Last night, while sitting in a small local bar, sipping on an adult beverage, and watching Michale Graves (formerly of the Misfits) rock out with his band, I felt my iPhone vibrate in my pocket. Upon checking it, I found that there was an email notifying me that EA is discontinuing their Online Pass program effective immediately. Although I cannot say that this is a surprise, it is a bit shocking that they have moved so quickly. Especially after requiring many of their online games to utilize the feature.
“Yes, we’re discontinuing Online Pass. None of our new EA titles will include that feature,” said Reseburg. I’m sure gamers around the world just screamed, “YAAAAYYYYY!!!!!”
Apparently, the negative response from their fans/critics was heard loud and clear by the sometimes cocky company.
“Initially launched as an effort to package a full menu of online content and services, many players didn’t respond to the format. We’ve listened to the feedback and decided to do away with it moving forward.”
Let’s hope that they listen to the Nintendo fans and give us some more love in Nintendoland, especially when the Star Wars Franchise is concerned (Although, I wonder how much input Disney will have on who they develop for? Let’s not forget that Nintendo has some reach into Disney, ie: Duncan Orrell-Jones, a former Senior Vice President for Disney Interactive in Tokyo).
What do you think of this sudden cancellation of their Online Pass? Will it affect their relationship with Nintendo?
It's good to hear, but the way things are going, we won't see another EA title on a Nintendo system until the next generation. Just a fact of the market right now. But really, we aren't missing much but more yearly installments of games we've played before.