“Yes, we’re discontinuing Online Pass,” EA senior director of corporate communications John Reseburg confirmed. “None of our new EA titles will include that feature.”
Generally not a big deal for those buying games new (as a code comes pre-packaged) but substantial to those who buy used games, Online Passes allow use of multi-player online features (amongst other things). These codes are tied to the console they are entered on, so if the game goes elsewhere (for instance when it is traded in), the new owner will need to purchase a new code.
“Initially launched as an effort to package a full menu of online content and services, many players didn't respond to the format,” Reseburg said. “We’ve listened to the feedback and decided to do away with it moving forward.”
This is big news, as publishers have long been worried by the the rise in used games being purchased. Online Passes gave them a way to earn some revenue from that process. Will EA doing away with this 'feature' have an effect on any of the other major publishers, such as Activision or Ubisoft? Time will tell.