When an image of a European Resistance 3 hardware bundle surfaced yesterday, the mention of something called “PSN Pass” suggested that some kind of new online program was on the way. SCEE confirmed the program, revealing it as Sony’s take on the “Online Pass” or “Project Ten Dollar” initiatives enacted by third parties — a one-time-use code that enables online play, bundled with new copies of games and sold separately otherwise.
“This program will be game-specific,” a Sony rep said to konsolentreff.net. “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.” The initiative is intended to “accelerate our commitment to enhancing premium online services across our first party game portfolio.”
SCEE/SCEA statement on Resistance 3 “Network Pass”:
We are always evaluating new programs for our online offering, and starting with Resistance 3 this September, we will be instituting a network pass program for PS3 games with online capabilities. This program will be game-specific. 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. This is an important initiative as it allows us to accelerate our commitment to enhancing premium online services across our first party game portfolio.