Ubisoft, best known for killer games and controversial DRM, misprinted online "Uplay" pass codes included in new copies of its just-released "Driver: San Francisco," effectively locking out console players from multiplayer modes. In light of the embarrassing bungle, the France-based video game developer/publisher has opened up the content free of charge.
An Ubisoft forum manager who goes by the handle Bukowski113 announced the decision at the official "Driver" discussion board and explained the process for redeeming the multiplayer content sans pass code:
Hi Driver Fans,
Due to a printing error on the insert of some copies of Driver: San Francisco in North America, Ubisoft has elected to provide the Driver Uplay Passport content for free. Although this problem does not affect players outside of North America, we have decided to mirror this offer to everyone in the world in order to be fair to all our players.
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:
Select Start My 2-Day Free Trial, which will not expire, OR 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.
Ubisoft declined to comment on exactly how it would handle cases where customers purchased a used copy of "Driver: San Francisco" and an online pass code, merely asking those who did to call the company's customer support line.
Announced in July, Ubisoft's Uplay Passport is the company's attempt to strengthen the retail performance of new titles while capitalizing on oft-bemoaned used game sales, which publishers see no direct profit from. New games feature a printed code which the player types in to gain complete and unlimited access to myriad multiplayer content. Customers who purchase a game used, however, either need to get lucky and find a copy with an unredeemed code or plunk down an additional fee ($10 in Uplay's case) for online access.
Electronic Arts employs the tactic in many titles that boast significant online content, such as "Dead Space 2" and new additions of it annual "Madden" football franchise. Sony confirmed in July it would introduce a similar online pass system into several titles beginning this fall. The first game to require it, "Resistance 3," was released this week.
"Driver: San Francisco" was Ubisoft's maiden voyage into the practice. (via Edge)
