Ubi setting up paid-for online pass?

Ubisoft is the latest publisher rumoured to be introducing an online pass that charges pre-owned buyers extra for in-game content.

Gamerzines is reporting that ‘Uplay Passport’ will restrict access to online multiplayer in upcoming racer Driver: San Francisco. Only those who buy the game new – or buy a code from XBL or PSN if they purchased a second-hand copy – will be able to access it.

The website reckons Uplay Passport will also be present in other future multiplayer games from Ubisoft such as Assassin’s Creed: Revelations.

The news comes following Sony’s announcement of its own PSN Pass which works in the same way.Several publishers have adopted the ‘online pass’ model – otherwise known as ‘project $10′ – which has been championed by EA over the past few years. The general implication is that the system encourages consumers to buy new games as opposed to pre-owned titles.

Last year Ubisoft CFO Alain Martinez told investors: [We are] looking very carefully at what EA is doing regarding the $10 solution, and will probably follow that line sometime in the future.”

MCV has contacted Ubisoft for clarification. A spokesperson said the company does not comment on rumour and speculation.

Driver: San Francisco hits shelves on September 2nd on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii and PC.