Homefront to Feature THQ's Online Pass; Multiplayer Available but Capped for Secondary Users

Shacknews has confirmed that THQ's upcoming "war at home" shooter Homefront will use the company's newly developed Online Pass for multiplayer--recently featured in UFC Undisputed 2010.

THQ's Online Pass is a single-use code that is included for free in all new copies of games sporting the "feature." Users who do not have access to a free code--whether it be from rental or purchasing the game second-hand--can purchase an online pass for $10. EA has executed a similar program to sway gamers to purchase new copies of its titles.

[MysticStrummer]

They just lost at least one sale.

[pr0digyZA]

I have to say I like the idea. I mean you still play the entire SP, then you can play quite a bit of the multiplayer and see if it is for you, if it is, then you pay a little to play it for as long as you want, technically you will still get it cheaper than brand new, plus you help the company who may go under if this game does not succeed.

[Corepred4]

Gamefly is very happy right now. Should increase subscriptions since most people want to try out the game before buying it.

[nycredude]

Is this game a ful price game ($60 in us)? If so this game will fail before it is released. Some games just aren't worth $60 bucks.

Also does this mean we have to sign up for a different service other than PSn to play online like MGONLINE? Cause I hate to do that and it's a deal killer for me.

[pr0digyZA]

Im not so sure I read your post right but I don't think you read the article right. It basically says when you buy it new you will play it like any normal game (meaning on PSN) but you'll put in a one time code that will allow you to play indefinitely. This is where the twist comes in, if you get it second hand or rent then most likely the code would be in use, but they still let you play multiplayer so that you get a feel for the game, the only restriction is you can only reach a certain level in multiplayer (obviously SP is unrestricted), from there you can carry on playing or if you really like the multiplayer then pay for a cheap code.

It will use PSN or dedi servers for PC people nothings changed.

[nycredude]

I know but there are many games I don't think is worth a buy brand new at that price, so I wait for it used to get at gamestop at a dscount. This is effectively taking that discount away so it goes from a buy to a no go. I am sure I am not the only one.

I mean THQ First person shooter? Why should I pay $60 for this when Killzone 3 or COD is $60?

Also this is a money grab to me. They could use all the excuse of yeah we have to maintain servers or whatever, but fact is they receive payment on the first sales already. If that person traded it in and someone else buys it used it is still only that ONE person going online. So in essence this is double-dipping. GREED at it best.

[ngecenk]

two sales!

seriously how dare they do this considering 3 other fps released at the very same time frame. its not like the best franchise ever.

[showtimefolks]

that this is about to start happening with every game. and i will say it again even if i loose another bubble that i rather have publishers/devs make more money than gamestop or anyone else?

and if you are selling it to a friend or ebay/craiglst just give $10 off simple you still played the game got some money back for another game

now hook me up with a bubble lol(ps:you know you want to lol)

[Bobby Kotex]

I accidentally upvoted your comment. If you buy this game new, it shouldn't be of any consequence for you.

[Microsoft_Spokesman]

Reddit?

[ASSASSYN 36o]

This is barely that diffrent than what was done by ea and that didn't cause a big issue. Apparently this tactic is going to be the norm. I am getting my game on launch day so this doesn't bother me one bit.

[Jezuz]

that's not good if you're a guy who borrow games to friends occasionally.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

This is a much better alternative to EA's version. I am not thrilled with the idea but until the console makers can cut some kind of deal with retail chains re-selling used games we are going to continue to see this happen.

[makingdamage]

The game industry is a dirty industry, which other industry does this to its consumers?
Single-use code when you buy a car? Single-use code when you buy a tv?

[jdktech2010]

Yea, cause a car and a video game have the same intended use and value....really dude?

[jay2]

Greedy beeps.

[Vortex3D]

At Blockbuster store, if the one-time use code is printed on the manual such as UFC 2010 and EA sports games, they keep the manual with the rental disc. So, the 1st person who rented the game gets to use the one-time code for free while other renters don't get it.

Obviously BB has no idea about such one time use code that is now required for online multiplayer.

[Microsoft_Spokesman]

The game will be terrible anyways, looks very mediocre. But I guess we'll find out in March.

[Darkspade]

Wow I was going to buy this game but since me and my son share games and they are doing the online pass. Screw it. They can keep it