143w ago - President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
Andrew House has revealed to
GamesIndustry.biz that Sony is currently examining the Online Pass model for first-party PS3, PSP and PSN titles.
Both EA and THQ already use an Online Pass system for their multiplayer titles, allowing publishers to reclaim some money from the used video game market as those buying second-hand will need to purchase an online pass for the multiplayer component of the game.
To quote: "Activision's
Bobby Kotick had said his company would like to see a subscription based service, however House seemed to warn against this.
"In terms of just a charge for basic online play, that's something that we have to talk about a lot more and we struggle with a little bit because we feel very vindicated and base a lot of the success of PSN today - a 70 per cent connection rate across consoles - on the fact that we've removed that major initial barrier to entry," concluded House."
Finally, Sony has already
implemented a similar pass system for PSP shooter SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3 in an effort to combat piracy on the PlayStation Portable.
Hi Im new too :P...
Agreed. I have no problem paying a one time free for a used game to play online, or if a developer charges a one time fee to play their games then fine. but once i have to start paying a subscription fee for a game or set of games that i may not even get to play with work and all, no thanks... no thanks.