Hitman Absolution: Square scraps online pass, now free to all

Hitman: Absolution review code came bundled with an online pass code for use with the game's new Contracts mode. If you didn't have a code you'd have to pay to use it. But now publisher Square-Enix has scrapped the need for a pass, making it free to all. Find out why below.

The game isn't out until tomorrow, but Square had second thoughts about charging people for online play. Over on the Hitman: Absolution blog, IO Interactive stated, "We'd actually planned to have this mode accessible via a code in the game's box, but we really want to make it available to anybody that plays the game - so we want to take a new approach."

Indeed, VG247's review copy did come with an online pass inside the box, but Square-Enix has explained that while copies of the game will still have a code, that they should be ignored. Players can instead download the Contracts update for free via their respective online marketplaces.

The blog post added, "If you're in North America you'll see the mode automatically appear in the game menu. If you're elsewhere, you can redeem the code inside the box, or you can simply select the BUY CONTRACTS PASS option. From there, head to the store where CONTRACTS will be free to access."

What do you make of Square's u-turn? Let us know below. Meanwhile, check out our Hitman: Absolution review round-up. It's been getting very mixed scores.