolved before finally contacting customer service.The chain of emails that followed saw Benoit promised a replacement code that was never delivered, after which he was asked to provide photos of his receipt and the online pass itself. Upon providing these, he was told the proof was invalid. Now, nearly three weeks after release, he remains unable to play the game online. We've contacted Sony to see what players in Benoit's situation can do.This isn't the first time an online pass has caused unnecessary trouble for legitimate customers. Just this week, users complained that online pass codes for Ninja Gaiden 3 are broken. A similar issue cropped up for numerous DLC packs in Batman: Arkham City last year. Now, thanks to the Vita's ability to Cross Play with the PlayStation 3, it looks like we have a whole new class of online pass issue.
Ninja Gaiden 3 users report trouble redeeming Online Passes
Ninja Gaiden 3 has a barrier to entry that not even Ryu Hayabusa can wall-jump over: busted Online Pass codes. Reports from all over are coming in that the codes included with retail copies of the game don't work, effectively locking out the online multiplayer and generally being very inconvenient for reviewers.Game Informer's Dan Ryckert was able to purchase a new online pass (presumably from the Xbox Live Marketplace, as PSN hasn't done its weekly store update yet), suggesting that the problem is with the actual printed codes, not the online service.
Ninja Gaiden 3 to require online pass [Update: Confirmed!]
To become a ninja, one must learn -- the deadly arts of war, for example. Or how to wear those weird socks. Stuff like that.You can't be any geek off the street, and so Tecmo-Koei has decided to lock the online multiplayer of Ninja Gaiden 3 behind an online pass. So says a listing on Gamefly warning potential renters of Ninja Gaiden 3, anyway. Update: It's confirmed! Ninja Gaiden 3 will have an online pass, a Tecmo Koei representative has confirmed with Joystiq.We've sent our silent inquisitors to Tecmo Koei to secure confirmation on the matter. We'll let you know what we hear back. [Thanks, Josh!]
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.
Syndicate will not have an online pass, EA confirms
EA will break with tradition when Syndicate launches later this month. EA Partners executive producer Jeff Gamon told Eurogamer that Starbreeze's reboot would ship without an online pass, in the hopes of lowering the barrier of entry for the game's multiplayer side."We want as little resistance or barriers to entry as possible," Gamon said. "The co-op is equal billing in this. We wanted everyone who owns a copy of the game to have access to the entire product." It's policy for EA to include an online pass in all of its games. Curiously, this policy does not always extend to EA Partners games like Crysis 2 and Portal 2, both of which shipped without online passes. Meanwhile, Bulletstorm required a pass for its online co-op mode."Under normal circumstances it would have had an online pass, but because it didn't have competitive multiplayer and because we wanted as many people as possible to be playing co-op, we got away with it," Gamon added. "Maybe another reason for not having the Online Pass is we were confident in the scope of the online game." Throughout the nine multiplayer maps, he says players can expect "a good six, seven hours" on a single playthrough. "That and the single-player campaign means hopefully we won't see much in the way of early second hand sales and rentals," Gamon concluded before absconding with Princess Zelda.%Gallery-146175%
SSX online pass doesn't lock out multiplayer
The online pass for SSX will not lock players out of multiplayer competition. Instead, it is used to lock players out of obtaining in-game credits used to unlock content.EA tells Game Informer that players without the online pass will be able to compete and play in both of SSX's online game modes, "Explore" and "Global Events," but that credits awarded to those without the online pass in Global Events will be inaccessible and banked until they pony up the $10 for the pass.EA concludes, "Economy balance makes it possible to unlock all available content and allows you to participate in all event drops across both Explore and Global Events, with credits earned solely in Explore."%Gallery-135268%
SSX to feature online pass
In today's least surprising headline, it appears that the upcoming SSX will use an online pass. In an SSX video posted by Giant Bomb, an option to acquire an online pass can be seen clearly in one of the game's menus (pictured above). It's not clear exactly which features the pass will unlock. Again, though, it's hardly shocking, given EA's commitment to the concept. Last week, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning was also confirmed to have an online pass. Update: The online pass is tied to in-game credits.
38 Studios head Curt Schilling elaborates on Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning online pass quest lockout
Yesterday, we reported that Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning will make use of EA's Online Pass system, and that used copies of the game will not include access to a specific quest line, similar to Catwoman's Online Pass exclusion from used copies of Batman: Arkham City. Initially, it looked as though the pass granted access to data already on the disc, however this was later clarified by a post made on the 38 Studios Forums, where community manager Muse informed the public that the quest line is in fact day-one DLC, rather than content actually on the disc.38 Studios founder Curt Schilling has written his own statement regarding the situation, and it's just about as frank and honest as we've come to expect from Schilling over the last couple of days: "You can argue the merits and effectiveness of it, but right now it's how it's done and as someone that's as invested as I am in this company, I stand by what has happened."Schilling goes on to say that the free DLC is intended to be an incentive to early adopters and a reward for "fans and gamers who commit to us with their time and money when it benefits the company." He does, however, realize that the situation could have been handled differently: "It is my responsibility as the leader to know of things like this and be aware that it would become an issue, I failed on both accounts. No one else is to blame, but at the same time there is no nefarious attempt to do anything under handed here."
