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Op Ed

Bitmob.com - Publishers must stop pass-locking multiplayer modes.
And while I'm here, allow me to challenge the notion that publishers pass-lock content for anything other than commercial gain, as opposed to guarding against financial loss. EA now typically online pass-protects multiplayer modes in projected hits (Battlefield 3, Mass Effect 3), so don't think they opened up Syndicate in an altruistic display of heroism. No, they're re-launching a dormant franchise from the '90s, and they don't want to hobble its chances by selling half a game. Same goes for SSX...its online pass doesn't block an entire mode, but will affect how fast you unlock gear.

Sony feels Twisted Metal can ride its reputation all the way to the bank. Syndicate doesn't earn that level of confidence from EA. Mass Effect 3 does. Demand determines accessability. They lock their content accordingly, without regard to the game itself or the people who might want to play it.

These decisions look great on a balance sheet, I'm sure, but those are disastrous moves and here's why: Mode locking keeps people from playing the game, and any plan requiring used-game buyers to pay extra for something they bought on the cheap qualifies as advanced dementia.

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