EA Are To Implement A System In Which They Can Ensure Cashback From Used Game Sales.

Seriously: bye. EA's just announced that they're set to introduce an "Online Pass" that includes access to "online services, features, and bonus content" with every new EA Sports game starting Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11. If you buy a copy of the game where the online pass has already been redeemed (i.e. you bought the game used), well guess what? EA are going to charge you $10 for a new pass. In many ways it's kind of genius - it doesn't entirely block used games but it gives a hell of an incentive to buy new, and ensures EA get some money back should a used game be sold.

The touted "online services" will vary on a game-to-game basis, but such things likely to be affected include basic online multiplayer, group league features, roster updates and the EA "Game Face" service. Hefty stuff then.

It'll be interesting to see how this goes down.