SSX’s online pass takes an interesting route

EA has become notoriously known for pioneering the online pass system, which is now a feature for hundreds of titles. In a nutshell, online passes are a way to get back at GameStop. Okay, just kidding. It's pretty much a way to get back at used games in general. EA Sports' upcoming title, SSX, will also be utilizing an online pass system, but it's definitely different, and more interesting than any in the company's past.

According to an EA spokesperson, SSX will allow players to compete in both of the game's online modes, Explore and Global Events, without a pass. The catch, surprisingly, is that any credits you earn in Global Events will not be awarded to players without an online pass. Instead, these credits, which go towards character customization, gear, and more, will be stored. If a player decides to purchase an online pass at any time, the stored credits will be rightly given to them.

The online pass system is detailed below:

As you know, all EA Sports games for the Xbox 360 and PS3 have included a game-specific EA Sports Online Pass since June 2010. This is a one-time use registration code with each unit sold new at retail that allows access to online services and features, as well as bonus game content.  Once activated, additional passes will be available for $10. Thus, all new copies of SSX will include a code for Online Pass. EA Sports has made a significant investment to offer immersive online services and features.  We want to reserve these online services for people who pay EA to access them.

In SSX, players without an Online Pass are able to compete and play in both of SSX's online game modes, Explore and Global Events with no restrictions. In Global Events, the top finishers from each event are awarded with in-game credits. These in-game credits earned during play will not be awarded to the player if they do not have an Online Pass; these credits will be stored so that at any time, if a player redeems an Online Pass code, all the credits that they had previously earned in Global Events will be immediately awarded to them.

I have to applaud EA on this one. Online passes have had a negative connotation thus far, but maybe this is the first step to finding a middle ground? What are your thoughts? Let us know by commenting below.