In news that will likely surprise nobody, Battlefield 3 is looking likely to feature the online pass, everybody's favorite method of inconveniencing new players and punishing used ones. According to EA, server costs are the reason.

"The whole idea is that we're paying for servers," said executive producer Patrick Bach, "and if you create a new account there is a big process on how that is being handled in the backend. We would rather have you buy a new game than a used game because buying a used game is only a cost to us; we don't get a single dime from a used game, but we still need to create server space and everything for you."

I'd have an easier time believing Electronic Arts' "woe is me" money justification if its games weren't all supported by inevitable day-one DLC and continued map packs/costumes. It seems to make plenty of extra money with content it already has, so I can't say I find this argument very compelling.

Confusion over Battlefield 3 Online Pass [Gamerzines]