EA Online Pass is a one-time code on many Electronic Arts games that allows new game buyers free online gameplay, but forces used game purchases to pay an extra fee to play online.
According to Eurogamer, ”The reasons for opting out were two: first, when EA offered Online Pass to Crytek the feature was deemed too young and untested; second, Crytek wanted multiplayer played by as many people as possible, regardless of whether they bought Crysis 2 second-hand or brand new. Most console owners have never played a Crysis game, and Crytek wants to make as big a splash as possible.”
Crytek is not owned by Electronic Arts; it is a member of EA Partners, a co-publishing arm dedicated to publishing and distributing games developed by third-party developers.
