Uplay Passport Scheme Scrapped

I was all set to write a post today about how the companion app and online social features for Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag aren’t really worth buying a Uplay Passport for, if you get the game second-hand. Instead, Ubisoft have beaten me to the punch by scrapping the cost entirely. Hooray!

Instead, everyone with Black Flag can download the unlock for free. Here’s the statement from Ubisoft:

The Uplay Passport program was initiated as a means of giving customers full access and support for online multiplayer and features, along with exclusive content, bonuses and rewards. However, games today are blurring the line between offline and online, between what is “single player” and what is “multiplayer.” Based on that and on the feedback we received from you, we recognized that Passport is no longer the best approach for ensuring that all our customers have the best possible experience with all facets of our games.

I don’t really know how anyone would consider a gated “passport” as a means of giving customers full access but corporate doublethink aside, they’ve come to their senses.

They’ve also confirmed that “Uplay Passport will not be a part of any future Ubisoft games”

You can read the full announcement on the UbiBlog.