In news that really comes as no surprise, EA‘s SSX will feature an online pass (see above photo). While the pass won’t lock players out of multiplayer competition, it will instead lock players out of receiving in-game credits which can be used to unlock exclusive content
EA told Game Informer that while players can still play online, in all of the modes, they won’t have access to credits that they earn while playing. The credits will instead be stored and locked until an online pass is purchased.
Personally, that doesn’t seem too unreasonable. As far as online passes go, it actually seems pretty fair. We’ve definitely seen a lot worse and despite the online pass, I’m still just as excited for SSX as I always have been.
Check out EA‘s full statement below.
As you know, all EA Sports games for the Xbox 360 and PS3 have included a game-specific EA Sports Online Pass since June 2010. This is a one-time use registration code with each unit sold new at retail that allows access to online services and features, as well as bonus game content. Once activated, additional passes will be available for $10. Thus, all new copies of SSX will include a code for Online Pass. EA Sports has made a significant investment to offer immersive online services and features. We want to reserve these online services for people who pay EA to access them.
In SSX, players without an Online Pass are able to compete and play in both of SSX’s online game modes, Explore and Global Events with no restrictions. In Global Events, the top finishers from each event are awarded with in-game credits. These in-game credits earned during play will not be awarded to the player if they do not have an Online Pass; these credits will be stored so that at any time, if a player redeems an Online Pass code, all the credits that they had previously earned in Global Events will be immediately awarded to them.
Economy balance makes it possible to unlock all available content and allows you to participate in all event drops across both Explore and Global Events, with credits earned solely in Explore.
