[NateDrake]

Update: IGN

SCEA responded to requests for comment this morning to clarify, saying this program requires customers to input a one-time use code to access a game's online capabilities, similar to EA's Online Pass introduced last year. "We are always evaluating new programs for our online offering, and starting with Resistance 3 this September, we will be instituting a network pass program for PS3 games with online capabilities," the spokesperson said. "This program will be game-specific. Games that are a part of this program will include a single-use registration code that grants the account holder redeeming the code full online access for that title. "This is an important initiative as it allows us to accelerate our commitment to enhancing premium online services across our first party game portfolio." If you don't have a code to input, say if you purchase a game used, you'll have to buy one through the Store. It's unclear how much one of these PSN Pass codes will cost, however. Sony said it will announce additional details at a later date.

OriginalSource

Taking a hard look at the upcoming "Resistance 3" 320 GB PS3 bundle, you'll find a new print in the middle of the pack. "PASS PSN Network features only available in countries that have Playstation Store" An announcement of the "PSN PASS" is yet available.

[Princess Skittles]

PlayStation Live Gold?

[Freedom = $1.05]

Psn pass plus

[Achtius]

So this is some sort of 10$ online activation (for used game)?

[Exuro]

This suppose to be an online pass akin to EA's?

[MiloFoxburr]

So this is some sort of 10$ online activation?

That was my thought too.

[Galvanise_]

So Sony will be charging for online access to gamers who buy a game used. Nothing new. They did this for Socom on PSP.

All this is is a name by the sounds of it.

[sixteen-bit]

Perhaps their equivalent of Season Pass (Like Mortal Kombat has on XBLA)

[Dragon]

You mean DLC? I mean the actual text there just states that there are network features only available to players who are in certain countries...

[Nirolak]

So this is some sort of 10$ online activation (for used game)?

That would be my guess.

[Dabanton]

So what would this be used for?

[Zombie James]

Online passes suck. All it does is encourage incredibly long waits for games to drop in price.

[Gram Negative Cocci]

This bullshit needs to fucking stop. No matter who does it: EA, ACTV or Sony.

Why Sony? Don't go down this path!

[ZROCOOL]

I'll pass

[JJD]

Lots of PSN stories this last days...at least some rumors must be true...

[Exuro]

This bullshit needs to fucking stop. No matter who does it: EA, ACTV or Sony. Why Sony? Don't go down this path!

They don't get money from used games so why not?

[ConradCervantes]

Oh brother. I honestly thought Microsoft would be the first of the two to introduce something like this. Sony, you surprise me.

Uncharted 3 will undoubtedly feature this as well.

[Mr_Brit]

If a platform holder is now doing it, it means every other publisher will start doing it now as well.

[Galvanise_]

This bullshit needs to fucking stop. No matter who does it: EA, ACTV or Sony. Why Sony? Don't go down this path!

Sony have done this before and they've said in interviews that they are supportive of this idea. They are doing it.

They make no money from used game sales and people still use their online service. Seems like a decent plan, particularly for investors.

[Deadly Joker]

Fuck online passes. They are ruining this industry for me since I mostly rent games.

[CriterionDog]

Probably a PS+ pass.

[Balb]

They don't get money from used games so why not?

Sucks for those who don't play Call of Duty or other extremely popular online games. I want as many people playing a game online as possible.

[Stumpokapow]

If a platform holder is now doing it, it means every other publisher will start doing it now as well.

Microsoft has less incentive to do it since they're already extracting revenue from used buyers who play online.

They don't get money from used games so why not?

ways in which paying $10 to get online if they buy used benefits customers:
-

ways in which paying $10 to get online if they buy used hurts customers:
- they have to pay $10 to get online if they buy used

[angelfly]

Sounds like an online pass for R3 that won't prevent online play but access to new free maps and stuff like that.

[iNvid02]

getting tired of this shit, used CDs, DVDs and blu-rays dont do this so neither should games.

[Fuzzy]

Won't affect me since I almost never buy used games.

[TheSeks]

Yeah, good luck with that Sony. Guess I'll just hop into the loving embrace of Steam and PC gaming from now on. :|

Edit: Oh, it's "Project $10?" Well, that shit still sucks but isn't as bad for me in general unless I'm outright buying a game used, but generally I only but single-player focused games used so...

[ConradCervantes]

Microsoft has less incentive to do it since they're already extracting revenue from used buyers who play online. ways in which paying $10 to get online if they buy used benefits customers: - ways in which paying $10 to get online if they buy used hurts customers: - they have to pay $10 to get online if they buy used

I don't think Sony is too tortured if used buyers are inconvenienced.

[Gram Negative Cocci]

Sony have done this before and they've said in interviews that they are supportive of this idea. They are doing it. They make no money from used game sales and people still use their online service. Seems like a decent plan, particularly for investors.

Are you a fucking investor? Gamers don't care about share price. Don't defend this shit just because your fav company does it.

Soon you'll be paying for ALL online on PS4. Happy with that kind of future?

[Marius_]

Yeah, good luck with that Sony. Guess I'll just hop into the loving embrace of Steam and PC gaming from now on. :|

Or just not buy used games?

[Galvanise_]

getting tired of this shit, used CDs, DVDs and blu-rays dont do this so neither should games.

Publishers/distributors of those forms of media don't have a worldwide [free] gaming network to continually support.

[AgentChris]

Oh brother. I honestly thought Microsoft would be the first of the two to introduce something like this. Sony, you surprise me. Uncharted 3 will undoubtedly feature this as well.

I know Sony did this a long time ago with PSP titles and EA of course.

[Nerfgun]

I bet this was basically demanded by the publishers and developers.

[Lagspike_exe]

ways in which paying $10 to get online if they buy used benefits customers: - ways in which paying $10 to get online if they buy used hurts customers: - they have to pay $10 to get online if they buy used

Ways in which paying $10 to get online if a person buys a used game benefits Sony:
- Sony gets $10.

Ways in which paying $10 to get online if a person buys a used game hurts Sony:
- ???

[Atruvius]

Oh brother. I honestly thought Microsoft would be the first of the two to introduce something like this. Sony, you surprise me. Uncharted 3 will undoubtedly feature this as well.

But MS already "has", Xbox Live Gold.

[badcrumble]

Microsoft has less incentive to do it since they're already extracting revenue from used buyers who play online.

Less incentive, sure, but incentive nonetheless.

[alr1ght]

[Emitan]

If a platform holder is now doing it, it means every other publisher will start doing it now as well.

$10 PSN pass plus the publisher's $10 pass? Fantastic...

[androvsky]

Wasn't Sony one of the first, if not the first to introduce online passes with some psp games a long while back?

[Kyoufu]

I blame EA for infecting the industry with this shit.

[Galvanise_]

Are you a fucking investor? Gamers don't care about share price. Don't defend this shit just because your fav company does it. Soon you'll be paying for ALL online on PS4. Happy with that kind of future?

I'm a guy that sees the other side of the coin.

This doesn't affect me. I buy all my games new. The only used games I have are ones that have been given to me.

If I see value in something, I'll pay for it. Hence my PS+ Subscription.

[wrowa]

So this is some sort of 10$ online activation (for used game)?

Why would they print that logo on the system bundle?

[KingDizzi]

Aw fuck. Not going to be playing any Sony first party games online this year then it seems.

Edit - Just had a look at the first party Sony games releasing this year....lulz, I'll be fine not playing the online portion of those games.

[Lagspike_exe]

$10 PSN pass plus the publisher's $10 pass? Fantastic...

You won't pay for both. I believe this is going to be unified system for all used games, where Sony and the publishers share the revenue.

[Chittagong]

This is simply the first step of console games heading towards an account based system where game licenses are tied to users, instead of physical discs. Disc becomes just a delivery mechanism of the purchase, rather than the purchase.

I'm pretty confident next gen all games will be account based on Xbox and PS. And I can't say I mind, I rather see devs and publishers get their money so we can have a few more next gen games.

[badcrumble]

Why would they print that logo on the system bundle?

Sony is sort of addicted to overbranding. It's embarrassing. We don't like to talk about it.

[sillymonkey321]

Fuck online passes. They are ruining this industry for me since I mostly rent games.

O___O indeed. I plan on renting Resistance 3 too. Does Sony include a free online trial with their pass system?

[Grecco]

Why would they print that logo on the system bundle?

Becuase its a bundle with R3 which would have the 10 dollar EA like Online pass?

[Galvanise_]

Aw fuck. Not going to be playing any Sony first party games online this year then it seems.

You buy all of your games used?

[Suzzopher]

Yep, trying to combat the 2nd hand market, the wankers.

Seriously, you're buying the game, where is the problem? Sucks for people who rent or buy pre-owned, but hey publishers/platform holders have to do something to stop the pre-owned market.