Ubisoft scraps Uplay Passports

Ubisoft has decided to scrap their Uplay Passport scheme in the wake of player reaction following their decision to gate certain core gameplay mechanics behind a paywall.

Gamers who picked up a second-hand copy of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag were dismayed to discover that one feature - sending out the fleet on missions - was disabled. To access this content players needed to enter the online pass code that came with the game, or if it had already been used, buy a new one.

This sparked a furious response from gamers, and Ubisoft has reacted by lifting the requirement for players to have a Uplay Passport for Black Flag, and more importantly, the scheme will no longer feature in any future games released by the publisher.

Ubisoft's communications manager, Gary Steinman, wrote: "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."

He continued: "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."