wow... why the hell do they have to gimp system link? what's next? split/shared screen? "online" doesn't seem to mean internet anymore.

i wonder if this is just a horrible UI design flaw that was missed. maybe they didn't intend on locking system link.

Glad I'll be playing it on the PC (provided it's worthy of a purchase.)

Sounds like a new sorting field will be coming to the CO database...Code Required - Yes or No.

Sad, really.

SYSTEM LINK?

Well, if that won't convince people of the utter moral and factual bankruptcy of the publishers' arguments in favor of these codes, then nothing will.

This is like cell operators charging customers early termination fees and inflated monthly rates due to the subsidy they offer on certain phones, and then still charging people the same high fees and inflated rates even if they buy their phones outright without any subsidy. And yet, where are the lynch mobs going after the fraudsters behind these scams?

wow talk about lame. Why do companies think this is a good idea, I mean SR3 is going to have no problem selling enough copies right out the door so why implement this shitty system.... sorry THQ but in the future I may have to avoid your games.

Granted I already bought and paid for SR3 this kind of bullshit is going to make potential buyers step away.

i find it interesting it is phrased "to activate the full online experience", as if anyone could activate ANY online experience without the code. i suppose it's never occurred to publishers to offer the carrot to gamers and allow for a trial online access rather than hitting us repeatedly with the online pass stick to try and get more sales.

They have been calling it an online pass in order to make us accept them but they should really just be called the "You bought it new pass". In reality they can lock down whatever content they want with a pass. How would you like it if you could only play the first half of a game and then you would have to enter your pass in order to play the second half?

I don't like these passes but they are a reality we are all going to have to get used to because the only major publisher not using them is Microsoft and that's because they would get so much flak for charging twice for online play (XBLA gold and online passes). Once they stop calling them online passes then I'm sure Microsoft will get on board.

--- Replying to kevinclough -----

I've been trying to refer to them as "Used Game Fees".

Apparently it costs extra to play with real people now.

At least it's not CD keys - this code business is absolute madness but at the very least you can resell game and buy used ones, that straight up doesn't exist for the PC market. I have a feeling consoles are going to follow suit next gen - though they won't be as generous as Steam with their pricing and sales.

I can understand needing the pass for online games where server maintenance/updating is necessary post-launch but just to unlock system link is RIDICULOUS! That's just greed plain and simple. Had this game on my list of ones to try, may be forgetting all about it with this news

Is this going to affect the PC gamers at all?

I'll still buy their games - but I will just wait until they are dead cheap after a year or so from first release.

I buy games when they are reduced as a rule anyway. The problem is that some games disappear off the shelves and you can never find them new. I'm not sure I would want to scramble for a 2nd hand copy and then buy a 800MSP online pass on top.

Ok, this really pisses me off. I accept that they use a pass for online play. But system-link, too?! Come on!

Ahh, screw this, I'll pass on this game. If the PC-version comes without that crap, I'll get that.

Thanks for the heads up!
I almost thought about getting this game.
I really will avoid this greedy crap.

So will i be able to play co-op with my brother on local or is it only a online co-op experience? (Co-op as in Lego star wars) (or GTA SA)

it seems that in games that have two things in common are having online passes. These two things are being awesome and being online compatible. Also I am not for sure but if you download the game off of psn do you have to purchase the activation code. Because if so then thats bullshit because you have to pay and extra ten bucks. I'm not for sure so don't get to excited. But i have the sudden feeling like i've been ripped off and when i feel like i've been ripped off then i call and complain. In 19 minutes of download time i'll have my answer

All I know is that the gaming industry is changing rapidly and not for the good. The gaming industry 10 to 15 years ago is not at all like the gaming industry of today which seems to be more after your money than your opinions. You see this a lot in games with compelling or crazy storylines in which the multiplayers are a plus. Unfortunately the gaming companies of now and possibly the future believe that this "plus" is worth another ten bucks. It's almost as bad as the scandal of buying insurance. They promise you that you'll have a good time but when it comes to money your fucked