Online pass
Encyclopedia
In the video game industry, an online pass is a form of digital rights management
for video games with online functionality. Online passes are commonly in the form of a single-use serial code found in a game's manual (or in leaflets). Although they are used to unlock content for a game, online passes are often required for access to certain online content, notably online play. However, if a gamer buys a game pre-owned or borrows from another person and their online passes are already used, the gamer can either purchase one via their console, or can access a limited (commonly 2 day) trial of the game's online content, which is more useful for rented games.
Most online passes go under different names for a specific game, such as Online Axxess (WWE games), Battle Code (Homefront
), Kombat Pass (Mortal Kombat) and V.I.P. Pass (Dirt 3
and F1 2012). PSN Pass is used for all forthcoming PlayStation 3
games published by Sony Computer Entertainment
.
It is currently only used on PlayStation 3
and Xbox 360
consoles. Due to its used of fighting used game sales (A market nearly non-existent for the PC) rather than piracy and the ability of a pirated copy to include the downloaded content alongside the game, the system is not used for PC games.
Digital rights management
Digital rights management is a class of access control technologies that are used by hardware manufacturers, publishers, copyright holders and individuals with the intent to limit the use of digital content and devices after sale. DRM is any technology that inhibits uses of digital content that...
for video games with online functionality. Online passes are commonly in the form of a single-use serial code found in a game's manual (or in leaflets). Although they are used to unlock content for a game, online passes are often required for access to certain online content, notably online play. However, if a gamer buys a game pre-owned or borrows from another person and their online passes are already used, the gamer can either purchase one via their console, or can access a limited (commonly 2 day) trial of the game's online content, which is more useful for rented games.
Most online passes go under different names for a specific game, such as Online Axxess (WWE games), Battle Code (Homefront
Homefront (video game)
Homefront is a first-person shooter video game developed by now defunct Kaos Studios and published by THQ, in which players play as members of a resistance movement fighting against a near-future Korean military occupation of the United States. The story was written by John Milius, who co-wrote...
), Kombat Pass (Mortal Kombat) and V.I.P. Pass (Dirt 3
Dirt 3
Dirt 3 is a rallying video game and the third in the Dirt series of the Colin McRae Rally series, developed and published by Codemasters. However, the "Colin McRae" tag has been completely removed from this iteration...
and F1 2012). PSN Pass is used for all forthcoming PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
games published by Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. is a major video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry, and is a wholly owned subsidiary and part of the Consumer Products & Services Group of Sony...
.
It is currently only used on PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
and Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
consoles. Due to its used of fighting used game sales (A market nearly non-existent for the PC) rather than piracy and the ability of a pirated copy to include the downloaded content alongside the game, the system is not used for PC games.
Publishers that utilize the online pass system
- Electronic ArtsElectronic ArtsElectronic Arts, Inc. is a major American developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of video games. Founded and incorporated on May 28, 1982 by Trip Hawkins, the company was a pioneer of the early home computer games industry and was notable for promoting the designers and programmers...
- THQTHQTHQ Inc. is an American developer and publisher of video games. Founded in 1989 in the United States, the company develops products for video game consoles, handheld game systems, as well as for personal computers and wireless devices...
- Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
- UbisoftUbisoftUbisoft Entertainment S.A. is a major French video game publisher and developer, with headquarters in Montreuil, France. The company has a worldwide presence with 25 studios in 17 countries and subsidiaries in 26 countries....
- Sony Computer EntertainmentSony Computer EntertainmentSony Computer Entertainment, Inc. is a major video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry, and is a wholly owned subsidiary and part of the Consumer Products & Services Group of Sony...