We’re flabbergasted here at TSA Towers tonight as DICE confirms that Battlefield 3 (which is published by EA, just for the record) will require a one-use “online pass” code to activate the game’s multiplayer features. Jokes aside, we saw this coming, especially as last year’s Bad Company 2 adopted the same anti pre-owned scheme.
Designer Ian Kertz spilled the beans when replying to a user on Twitter who had asked whether a new copy of Battlefield 3 is required to play online, to which he replied:
You can also purchase an online pass for a used copy.
Online passes have been a hot topic this week, Warner Bros. announcing that Arkham City’s Catwoman missions, which apparently make up roughly 10% of the game, will require an online pass to unlock.
david24
also dice previously said that they would have something that rewarded new buyers. they also said that it was unlikely to be like a standard online pass. a designer saying that on twitter hardly confirms that it won’t just be a VIP pass similar to bfbc2.
Topgearsam
I never buy anything used anyway so it doesn’t effect me much, apart from the slight inconvenience of putting the code in. Hopefully it’s like Bad company 2 and they give you free maps every month for buying it new.
fattyuk
looking forward to this!
well I’m more looking forward to my pre order tin from hmv it think it is than the game itself.
gonna have to bash through the SP pretty swiftly though as next month is a killer with decent new releases! not that it’s a bad thing of course :o)
E8_BALL_
What plans to you have for this tin?
I cant wait until bf3 is in my ao over.
E8_BALL_
“Be advised, there’s a tank up your ass.”
fattyuk
The tins going on the shelf with the rest of them lol
Kreisash
Expected as I think EA were the pioneers of the online pass. I don’t have issues with it locking out mplayer due to server costs etc. Like others though, I hope that they release some freebies down the line as well.
What I am more worried about is trying to get 6 of my mates in the same game (not been able to find any details further than 4 man squad).
TROPtastic
Well apparently there’s going to be a free weapons pack for MP a few months from launch, and it’s going to be for all players I think.
Reality Check
DOWN! WITH! SONY! ! !…Oh er erm its not their fault for once LoL
xdarkmagician
I very much disapprove of online passes, (especially if there used on single player content) but its important to remember that with a preorder from almost any major retailer you get free DLC. This is enough incentive for me to buy new. And in this case I feel, EA took a step forward, then took a step back. Or in other words, they’re using the stick to beat the people who dont want to eat the carrot. But still, while MW3 is free for used copies, 6 months from now MW3 online community is going to be strong, while BF3s might start to dry up.
enroene
It was expected EA would do this.
nixoz
so this means that me and my brother have to buy a copy each of bf3 if we both want to play online on different accounts?
Radiitz
Yeah. Only one of you can use that code, the other will have to purchase it. Sucks to be gaming in this gen, eh?
nixoz
wow…that is lame
colmshan1990
No, not if you’re playing on the same PS3.
I’ve yet to play a game with an online code that my sister couldn’t using her account on my PS3.
nixoz
Forgot to mention that, but yeah, I’m playing on a PS3:)
Then it’s not so bad after all. It would have been really stupid if we both had to buy a copy each, if you ask me.
colmshan1990
I presume the same applies to multiple accounts on the xbox, but as I don’t have one, I can’t confirm it myself.
E8_BALL_
My bro just bought f1 ps3 & i’m 99% sure it states, “for one account only.”
hazelam
it’s an ea game, this was always going to happen.
no matter what dice said.
CdmanJak
this isnt news stop wasting site space
Forrest_01
Whilst I agree that it was somewhat expected for EA to continue their ‘project $10’, I don’t think you are in a position to command that the writers not report on news from the industry. Even if it isn’t ground breaking, there are still people that will want to know.