It looks like yet another publisher has tossed their name into the pool of companies that are introducing an online pass for their upcoming titles. Ubisoft, publisher/developer behind such titles as Assassin’s Creed and Splinter Cell, have announced they will be introducing a new feature to their UPlay service called the ‘Passport’ that will essentially allow players to access online content.

Though Ubisoft has yet to comment on a price for UPlay Passport they did announce that it will be first implemented with Driver: San Francisco. After Electronic Arts broke ground with their project $10, many began to wonder when other popular publishers would begin to see the viability in such a service.

What is interesting to consider is why Ubisoft would want to jump on this bandwagon with Driver, a franchise that is looking to make a comeback.

According to Gamerzines, the team behind Assassin’s Creed Revelations actually has no information about this service, and has not been informed that it is even happening. So, unless Ghost Recon: Future Soldier is also in the cards, this Driver: San Francisco implementation could be just to test out the waters.

Sure, online passes like UPlay Passport do convince tons of gamers to buy, rather than rent, the newest titles, but they don’t necessarily feel like a needed addition unless the multiplayer is an essential part of the experience. We’ve had some fun with Assassin’s Creed’s new multiplayer offering, but, aside from that, a lot of gamers will be fairly satisfied with their single player experience.

Also we don't know if UPlay Passport will only work like an online pass that restricts content without purchase or if it will also be used like the Rockstar Pass — a way to buy all the soon-to-be-released DLC up front, in bulk, and for a cheaper price comparatively.

Expect more news about UPlay Passport including pricing schemes and more associated titles in the weeks to come.

What do you think about Ubisoft introducing their version of the online pass? Do you think that it is only a matter of time before the online pass become’s standard practice?

Source: Gamerzines