Sony introducing the PlayStation Pass, Starting with Resistance 3
There is both good news and bad news for PlayStation Network users, as rumours are rife regarding a PlayStation Pass system heading Sony’s next generation console’s way.
Similar to the way other major video game publishers, such as Electronic Arts and THQ, implemented an online pass for a number of their titles, Sony seems set to follow suit.
For those not familiar with the online pass system and how it works, it basically ‘unlocks’ online multiplayer features for one account. What this means is that one purchase will get one code, for the online pass, and only the PlayStation Account on which
it is used will be able to access the online features of the game.
While the online pass is still free, since all it requires is the gamer entering a code when prompted, the complications come when a pre-used game is purchased. The pre-used title will require another code as the online features will still only be active
for the original PlayStation Network account.
The solution is slightly harsh on gamers who are purchasing the game the second time around, as they have to pay an additional charge if they wish to access the online features. Huge franchises like the best selling football simulation series FIFA (FIFA
11 to be exact) and the award winning Battlefield: Bad Company 2 also had the online pass implemented on them by EA.
However, it now appears that Sony is following suit after a recent picture of the upcoming Resistance 3 bundle, which appeared online, showed a slightly concerning statement, which read: “PSN Pass Network features only available in countries that have PlayStation
Store.”
While the pass system will not affect the single-player campaigns of any titles, the notion is not expected to go down too well with PlayStation Network users, who in recent times have grown more accustomed to free ‘goodies’ as opposed to extra charges.
Then again, the PlayStation Network has always been free, so maybe a small additional charge for a pre-used game should not be taken as too big an issue.
So far, Insomniac Games’ Resistance 3 is the only game to require the use of the PlayStation Pass, but gamers can expect many more to join that category in the near future.
One could look at this from a different perspective as well, with Sony losing over $170-million, when it was forced to take the PlayStation Network offline, and this could be a way for Sony to cover the losses. While it will not generate enough revenue straight
away, the PS Pass system will soften the blow in the long run.
Sony was supportive of EA and THQ when they first implemented the move and after seeing it work successfully for them, Sony seem confident they can repeat their success.
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