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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{short description|Video game DLC model}}
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{{distinguish|battle pass}}
{{distinguish|battle pass}}
A '''season pass''' is a form of [[video game monetization]] in which consumers purchase a discounted package for current and future [[downloadable content]] (DLC) packs for a video game atop its base cost. A game may have a single season pass, or for some [[Games as a service|lifestyle games]], may have new season passes over time. The name originates from the concept of a [[season ticket]] for sports (although more akin to acquiring the box set of a season from a TV series). First introduced around 2011, the use of season passes became commonplace among [[AAA (video gaming)|triple-A]] publishers by the end of the 2010s. Season passes can be controversial because the contents of a season pass are not fully itemized beforehand or may not contain all planned DLC, with some instances of season passes being called scams by the [[gaming press]].
A '''season pass''' is a form of [[video game monetization]] in which consumers purchase a discounted package for current and future [[downloadable content]] (DLC) and/or [[Expansion pack|Expansion packs]] for a video game atop its base cost. A game may have a single season pass or, for some [[Games as a service|lifestyle games]], new season passes over time. The name originates from the concept of a [[season ticket]] for sports (although more akin to acquiring the box set of a season from a TV series). First introduced around 2011, the use of season passes became commonplace among [[AAA (video gaming)|triple-A]] and [[mobile game]] publishers by the end of the 2010s. Season passes can be controversial because the contents of a season pass are not fully itemized beforehand or may not contain all planned DLC, with some instances of season passes being called scams by the [[gaming press]].


== Approach ==
== Approach ==
Season passes may be available to purchase alongside the game prior to its release, or may be available after the game's release. Once purchased, the player gains all content that has been released to date under that season pass and eligible for future, unannounced content. Many season passes state the type of content that players will get even though the exact content may be unknown at the time.
Season passes may be available to purchase alongside the game prior to its release, or may be available after the game's release. Once purchased, the player gains all content that has been released to date under that season pass and eligible for future, unannounced content. Many season passes state the type of content that players will get even though the exact content may be unknown at the time.


Season passes may cover all planned expansion content for a game and represents a one-time purchase. In other cases, season passes cover the content of a game for a limited period of time, on the order of months to years, which allow the developer to continue to add more content in lieu of developing a wholly new title as to continue to draw in revenue. For example, Ubisoft's ''[[Rainbow Six Siege]]'' has used annual season passes that give players that purchase them access to new playable characters ("operators"), maps, weapons, and game modes. Some of these elements can be obtained by players without a season pass, using in-game credits, while other content remains exclusive to those with the pass. Ubisoft has considered this a better approach for players rather than developing a sequel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/02/19/rainbow-six-siege-100-operators-10-years-no-sequel/|title=The future of Rainbow Six Siege: 100 operators over 10 years, no sequel|first=Matt|last=Martin|work=[[VG 247]]|date=February 19, 2018|accessdate=April 13, 2018}}</ref> Similarly, ''[[Destiny 2]]'' uses an annual pass model, providing players with access to exclusive content through three expansions per year.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/5/17430210/destiny-2-annual-pass-price-details-content |title = Destiny 2 gets an Annual Pass, here's what's included | first= Michael | last =McWhertor | date = June 5, 2018 | accessdate = August 8, 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref> For some games with recurring season passes, content from older passes may become integrated into the base game at no additional cost.
Season passes may cover all planned expansion content for a game and represents a one-time purchase. In other cases, season passes cover the content of a game for a limited period of time, on the order of months to years, which allow the developer to continue to add more content in lieu of developing a wholly new title as to continue to draw in revenue. For example, Ubisoft's ''[[Rainbow Six Siege]]'' has used annual season passes that give players that purchase them access to new playable characters ("operators"), maps, weapons, and game modes. Some of these elements can be obtained by players without a season pass, using in-game credits, while other content remains exclusive to those with the pass. Ubisoft has considered this a better approach for players rather than developing a sequel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/02/19/rainbow-six-siege-100-operators-10-years-no-sequel/|title=The future of Rainbow Six Siege: 100 operators over 10 years, no sequel|first=Matt|last=Martin|work=[[VG 247]]|date=19 February 2018|accessdate=13 April 2018}}</ref> Similarly, ''[[Destiny 2]]'' used an annual pass model for its second year of content, providing players with access to exclusive content through three DLC drops over the course of the year;<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/5/17430210/destiny-2-annual-pass-price-details-content |title = Destiny 2 gets an Annual Pass, here's what's included | first= Michael | last =McWhertor | date = 5 June 2018 | accessdate = 8 August 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref> for the game's third year, they switched to a season pass model, with each season's seasonal pass available to purchase à la carte.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/destiny-2s-seasons-will-work-much-differently-this-year-1837714792|title=Destiny 2's Seasons Will Work Much Differently This Year|last=Rivera|first=Joshua|date=29 August 2019|website=Kotaku|access-date=30 August 2019}}</ref> For some games with recurring season passes, content from older passes may become integrated into the base game at no additional cost.


== History ==
== History ==
One of the first season passes in video games was used by [[Rockstar Games]] with ''[[L.A. Noire]]'' in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ir.take2games.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=86428&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1568889&highlight=|title=Take-Two Interactive Software - Investor Relations - Take-Two News Release|website=ir.take2games.com|accessdate=11 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/product/EP1004-BLES00933_00-PLANOIREXX000007|title=L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass|website=PlayStation™Store|accessdate=11 March 2018}}</ref> Later the same month, [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] continued the trend with ''[[Mortal Kombat (2011 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/125487/Warner_Bros_To_Offer_Season_Pass_DLC_Bundle_For_Xbox_360_Mortal_Kombat.php|title=Warner Bros. To Offer 'season pass' DLC Bundle For Xbox 360 Mortal Kombat|first=Kyle|last=Orland|publisher=|accessdate=12 March 2018}}</ref> [[Electronic Arts]] released their EA Sports Season Ticket in August 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ea.com/en-gb/news/ea-sports-season-ticket-launches-today|title=EA SPORTS Season Ticket Announces Today|first=Electronic|last=Arts|date=1 August 2011|publisher=|accessdate=12 March 2018}}</ref> By the mid 2010s, season passes had become common in [[AAA (video game industry)|AAA games]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/dear-everyone-its-time-to-stop-buying-season-passes-at-launch|title=Dear everyone: it's time to stop buying season passes at launch|work=PCGamesN|access-date=2018-03-03}}</ref> By the end of the decade, season passes continued to be offered for many games, although some publishers began to forgo offering them in favor of free DLC due to the negative publicity created by their announcement shortly after release.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.vg247.com/2017/07/10/with-the-apparent-death-of-season-passes-and-15-dlc-did-we-actually-end-up-with-a-worse-deal/|title=With the apparent death of season passes and $15 DLC, did we actually end up with a worse deal? - VG247|date=2017-07-10|work=VG247|access-date=2018-03-03|language=en-US}}</ref> The rising popularity of [[loot box]]es also played a role in the decreasing popularity of the season pass, although the gaming press has speculated that this may result in less post-release content overall.<ref name=":1" />
One of the first season passes in video games was used by [[Rockstar Games]] with ''[[L.A. Noire]]'' in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ir.take2games.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=86428&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1568889&highlight=|title=Take-Two Interactive Software - Investor Relations - Take-Two News Release|website=ir.take2games.com|accessdate=11 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/product/EP1004-BLES00933_00-PLANOIREXX000007|title=L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass|website=PlayStation™Store|accessdate=11 March 2018}}</ref> Later the same month, [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] continued the trend with ''[[Mortal Kombat (2011 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/125487/Warner_Bros_To_Offer_Season_Pass_DLC_Bundle_For_Xbox_360_Mortal_Kombat.php|title=Warner Bros. To Offer 'season pass' DLC Bundle For Xbox 360 Mortal Kombat|first=Kyle|last=Orland|date=17 June 2011|publisher=|accessdate=12 March 2018}}</ref> [[Electronic Arts]] released their EA Sports Season Ticket in August 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ea.com/en-gb/news/ea-sports-season-ticket-launches-today|title=EA SPORTS Season Ticket Announces Today|first=Electronic|last=Arts|date=1 August 2011|publisher=|accessdate=12 March 2018}}</ref> By the mid 2010s, season passes had become common in [[AAA (video game industry)|AAA games]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/dear-everyone-its-time-to-stop-buying-season-passes-at-launch|title=Dear everyone: it's time to stop buying season passes at launch|work=PCGamesN|access-date=3 March 2018}}</ref> By the end of the decade, season passes continued to be offered for many games, although some publishers began to forgo offering them in favor of free DLC due to the negative publicity created by their announcement shortly after release.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.vg247.com/2017/07/10/with-the-apparent-death-of-season-passes-and-15-dlc-did-we-actually-end-up-with-a-worse-deal/|title=With the apparent death of season passes and $15 DLC, did we actually end up with a worse deal? - VG247|date=10 July 2017|work=VG247|access-date=3 March 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> The rising popularity of [[loot box]]es and [[Microtransaction|Microtransactions]] at the time also played a role in the decreasing popularity of the season pass, although the gaming press has speculated that this may result in less post-release content overall.<ref name=":1" />


== Controversy ==
== Controversy ==
Season passes have been criticized for being [[Anti-consumerism|anti-consumer]], as they psychologically pressure customers to spend more money.<ref name=":0" /> It is also impossible to know if they are worth buying since they cannot be reviewed until they are released, and the discounts they offer are sometimes offset by poor-quality content that the player would otherwise not have bought.<ref name=":0" /> Additionally, if a game performs poorly in the market, the prices of the DLC for it can fall faster than any discount people would have received by immediately buying its season pass.<ref name=":0" />
Season passes have been criticized for being anti-consumer, as they psychologically pressure customers to spend more money.<ref name=":0" /> It is also impossible to know if they are worth buying since they cannot be reviewed until they are released, and the discounts they offer are sometimes offset by poor-quality content that the player would otherwise not have bought.<ref name=":0" /> Additionally, if a game performs poorly in the market, the prices of the DLC for it can fall faster than any discount people would have received by immediately buying its season pass.<ref name=":0" />


Andrew Reiner of ''[[Game Informer]]'' called some season passes "scams coming from money-hungry corporations" because so little information is divulged that consumers can be subject to [[bait-and-switch]] tactics, like using a lower-quality studio to develop the content, or delaying the content's release significantly.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/02/01/season-passes-are-starting-to-feel-like-a-scam.aspx|title=season passes Are Starting To Sound Like Scams|website=Game Informer|language=en|access-date=2018-03-03}}</ref>
Andrew Reiner of ''[[Game Informer]]'' called some season passes "scams coming from money-hungry corporations" because so little information is divulged that consumers can be subject to [[bait-and-switch]] tactics, like using a lower-quality studio to develop the content, or delaying the content's release significantly.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/02/01/season-passes-are-starting-to-feel-like-a-scam.aspx|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160202003956/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/02/01/season-passes-are-starting-to-feel-like-a-scam.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 February 2016|title=Season Passes Are Starting To Sound Like Scams|magazine=Game Informer|language=en|access-date=3 March 2018}}</ref>


''[[GamesRadar+]]'' criticized multiplayer season passes as splitting the community of online games, praising games that had instituted a different model that was more dependent on cosmetic DLC rather than downloadable maps, such as ''[[For Honor]]'' and ''[[Titanfall 2]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-multiplayer-season-pass-is-almost-dead-this-is-how-for-honor-and-titanfall-2-are-killing-it/|title=The multiplayer season pass is almost dead, this is how For Honor and Titanfall 2 are killing it|work=gamesradar|access-date=2018-03-03|language=en}}</ref> ''[[Shacknews]]'' criticized a number of games for having disappointing season passes, such as ''[[Evolve (video game)|Evolve]]'' and ''[[Aliens: Colonial Marines]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/88266/the-most-and-almost-disappointing-season-passes-of-all-time|title=The Most (and Almost) Disappointing season passes of All Time|website=Shacknews|language=en|access-date=2018-03-03}}</ref>
''[[GamesRadar+]]'' criticized multiplayer season passes as splitting the community of online games, praising games that had instituted a different model that was more dependent on cosmetic DLC rather than downloadable maps, such as ''[[For Honor]]'' and ''[[Titanfall 2]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-multiplayer-season-pass-is-almost-dead-this-is-how-for-honor-and-titanfall-2-are-killing-it/|title=The multiplayer season pass is almost dead, this is how For Honor and Titanfall 2 are killing it|work=gamesradar|access-date=3 March 2018|language=en}}</ref> ''[[Shacknews]]'' criticized a number of games for having disappointing season passes, such as ''[[Evolve (video game)|Evolve]]'' and ''[[Aliens: Colonial Marines]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/88266/the-most-and-almost-disappointing-season-passes-of-all-time|title=The Most (and Almost) Disappointing Season Passes of All Time|website=Shacknews|date=23 February 2015 |language=en|access-date=3 March 2018}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 01:31, 27 September 2024

Not to be confused with battle pass.

A season pass is a form of video game monetization in which consumers purchase a discounted package for current and future downloadable content (DLC) and/or Expansion packs for a video game atop its base cost. A game may have a single season pass or, for some lifestyle games, new season passes over time. The name originates from the concept of a season ticket for sports (although more akin to acquiring the box set of a season from a TV series). First introduced around 2011, the use of season passes became commonplace among triple-A and mobile game publishers by the end of the 2010s. Season passes can be controversial because the contents of a season pass are not fully itemized beforehand or may not contain all planned DLC, with some instances of season passes being called scams by the gaming press.

Approach

[edit]

Season passes may be available to purchase alongside the game prior to its release, or may be available after the game's release. Once purchased, the player gains all content that has been released to date under that season pass and eligible for future, unannounced content. Many season passes state the type of content that players will get even though the exact content may be unknown at the time.

Season passes may cover all planned expansion content for a game and represents a one-time purchase. In other cases, season passes cover the content of a game for a limited period of time, on the order of months to years, which allow the developer to continue to add more content in lieu of developing a wholly new title as to continue to draw in revenue. For example, Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege has used annual season passes that give players that purchase them access to new playable characters ("operators"), maps, weapons, and game modes. Some of these elements can be obtained by players without a season pass, using in-game credits, while other content remains exclusive to those with the pass. Ubisoft has considered this a better approach for players rather than developing a sequel.[1] Similarly, Destiny 2 used an annual pass model for its second year of content, providing players with access to exclusive content through three DLC drops over the course of the year;[2] for the game's third year, they switched to a season pass model, with each season's seasonal pass available to purchase à la carte.[3] For some games with recurring season passes, content from older passes may become integrated into the base game at no additional cost.

History

[edit]

One of the first season passes in video games was used by Rockstar Games with L.A. Noire in 2011.[4][5] Later the same month, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment continued the trend with Mortal Kombat,[6] Electronic Arts released their EA Sports Season Ticket in August 2011.[7] By the mid 2010s, season passes had become common in AAA games.[8] By the end of the decade, season passes continued to be offered for many games, although some publishers began to forgo offering them in favor of free DLC due to the negative publicity created by their announcement shortly after release.[9] The rising popularity of loot boxes and Microtransactions at the time also played a role in the decreasing popularity of the season pass, although the gaming press has speculated that this may result in less post-release content overall.[9]

Controversy

[edit]

Season passes have been criticized for being anti-consumer, as they psychologically pressure customers to spend more money.[8] It is also impossible to know if they are worth buying since they cannot be reviewed until they are released, and the discounts they offer are sometimes offset by poor-quality content that the player would otherwise not have bought.[8] Additionally, if a game performs poorly in the market, the prices of the DLC for it can fall faster than any discount people would have received by immediately buying its season pass.[8]

Andrew Reiner of Game Informer called some season passes "scams coming from money-hungry corporations" because so little information is divulged that consumers can be subject to bait-and-switch tactics, like using a lower-quality studio to develop the content, or delaying the content's release significantly.[10]

GamesRadar+ criticized multiplayer season passes as splitting the community of online games, praising games that had instituted a different model that was more dependent on cosmetic DLC rather than downloadable maps, such as For Honor and Titanfall 2.[11] Shacknews criticized a number of games for having disappointing season passes, such as Evolve and Aliens: Colonial Marines.[12]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Martin, Matt (19 February 2018). "The future of Rainbow Six Siege: 100 operators over 10 years, no sequel". VG 247. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
  2. ^ McWhertor, Michael (5 June 2018). "Destiny 2 gets an Annual Pass, here's what's included". Polygon. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
  3. ^ Rivera, Joshua (29 August 2019). "Destiny 2's Seasons Will Work Much Differently This Year". Kotaku. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
  4. ^ "Take-Two Interactive Software - Investor Relations - Take-Two News Release". ir.take2games.com. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  5. ^ "L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass". PlayStation™Store. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  6. ^ Orland, Kyle (17 June 2011). "Warner Bros. To Offer 'season pass' DLC Bundle For Xbox 360 Mortal Kombat". Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  7. ^ Arts, Electronic (1 August 2011). "EA SPORTS Season Ticket Announces Today". Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  8. ^ a b c d "Dear everyone: it's time to stop buying season passes at launch". PCGamesN. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
  9. ^ a b "With the apparent death of season passes and $15 DLC, did we actually end up with a worse deal? - VG247". VG247. 10 July 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
  10. ^ "Season Passes Are Starting To Sound Like Scams". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 2 February 2016. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
  11. ^ "The multiplayer season pass is almost dead, this is how For Honor and Titanfall 2 are killing it". gamesradar. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
  12. ^ "The Most (and Almost) Disappointing Season Passes of All Time". Shacknews. 23 February 2015. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
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