Warner Bros. Interactive plans to include an online pass system in Mortal Kombat when it drops April 19, but they’re not telling anyone about it.
Mortal Kombat games will include a one-time-use token to access online content, while buyers of used games will get a free two-day online trial, but then will have to pay $10 (800 MS Points) to continue access. Information about the token or $10 fee will not be displayed on the game’s packaging at all, as WBIE is trying to add the charge as quietly as possible, according to an email obtained by Joystiq.
The email is from WBIE explaining the token system, and looks to be for retailers only. Apparently WBIE plans to implement the same online pass strategy in F.E.A.R. 3 and Batman: Arkham City.
Betrayal is a bitch. WBIE is following the strategies of EA and THQ for a reason–the online pass system must be working for them. How do you feel about companies monetizing used-game sales? Is Mortal Kombat going to suffer because of this move (and the pre-release announcement of DLC characters)?
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If you need the token to get the DLC, then most of the people renting this game won’t get it. Heck, I would think that most people renting this game are only doing so for the sake of nostalgia and will probably be playing local multiplayer anyway.