We truly are in dark times for used games. It’s no big surprise that Ubisoft would lock Assassin’s Creed IV’s multiplayer modes behind an online pass in order to recoup some losses due to used sales. However, reports are coming in saying that parts of the single-player campaign are not available without a Ubisoft Uplay Passport.
The portion in question takes place when Edward Kenway boards and takes possession of a fleet. Normally, Kenway can add the ship to his fleet and send it on missions while he continues the game. Eventually, the ship comes back with loot without you having to lift a finger.
Supposedly, this entire gameplay mechanic is locked off to players who do not have a Uplay Passport. Granted, there are online elements to these missions. You can ask friends for help, for example, to make your missions go quicker. However, online interactions aren’t required, and Ubisoft cold have always just locked that aspect of the game behind the Passport gate.
This sets up a dangerous precedent for games in the future. If single-player portions can be locked off via a pay gate, what’s stopping developers from locking off the single-player all together like we were afraid the Xbox One was going to do? The war against used games rages on. What side are you on? Let us know in the comments.
Source: Gameinformer