Yesterday, Joystiq shed light on Warner Bros. recent plans to follow EA and THQ in their way of handling online gameplay and online features. Currently, both companies require players to enter in an online pass code in order to access features. They do not see this as a problem because if you purchase the game new then you get the code for free as a “bonus” however if you are purchasing the game used from your local GameStop or EB the be prepared to shell out $9.99 on PSN or 800 MS Points on the Xbox Live Marketplace. All three companies are implementing this as a strategy to stop consumers from buying used and to stop high used game prices. If Warner Bros. goes through with this, games such as F.E.A.R. 3, Mortal Kombat, and Batman: Arkham City will be affected.
Joystiq emailed WBIE for comment and received the following:
Mortal Kombat, available on April 19 for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, includes a one-time-use registration code that gives players access to all online modes in the game. Players who do not have a code will get a free two-day trial of the online play and then be able to purchase the online modes for 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and $9.99 on the PlayStation Network.
I think it’s unfortunate companies believe this is alright to do in a way to stop people from having friends I guess since you are no longer allowed to just bring your game with you and hop online.
Source: Joystiq
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