ONLINE PASS FOR MADDEN 11

[RaiderKtulu]

Quote: Originally Posted by Valdarez

That's exactly what I have done, especially when I outlined their business practices. There are far better ways to increase revenue and maximize profits, and none of them include alienating potential customers.

Here's the thing... if a person is constantly buying the games used... they AREN'T an EA customer. The occasional impulse buy is one thing... intentionally looking to save money by always buying used is pretty close to being a big middle finger pointed at EA (and any other game company for that matter).

[CreatineKasey]

Quote: Originally Posted by Valdarez

In case there's any confusion about my view on the subject, as a used game buyer, I absolutely love EA's new Online Pass Program. I believe it's going to lower the price of the used game for me, especially since I don't view the game as being viable for online play (yet). My arguments/views are centered around the apparent intent of the policy, which falls in line with other bad business practices of the past. I abhor the intent, and believe the policy is a very poor business decision.

Fair statement. I see too much voicing off as if there's any control over it outside of your purchasing power.

This market is too competitive to let people get away with truly excessive money grabs, in my opinion. Yeah, MW2 did get away with that $15 map pack purchase (which I didn't partake in b/c of cost), but I think their competition is heavy. It'll be interesting to see if Halo:Reach takes a similar approach to DLC.

I personally feel much more ripped off by purchasing DLC to be able to compete in certain areas of multiplayer (Halo 2/3 + probably tons of other shooters) than I do from a policy like this. That's just me.

[Valdarez]

Quote: Originally Posted by nuckles2k2

Used car dealerships with their trade in programs (they don't crap those cars); Dell, Apple, ect. when they sell refurbished products; Bose when they sell refurbished products, etc. EA would have to get into the business of selling used games.

Yep, trade in programs. They incur the risk of the inventory, just like GameStop. That's not the same thing at all. What company tries to get $$$ off of a secondary sell that they have absolutely nothing to do with? I can't think of a single example.

[Valdarez]

Quote: Originally Posted by RaiderKtulu

Here's the thing... if a person is constantly buying the games used... they AREN'T an EA customer. The occasional impulse buy is one thing... intentionally looking to save money by always buying used is pretty close to being a big middle finger pointed at EA (and any other game company for that matter).

No, they are a potential customer, and depending on their age, worth thousands of dollars over the course of their life in new game purchases. Why would you enact a policy that potentially alienates a customer? With this policy they stand the risk of alienating both new game buyers and used game buyers. It's a horrible decision.

[nuckles2k2]

Quote: Originally Posted by rgiles36

but true... I know Sprint is ADAMANT about sending back your old phone when you purchase a new one...

Yea T-mobile was like that with the Sidekicks back when I was in high school.
If you wanted to upgrade to the new one for the discount, they had to get your old one back by a certain date or they're charging you full price for the new phone.

Back then I was all like "this is some stupid ****." Now that I'm on the verge of starting my own business it's like "man...that was kind of smart on their part" lol.

[RaiderKtulu]

Quote: Originally Posted by Valdarez

Yep, trade in programs. They incur the risk of the inventory, just like GameStop. That's not the same thing at all. What company tries to get $$$ off of a secondary sell that they have absolutely nothing to do with? I can't think of a single example.

EA is only trying to get that cut if you want to play online - if you want to use their servers. Ford may not get a cut when you buy a used car from some random dealer, but if you go to a Ford dealership to get an oil change, they're going to charge you for it.

[Valdarez]

Quote: Originally Posted by nuckles2k2

They're not taking away a part of the functionality, they're forcing you to make a decision.

Really? So we must have dreamed online capabilities in past versions. They aren't disabling something that used to be part of the game? Sure they are, they're crippling their game in the hopes that gamers will pay the $10 to play online.

[Valdarez]

Quote: Originally Posted by RaiderKtulu

EA is only trying to get that cut if you want to play online - if you want to use their servers. Ford may not get a cut when you buy a used car from some random dealer, but if you go to a Ford dealership to get an oil change, they're going to charge you for it.

Yep, but if the car had free oil changes for the life of the vehicle (or a 5 year period), it wouldn't cost you a dime.