After recognising developers keep the gaming industry in motion, Sony is beginning to introduce online passes that will need to be bought in addition to used titles if gamers want to access online components and features.

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Used Unchartered 3 copies will require an online pass

When buying a brand new game, the efforts of gaming developers are rewarded with a chunk of the profit nestling in their pockets. With used games though, companies like JB HiFi and EB games pocket the loot without passing due dividends to developers.

Sony is beginning to understand that content is just as important as hardware, using heavy-weight titles to lure gamers to their platform amidst a volatile gaming environment. To keep the good times going, the company will be introducing an Online Gaming pass.

“We are always evaluating new programs for our online offering,” a Sony statement revealed.

When gamers buy a new game they’ll find enclosed a one off online pass that will grant them access to the online gaming world.

 “Games that are a part of this program will include a single-use registration code that grants the account holder redeeming the code full online access for that title.

When the game is traded in, the pass will no longer be valid. This will have an adverse effect on trade-in prices, giving traders even less credit than their titles were once worth.

“This is an important initiative as it allows us to accelerate our commitment to enhancing premium online services across our first party game portfolio.”

If picking up a used game customers will need to folk out more money for the online component. The unofficial cost will be around $10 dollars and developers have already coined the initiative ‘Project Ten Dollar.’ 

Resistance 3 was the first title subject to Sony’s online pass, with the Unchartered 3 next in the line-up. 

“Online Pass will be incorporated into Uncharted 3 and future Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios games with online functionality,” Sony told Destructoid. “We will provide further information in the future.”