EA puts an end to its Online Pass program

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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.

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Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/#comments

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"EA puts an end to its Online Pass program" :: Login/Create an Account :: 133 comments

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YinPosted:

Well, that is some very great news. If they didn't have backlash but had profits from it, not sure why they are discontinuing it though. Cool that they are doing away with it.

generalhunterPosted:

get more people to play on line = make more money via micro transactions

StonerzardPosted:

THANK ****!!!! The amount of EA games I buy second hand, or rent out for a while is unbelievable! Maybe this year, I can fully explore Madden's features before I buy it to decide whether I want it!

UnevenPosted:

paulpiercefan34
xXopticsXx
paulpiercefan34 Thank GOD! I might actually buy another EA game, I bought BF3 brand new and used the pass fine, well i sold my xbox and just got another one and when I went to play online with my profile it said that I had to re-enter an online pass code, WTF!? And im not the only one whos had this problem, many have. It's STUPID because ive obviously played online and they have online rankings to prove it. Im glad that its being taken away.


Wow, its people like you who just seem like they don't understand the simplest of things...Did you ever uhh download it again from your download history..some people..some times


I couldnt, I sold my xbox and in the process deleted my profile. Hence when I re-downloaded my profile it wasnt on there.


and that is a total lie... You have to have it in your download history if you don't have it then it is not EA problem but Microsofts or you are just saying that because you hope that someone might have a spare one and give it to you. Another point is that I had nothing against an online pass to be honest since I know how to "Social Engineer" this things.

WizurdPosted:

I like this idea. :)

iLewisPosted:

Wow, I didn't see that coming! EA removing the chance to make more money?! It can't be!

I never bought pre-owned games but I have friends that do, It's good to see this feature being removed.

JayM325Posted:

Finally.

JakesLobbies-Posted:

VisionaryMGMT Oh thank god. Do you know how many times I've had to get online passes for my friends?


Much Agreed

ResolutePosted:

Yay I can buy used EA games in the future.

brendan64sharkPosted:

Finally they are doing something that will make me want to buy their games again.


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