6 Sep, 2011
Ubisoft have been forced to scrap the uPlay passport requirements of Driver: San Francisco, due to a printing error on codes contained in the new Xbox 360 retail version of the game.
The Ubisoft website offers more clarification on the subject, stating:
When you begin Driver: San Francisco, you are prompted with the Uplay Passport menu. The menu has 4 options: “Purchase Uplay Passport,” “Activate my Uplay Passport,” “Start my 2-Day Free Trial,” or “Remind Me Later”.
There are two ways to access these online features:
1. Select Start My 2-Day Free Trial, which will not expire, OR
2. Select Purchase Uplay Passport, which will be provided at no charge.
Either option will unlock the 11 multiplayer modes and the Film Director feature on console titles with Uplay Passport.
Network passes are common place now, in an attempt to recuperate some of the lost revenue developers suffer at the hands of the pre-owned market. Ubisoft were looking to charge Live customers the going rate of 800MS Points (approx. £6.80) for this particular online code, which was contained in all new copies of Driver: SF. Playstation 3 owners would have been charged £8 for the same service.
No doubt this news will fall upon elated ears with regards to consumers, but Ubisoft are looking at a rather costly mistake.
I wonder if this offer will only be available for Xbox 360 owners, or if PSN and PC players will get the same deal. I think that would be the smart move, but when has Ubisoft been smart about DRM as of late.