THQ, the popular publisher, has said today that it will become the latest company to force used game buyers to pay a fee to play their purchased games online.
The first title to use the practice will be UFC Undisputed 2010, which has one-time use codes for online play, and therefore will require second hand users to buy a new code.
Used game buyers will have to pay $5 for a new code and access to “Fight Camp” mode, which lets 40 players train together online.
Says the company: “This multiplayer content for UFC Undisputed 2010 will be available via a one-time code included with the game at purchase. Codes for accessing the content will be available for second-time buyers for an additional $5.”
THQ’s move follows that of EA Sports which recently announced that used game buyers will be charged $10 for an “Online Pass” that allows access to multiplayer functions. Ubisoft says they are actively considering a similar structure.
Result for: iplayer
According to Sony Computer Entertainment executive VP and CTO Masayuki Chatani, the company is mulling monthly subscription fees for the PlayStation Network.
“We would face difficulties if our business depended solely on the sell-and-forget model. After we sell the hardware, though, we continue to sell products such as content and services,” said Chatani, via GI.biz.”We can also accept payment in a growing number of ways. In addition to single-payment packaged software, there are also schemes like monthly fees or per-item charges.”
Now it is of course possible that Chatani was only speaking about monthly fees for multiplayer online games or unlimited content subscriptions, but it remains unclear.
Sony has repeatedly denied that it will turn the PSN into an Xbox Live-style subscription model but has hinted at upcoming “premium”
Result for: iplayer
The BBC is said to be planning on launching an international iPlayer service, one that will allow global users to watch BBC programming and stream BBC radio networks.
On the downside, there is no word on exact pricing yet but the service will be considered “premium,” with content costing as much as $10 USD. The service may also include content from other UK broadcasters such as Channel 4.
Despite being “international,” the BBC expects over 40 percent of global viewers to come from the United States. Archived content would also be available including thousands of documentaries.
The BBC is also working on a mobile service, with streaming episodes costing about $2 USD.
