Mortal Kombat roping off online modes?
Warner Bros. reportedly tells retailers that one-time use tokens activate connected play, secondhand users play for $10.
Source: Enthusiast game blog Joystiq.
What we heard: The Online Pass initiative first gained steam last year, when Electronic Arts announced that the online modes for its sports titles would be free for those who purchased the game new but require a buy-in for secondhand users. THQ quickly adopted a similar strategy for many of its games--most recently the platinum-selling Homefront--and it appears as if Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is next.
Joystiq reports this week that it has obtained a memo from WBIE to retailers detailing an Online Pass initiative for the upcoming NetherRealm-developed fighter Mortal Kombat. According to the memo, Mortal Kombat will ship with a one-time use code that grants access to its online modes. However, those who pick up the game secondhand must pay $10 (800 Microsoft points) to play online.
"Mortal Kombat, available on April 19 for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, includes a one-time-use registration code that gives players access to all online modes in the game," the note reportedly reads. "Players who do not have a code will get a free two-day trial of the online play and then be able to purchase the online modes for 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox Live Marketplace and $9.99 on the PlayStation Network."
The official story: Warner Bros.' PR agency had not responded to a request for comment as of press time.
Bogus or not bogus: Looking not bogus. Publishers have been keen on monetizing used-game sales and rentals, and EA's Online Pass method doesn't appear to have negatively impacted sales. Its wider adoption appears to be inevitable.
Fallout 4 Next Gen Update Comparison Stellar Blade - (Almost) All Outfits Granblue Fantasy: Relink - New Content Trailer Modern Warfare III - New Season 3 Reloaded Modern Warfare Zombies Update River City Girls 2 - New Playable Characters DLC Reveal!! Sand Land Review Stellar Blade - Hard Mode No Damage Abaddon Boss Gameplay That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Chronicles – Official Announcement Trailer MEGATON MUSASHI W: WIRED – Official OP “MUSASHI English Ver.” Trailer Gothic 1 Remake | Official Collector's Edition Trailer SaGa Emerald Beyond – Official Launch Trailer Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door – Official Switch Overview Trailer
Please enter your date of birth to view this video
By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Join the conversation