Should Reviewers Take Off Points For Online Passes?

Kotaku: Can we get a call to reviewers to start taking off points for anti-consumer practices, like online passes?

I understand that reviews are a discussion of the game's qualities or lack thereof, but video games are a consumer product, and an expensive one at that. Most gamers (or non-gamers looking to buy gifts for gamers, etc.) look at reviews as a buyers' guide. "Is this game worth my $60?"

[coolbeans]

This sounds a bit perposterous imo. Reviewers in all categories (books, movies, games, etc.) are under the notion that they're reviewing this product with the "new" mentality in mind. Movie critics can't anticipate the quality of a bootlegged movie or DVD that may have a few scratches (for the sake of using an example of both pirated and used copies); furthermore, game critics shouldn't mind those aspects when reviewing a game.

No review site has ever created a category called "resale value".

[Dante112]

Lol, I'd laugh so hard if reviewers started taking away points for online passes ***now***.

Edit: @ disturbing

It's probably just a coincidence though lol.

[NewMonday]

Like saying we should take away point off every MP XBox game because we need Live gold.

In the good old days a review was simply about how good the game is, now many of the "critics" are nerds or geeks full of themselves , some make flame bait looking for hits, some others have an ax to grind with the publisher, developer or fans of the game

[Sunhammer]

I love how they only take notice for online passes when PS3 games do it, but it's all good when Gears of War 3 does it.

Haha, oh Kotaku.

[WrAiTh Sp3cTr3]

On the one hand I look at it as a way to send a message to publishers that this type of model for gaming isn't all that agreeable. But on the other hand those points deducted could harm a great dev and games' metascore.

[jetlian]

an online pass?

[WrAiTh Sp3cTr3]

Gears doesn't have an online pass it has a season pass, which is two very different things. Do some research before typing misinformation, there's enough of that already.

[iamnsuperman]

Well said. I am not sure what Kotaku is on about. They should review it new. If they want to review it as used then fine but please state so so I can ignore the resale part of their review. In a way its a bit like Xbox gold. Should points be knocked off every game because you have to pay for online?. Of course not tat would be dumb. Same goes here. If you want to buy it used fair enough but be prepared to pay extra for you discounted game.

[colonel179]

Adding to your comment. Buying new or used doesn't reflect on the quality of the game (which is what should be reviewed). You might missed content, if bought used, but the review should cover everything that the game has to offer.

They could state it that when buying used you missed on x, y or z. The review should be about the game, not about the state you buy it.

Is the movie Black Swan better or worse if I buy it used/pirated? It doesn't matter. The quality of what the image and audio might be different, but the movie doesn't change at all.

Also, if they reviewed the game used, and saying it sucks because you can't play online or don't have x content, is wrong. Because then, you should review what you have. Is Uncharted SP campaign worse or better because you can't access online? No, it doesn't change a bit.

[PhoenixDevil]

you got 3 disagrees within 12 minutes and I have no idea why, I totally agree with you with the idea of taking online passes or xbox live subscription into the scoring of a review, does this mean that PSN or XBLA games are going to be higher scored coz there a fraction of the price ?

Also if this was the case then surely games like MW3 should be deducted points because CoD games are always expensive for ages after being pre owned

[Marceles]

Trollolol @ Kotaku...they never fail to hide their hate for PS3

[Lifewish]

Couldn't agree more.

[SoapShoes]

"Is this game worth my $60?" Yes it is because buying it new comes with an online pass for free unless you're a dimwit and bought it used for $60. You can't review it with being used in mind as a buying guide because they'd have to review it for EVERY price there is. Uncharted 3 review for $60, $55, $50, $45, $40, etc etc... I guess every game would be a 10/10 if it was free then huh? Write up a Free review!!!

What dummy wrote this trash?

[manman6]

No, it the should score the game on how well it plays not about the online pass that you have to pay for if you buy a game used.

[PshycoNinja]

This has to be te single dumbest thing kotaku has ever said... in the past week.

Seriously your going to dock points because of a pass. Kotaku does know that you can't play any 360 game online unless you pay for gold? Do they deserve to get docked points? No? Than why would uncharted be the exception?

Maybe they played unchared 3 and saw that there's nothing game wise they can dock points for so they are trying to do this. No wonder nobody takes kotaku seriously anymore.

[disturbing_flame]

So webzines waited for the release of Uncharted 3 to ask the question ?

Interesting.

[coolbeans]

That's unfair to call out a site as if it were "waiting" for Uncharted 3, as if this is fueled by bias. I'd say it's more of a retread when PSN Pass/Ubisoft Pass were announced a few months ago, and now they're harking back to it because of Arkham City's online pass debacle.

[disturbing_flame]

So why the question have not been asked at that time ?

And you think the online pass is just a new feature initiated on the PSN or by ubisoft ?

There were online pass with EA games since last year, even battlefield bad company 2 had an online pass, did you read at that time articles saying webzines should take off points because of their use.

I find it's a great timing, just at the moment of U3 release, i just observe it. I don't feel it's weird to talk about it.

[GuyManDude]

Nope. G4 asked this question in the Resistance 3 review. Here's what Morgan Webb had to say:

"Sony is making the PS3’s already confusing and frustrating online system feel unnecessarily punitive, and they are doing Resistance 3 no favors. Even though I am tempted to lower the game’s score because of the Online Pass, Insomniac should not be penalized for Sony’s policy, especially since it seems they are aiming for a multi-platform future."

Review the game the devs made. Nothing else.

[nycredude]

So if they weren't aiming for a multi-platform furture then Morgan would have lowered the game's score?

[kaveti6616]

"So if they weren't aiming for a multi-platform furture then Morgan would have lowered the game's score?"

Possibly, because then the pass would have been unique to Resistance and it would only be associated with the pass so reviewers could dock the game points for it.

[coolbeans]

"So why the question have not been asked at that time?"

It has been...I'm not sure what else to say.

"And you think the online pass is just a new feature initiated on the PSN or by ubisoft?"

I know when this fiasco slowly started. Whether you're reading when I've written, or reading between the lines, I'm not sure how you could've come to the conclusion that I was insinuating [your quote] in the first place.

Personally, I don't think you truly read my response, but instead are stealthing anything and everything about UC3 that could shed a bad light on it. I wouldn't be surprised if you post something like "I betcha they rated it lower just because of PSN Pass" when UC3 receives it's first 9/10 score. Although that's just me speculating, it is reasonable speculation when considering what site we're on.

[PR_FROM_OHIO]

HELL NO!!!!!! but if kotaku or ign do it i wouldn't be shocked!!!

[newleaf]

If they are going to do that then they should take points off every 360 game that has online since you have to pay for xbox live gold. In other words, quit being ridiculous.
PSN pass does not remove a single bit of enjoyment that I'm certain Uncharted 3 comes crammed with.
Ridiculous article is retarded (not in an offensive way, retarded has a dictionary definition that isn't what you're thinking Mr Moderator.)
Edit: Long Live Play. Still can't get over it.

[Why o why]

'If they are going to do that then they should take points off every 360 game that has online since you have to pay for xbox live gold. In other words, quit being ridiculous.
PSN pass does not remove a single bit of enjoyment that I'm certain Uncharted 3 comes crammed with.'

Spot on

thumbs down again bukaku

[M1chl]

Sorry but I don't thinks so. Maybe if there are only X360 games, but even that, taht doesnt makes sence. Live Gold is a Microsoft thing, not developers or publishers think. So if they drop some points because of needs Microsoft Live Subscription, that would mean that every (almost every) X360 should receive a lower mark. I think that this things with online passes shouldn't be considered in review score. Because its not a game elementh...

[PirateThom]

Yeah, but the online passes come with the game while Gold doesn't (with a few trial exceptions).

It should have been asked years ago, when EA were doing it with Mass Effect 2 and Bad Company 2.

[DigitalRaptor]

To be honest, we kind of let it happen. We have to blame ourselves partly, not just the publisher.

It doesn't affect me because I'm a good, honest consumer who buys new for the most part, but I can understand the flaws of this online pass system: lending a game to a friend, losing your account etc.

I don't really support the used market besides games from last gen and beyond!

[Buuhan1]

I think they should if only to try and encourage publishers to stop with the fucking online passes. Instead of feeling pride I'm finding myself feeling shame whenever I buy a new game now cause I'm supporting this corporate bullshit in the process.

[NeverLetGo]

If I read a review for any game and saw that the reviewer marked the game score down because said game had an online pass implemented, I would find him and piss in his face.

[Pintheshadows]

:D

[smashcrashbash]

That is one of the stupidest ideas in the history of gaming. This doesn't concern people buying the game new, so why should that affect the score?Are we going to start grading the game on how well it MIGHT sell in the bargin bin too? ' I took off points because I don't think gamers will buy this game used'. Is it any wonder I can't take Kotaku seriously? @ disturbing_flame. interesting thought *looks at Kotaku* Hmmmmmm......

[ScytheX3]

reviewers should mention it and critizise them for implementing it but not dock it review points or score.

[BushLitter]

I don't understand why the guy cancelled his pre-order?

Did he also cut off his penis to spite the last girl that snubbed him?

[jneul]

kotaku waites for uc3 to do this, could have sworn other ps3 games have done this before, i smell stirring from ms behind this...
as for trolls in that article going on about gears 3 being free online, a few words can be said xbox live gold, which does indeed cost you money

[GraveLord]

Will they take off points from Battlefield 3 as well? If they don't then they're hypocrites.

[Lifewish]

This makes no sense at all, is Kotaku searching for hits or something?

[CharlesDCI]

Yes, I think they are. lol

They don't seem to understand that the online pass isn't an extra charge on top of buying the gaming at normal retail price.

They also don't understand that the used game market doesn't compare sales wise to the regular game market, so its not like you will see dozens of copies of UC3 or Battlefield 3 in every store to even worry about the pass in the first place.

[RegorL]

I think online passes are OK for the online part (multiplayer) if the game uses dedicated servers.

Why?

Because the alternative is worse! The price could only include the single player. And you were required to pay subscription for each month you play...

Sounds familiar?

[OooHJohnny]

As long as I don't have to pay to play online...

[Rampaged Death]

Kotaku are getting worse and worse. This is a pretty stupid question and the answer is no !

[telekineticmantis]

Uncharted 3 Nov 1st. Skyrim Nov 11th Can't wait.

[lumley666]

i dont think they should, as much as it annoys me they shud get some compensation for a preowned game, not fair that they dont make nothing when the retailer makes so much from them

[Nac]

I feel that price should not be a part of the review process and never should be due to the fact that price is a relative thing. That concept implies that a games review quality should go up as the price goes down. That makes no-sense at all.

[Ares90]

Kotaku at the ps3 hate again!

[Papertiger]

Why has this question suddenly come into play once uncharted 3 is nearing the release date? Its this somewhat their "review net" to soften the controversy they intend to release with their upcoming review?

If they or any website go this route, then they should hold other games that came before it accountable as well. The fact that you would dock points for not being accessable for other content, its absurd.

Your reviews are supposed to reflect on the QUALITY of the title, and this review pass has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with the gaming experience as a whole. God I hate kotaku.

[dragon82]

Translation:

Can we get away with deducting points for Online Passes if we can't come up with any other faults??

[WooHooAlex]

Last night I was just wondering why I don't read Kotaku articles.
Now today, they reminded me of that reason.

[P_Bomb]

Do they really wanna open that Pandora's Box?

Ok...COD:Black Ops 5/10 on the XBox360 and 8/10 on PS3. Why? The XBL Online Pass. I can no longer play it online on my 360 since I went Silver, therefore I lost half the game I paid for, whereas on the PS3 I can keep playing my wife's copy online ad infinitum, at no extra charge.

So yeah, no. The "I cancelled my Uncharted 3 preorder" editorial (why not Batman or BF?) only solidifies your less-than-reputable reputation, Kotaku. See you guys on PSN's 'The Tester' as guest judges again once you start missing the spotlight.

[GameScrub]

Online passes are a scam. Everyone gets mad at DRM from cd's and games but I don't see people defending that. Well don't the companies deserve to make sure that people are playing a game they paid for? Or music companies making sure you don't make copies and hand them out for free?

Everyone gets super upset at the fact that diablo is going to require an internet connection at all times to play. People are mad at that, with this mentality don't they deserve to ensure you people are playing with one single copy?

STOP defending this intrusive measures. All they do is hurt the consumer on the facade that I'm not buying new.

I play games at my house and my brothers. With online passes and dlc vouchers for parts of the game is a slap to the face.

And please stop with this whole well if your brother wants to play it have him pay it too.

THIS MAKES NO SENSE!

This tactics are ridiculous and the same ppl that complain about others paying for live defend this.

smh

[masterofpwnage]

"this tactics are ridiculous and the same ppl that complain about others paying for live defend this."
THey are totally different. Live you have no choice but to spend extra money. While the pass, is you have a choice. You either just buy the game new, which most people do or buy it used then you have to pay.

Is seriously not a big deal if you always buy it new, but if you buy used, then its A problem.

[ginsunuva]

Some people.....

[Jonah_Reese]

Kotaku as a whole is stupid including the guy who asked this question, he cancelled his Uncharted 3 pre-order because he doesn't support the online pass? So you don't support the dev either? That's for any dev, Ironically they shifted focus primarily on Sony, isn't EA doing this with Battlefield 3?

[Pintheshadows]

And about every developer ever. Hopefully they will give up playing games so we don't have to listen to their sh!t anymore. Kotaku, what a joke.

[HAF912]

they should def take off points for it. especially if they have a game value category.

lol... reading this comments i realize how stupid you people are. Sony and MS manufactured the "console" war to keep moron fanboys fighting each other and distract you from the fact they are both going to rape you in the ass.

they are releasing online passes, overpriced dlc, removing features they promised... but you retards just keep on fighting about your stupid console war. Not like there is much more here at stake like... you know the future of gaming?

you people make me sick. Fighting over stupid plastic boxes but letting companies rape you for everything you've got.

wii, ps3, and 360 owners should just tell MS, Sony, and greedy publishers to take a step back and re-evaluate their business plans or you people arent going to buy their games and consoles anymore. Jesus christ how short sighted can you be?

[Killman]

They might want to go re-review all EA online enabled games this gen AND all online enabled Xbox games then. +_+

[Inception]

joketaku -_-

[JayD-1K]

I'm still tying to understand the gripe with the Online Pass? It's only an issue if you planned on buying the game used!

How slow do we as gamers make ourselves look by, making a mountain out of a mole hill?

[BitbyDeath]

Exclusive games are cheaper than multiplatforms so may as well score exclusives higher. All multiplatforms can only go up to 8 sorry.

[ACEMANWISE]

They took points off when the PS3 costed 600.00. They took points off Socom for releasing with bugs even though updates fixed it. They took points off because some games were less popular than others (see GTA IV). I don't see why they couldn't dock points for a game perceived to be incomplete without the DLC in question. Sure.

[xyxzor]

Absolutely, in fact I was debating it the other day. When pieces of content are being locked then yeah, i'd say so.

[Captain Tuttle]

Of course they shouldn't. Should they take off points for MS exclusives that use Live for MP?

[joinsideke]

Oh Kotaku… How the mighty have fallen