In a bid to cut down on second hand games sales, Sony has confirmed that all future Sony games with online functionality will require a unique online pass system, according to a report.
Speaking to games blog Destructoid, Sony said the PSN Pass system will be incorporated into all upcoming Sony Computer Entertainment PS3 games, starting with Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception.
Sony adopted the PSN Pass in July, when it warned gamers that the September release of Resistance 3 will require a unique access code if it’s to be played online.
Anyone purchasing secondhand copies of the game from someone who has already used the bundled code will have to buy online access afresh.
Speaking to Destructoid, a Sony spokesperson said: “Following an earlier statement from a Spanish Sony representative, Sony Computer Entertainment America has confirmed that an online pass will be included with Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. Furthermore, we’ve been told that ALL upcoming Sony games that feature an online component will include one.
“Online Pass will be incorporated into Uncharted 3 and future Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) games with online functionality. We will provide further information in the future.”
The move is another indication of the growing role that online multiplayer has in console gaming.
The online pass initiative is seen as an effort to make buying games new more attractive than buying them used (a sale that puts no money in the publisher’s pocket).
Electronic Arts, THQ, and Ubisoft are among the publishers that have used online passes in their own games.
View the Destructoid article here.
