Thread: EA Project $10

I don’t know how much many of you know about this particular policy which has emerged from the darkest parts of EA’s HQ but for those whom this has passed by, allow me to fill you in.

This is a policy devised to combat used game sales by either offering free DLC to those who purchased the game new, or (more worryingly) disabling content which is on the disc unless you buy the game new.

Mass Effect is the first game to implement the ominous sounding project with access to it’s Cerberus network being restricted and the latest game to fall is Battlefield Bad Company 2.

Bad Company 2 has four multiplayer maps included on the disc, unlocked via “VIP” codes found only in new copies of the game.

Using the VIP code that comes packed in every new copy of Battlefield: Bad Company 2, players will be able to unlock two new maps upon the game's release - Laguna Alta for Conquest mode and Nelson Bay for Rush mode. Later in March, players with codes will unlock Arica Harbour for Conquest and Laguna Presa for Rush.

If you lose your code or buy second hand you’ll have to pay $15 (and despite all logic, £15) to play the maps which are already on the disc you just paid for!

I don’t like this at all, say you bought a house and then when you get inside the original owner pops up and says, “You see that master bedroom, well if you want the key to get in there you’ll have to pay me... Mwhahahahaha”

This policy is simply not right, however EA have announced that every single one of their 2011 titles will have “Project $10” in some form so we’d better get used to it.

Update 11/05/10 Ea announced Project $10 will stretch into online content and gameplay Starting with Tiger Woods PGA 11 and comprises a one-time registration code included with each brand new copy of the game. The code allows players to access "online services, features and bonus content." Pre Owned gamers can of course purchase the additional features for $10 (800)

"This is an important inflection point in our business because it allows us to accelerate our commitment to enhance premium online services to the entire robust EA SPORTS online community," said Peter Moore, President of EA SPORTS.