Expired Online Pass codes found in new copies of EA games

A NeoGAF user has discovered that the EA Online Pass voucher in his brand new copy of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit has expired, thus locking him out of the game's multiplayer modes.

It seems other users on the forum have experienced the same issue and called attention to the fine print located on the voucher, which states that they can, indeed, expire.

Shack did a bit of digging, and noted that EA forum users have been complaining about the situation since October, and tested the claim themselves with new copies Hot Pursuit, Medal of Honor, and MMA - none of which worked.

A Sony spokesperson, when asked, told the site that: "The system doesn't flush out older codes...any code with an expiration date is defined by the publisher," which means platform holder will honor publisher codes and the parameters set by said publishers.

Shack also read through EA's ToS agreement, finding that the firm can "retire online features" after 30 days if it sees fit.In other words, if you can't afford to buy a game right off, it's your own fault for not being loaded to the gills with green.

EA has commented to Joystiq on the matter, stating that if the pass included in the new game is expired, users can download a new pass or attain one from EA directly. Granted, it's an annoying extra step legitimate buyers shouldn't have to take, but at least it is better than no multiplayer at all.