EA: Online Pass can expire for new-game purchases, but it shouldn't

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A NeoGAF member posited that his new copy of EA's Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit contained an Online Pass that was expired, blocking him from accessing online content -- others on the forum came forward with similar stories, suggesting that EA's disclaimer covers this clause and he was out of luck. Since blocking new-game purchasers from using online content seems like an unproductive move (even) for EA, we asked an EA Advisor for clarification on its Online Pass expiration policy.

EA's Online Pass can indeed expire for some new games, blocking buyers out of online content until they download a new pass or attain one from EA directly, EA confirmed to Joystiq. As a rule, no Online Pass should expire, but a few titles will have a time limit on their use, even for new purchases, EA said. Dragon Age 2, for example, has an Online Pass that expires on March 31, 2012, according to EA's EULA description. Re-downloading or getting a new Pass is free, EA said.

This still seems like a strange extra step for EA to infuse in its new games, and we have contacted EA more directly for further clarification. Until then, maybe you shouldn't wait until the holiday tear the shrinkwrap off that copy of Dead Space 2.

Posted:

Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/ea-online-pass-can-expire-for-new-game-purchases-but-it-should/#comments

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"EA: Online Pass can expire for new-game purchases, but it shouldn't" :: Login/Create an Account :: 41 comments

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LtFlasPosted:

I've never had a problem with EA's servers since Battlefield came out.

Anyway, Who cares if it expires? You get a new one free.

TTG-AdrianPosted:

Steuby44
CastleCrashers
iJarH3ad
Clearly2Beast Who cares? They get an extra code for free if its expired. Number one most greedy company ever..


Just fixed it for you... we play COD online for free.. EA doesn't because they want some money.. see the difference? Activision is not greedy at all. JS
They do it for a reason. New games come with a pass so whats the problem? Used games make EA lose money, and they dont want to lose movey considering they're one of the biggest publishers for games out they're and run probly over 50k servers for each one of their games. CoD doesnt charge because they over charge their customers on everything else, such as map packs and their Elite system. Also CoDs servers are horrible and full of mods, Ea's you wont find that.


I usually don't get involved in CoD vs BF arguments because I like them both but I don't know how you could even say that EA has better servers. EA had an online beta that didn't work for a week then they launch the complete game and I still cant join a server. CoD doesn't have a beta and I've never had a problem on MW3.


ya same, also i never got into any modded lobby on MW3 :P

DiscosPosted:

Steuby44
CastleCrashers
iJarH3ad
Clearly2Beast Who cares? They get an extra code for free if its expired. Number one most greedy company ever..


Just fixed it for you... we play COD online for free.. EA doesn't because they want some money.. see the difference? Activision is not greedy at all. JS
They do it for a reason. New games come with a pass so whats the problem? Used games make EA lose money, and they dont want to lose movey considering they're one of the biggest publishers for games out they're and run probly over 50k servers for each one of their games. CoD doesnt charge because they over charge their customers on everything else, such as map packs and their Elite system. Also CoDs servers are horrible and full of mods, Ea's you wont find that.


Ea's servers are shit they disconnect nearly everyone for fun like bastards

Nintendo64Posted:

DopeColorz
iJarH3ad
Clearly2Beast Who cares? They get an extra code for free if its expired. Number one most greedy company ever..


Just fixed it for you... we play COD online for free.. EA doesn't because they want some money.. see the difference? Activision is not greedy at all. JS

Activision isnt greedy at all?! lololololll uhm have you took a look at call of booty elite or mw2.5? lol. EA is dumb for doin this but Activision is a money whore believe it or not.


In all fairness EA is the most greedy company out there, Yes, Acitivision might be selling Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3* for 40, As far as i was concerned BattleField 3 was 40 as well...

EA is the most greedy because they put Online Passes on all new games to stop people buying used games... I mean if people want to buy pre-owned, LET THEM!

Activision are the brainy ones, they get enough money from one single Call of Duty, so they're not bothered about people buying pre-owned because they are 'GENEROUS'

Point Proved.

Nintendo64 :)

P.S Before you call me a 'CoD Fanboy', I have both games, i play them both regularly, MW3 is better tho.

Nintendo64Posted:

I had this problem with my Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit as well. I had to phone and get a new one, the person on the help line said that it had expired...

Nintendo64

BrahhPosted:

I don't really like this idea!

Steuby44Posted:

CastleCrashers
iJarH3ad
Clearly2Beast Who cares? They get an extra code for free if its expired. Number one most greedy company ever..


Just fixed it for you... we play COD online for free.. EA doesn't because they want some money.. see the difference? Activision is not greedy at all. JS
They do it for a reason. New games come with a pass so whats the problem? Used games make EA lose money, and they dont want to lose movey considering they're one of the biggest publishers for games out they're and run probly over 50k servers for each one of their games. CoD doesnt charge because they over charge their customers on everything else, such as map packs and their Elite system. Also CoDs servers are horrible and full of mods, Ea's you wont find that.


I usually don't get involved in CoD vs BF arguments because I like them both but I don't know how you could even say that EA has better servers. EA had an online beta that didn't work for a week then they launch the complete game and I still cant join a server. CoD doesn't have a beta and I've never had a problem on MW3.

CastleCrashersPosted:

iJarH3ad
Clearly2Beast Who cares? They get an extra code for free if its expired. Number one most greedy company ever..


Just fixed it for you... we play COD online for free.. EA doesn't because they want some money.. see the difference? Activision is not greedy at all. JS
They do it for a reason. New games come with a pass so whats the problem? Used games make EA lose money, and they dont want to lose movey considering they're one of the biggest publishers for games out they're and run probly over 50k servers for each one of their games. CoD doesnt charge because they over charge their customers on everything else, such as map packs and their Elite system. Also CoDs servers are horrible and full of mods, Ea's you wont find that.

DopeColorzPosted:

iJarH3ad
Clearly2Beast Who cares? They get an extra code for free if its expired. Number one most greedy company ever..


Just fixed it for you... we play COD online for free.. EA doesn't because they want some money.. see the difference? Activision is not greedy at all. JS

Activision isnt greedy at all?! lololololll uhm have you took a look at call of booty elite or mw2.5? lol. EA is dumb for doin this but Activision is a money whore believe it or not.

VEVOPosted:

iRespiratiion What Is The Point On Online Pass?
I f you don't have it you can't play online. Basically meant for those who pirate games or buy used.


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