THQ locks down WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 online mode

Earlier this summer THQ announced it would charge secondhand users $10 for access to online play in UFC 2010 Undisputed. However, the Red Faction publisher isn't stopping there and today announced that new purchases of WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 will come with online access and free day-one DLC.

Those who pick up a new copy of the game this October will find a onetime use code that can be redeemed for "online access and the game's first DLC package." Additionally, new purchasers will earn Chris Masters as a playable character and Halloween-style costumes for Rey Mysterio and Kelly Kelly.

However, those who buy used copies of the game without the onetime use code will need to purchase access for the DLC and online play. THQ says that these users should expect to pay $10 (800 Microsoft points) for the features.

THQ isn't the only publisher of late to incentivize new-game purchases. Electronic Arts has already encouraged new purchases of sports games Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 and Madden NFL 11 by bundling single-use online multiplayer access codes with new copies. Additionally, new purchases of Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and Mass Effect 2 came bundled with a code to download content that gamers with pre-owned games have to pay for.

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 is due out for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PSP, and Nintendo Wii and is expected to ship on October 26. For more on the game, check out GameSpot's most recent preview.