You could make a desk calendar out of the zany things that spill out of Bobby Kotick's mouth, but this time the oft-quoted Activision CEO has gone on record with an opinion that some gamers probably agree with. Namely, that EA's online passes have no place in gaming.
In his recent sit-down with Joystiq, Kotick touched on Activision's DLC strategy, contrasting its love of $15 map-packs and premium content with EA's online passes, explaining: "We can do some of these things that EA and others have done. We actually don't think it's in the best interest of the gamer, and so we've chosen not to.”
Above: Even Tiger doesn't look thrilled about it
Reflecting on the fine line between adding value and gouging gamers, Kotick noted that the risk of igniting consumer backlash was far greater than any gains that can be made by trying to capitalize on the used gaming market, adding: "I think you always need to be sensitive to that relationship and not crossing the line to a place where the customer feels like they have been taken advantage of."
Kotick later went on to trumpet Activision's online business model, "As business models evolve, as the way you distribute content evolves, as the ability to do things online changes in terms of pricing or trial or sample, I think we've definitely always been out in front of the rest of our competitors."
This isn't the first time Kotick has ragged on EA's business practices, but it is one of the few times he may be backed up by some of the gaming community. What do you think about online passes, specificallythose from the EA Sports line, which will unlock "multiplayer online play, group features like online dynasty and leagues, user created content, and bonus downloadable content" for new game purchasers, but cost $10 to purchase if the code has been previously used?
Nov 15, 2010
[Source: Joystiq]
Sony looking into charging second-hand buyers for online play. Fair deal, or massive rip-off?
Would you be happy if Sony's first-party games took up EA's online pass scheme?
