SSX Online Pass not required for multiplayer

EA Sports has taken an unusual stance with its Online Pass for SSX, letting you participate in multiplayer events - but not receive rewards for doing so.

GameInformer reports top ranking Global Event players receive hefty rewards in the form of in-game credits - provided they've activated an online pass.

But those who pick the game up second hand and therefore don't automatically receive an Online Pass code can still participate in Global Events, and should they qualify for any rewards, these will be stored against their user account.

Should an Online Pass-less player find themselves racking up piles of credits during online events, they can grab an Online Pass for $10, and everything they've qualified for so far will be retrospectively awarded.

Credits are also awarded for Explore events, and everyone can get hold of these, Online Pass or no.

"EA Sports has made a significant investment to offer immersive online services and features. We want to reserve these online services for people who pay EA to access them," a statement noted.

"Economy balance makes it possible to unlock all available content and allows you to participate in all event drops across both Explore and Global Events, with credits earned solely in Explore."

SSX is due on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in early March.