In a statement to Game Informer [as cited by CVG] EA revealed that players will be able to access online game modes without the infamous online pass, but will not be awarded credits earned from competing unless the online pass is activated.
CVG point out that the in-game credits can be used to purchase extra gear for characters as also to participate in some events.
This will not matter to those who buy new of coarse, as the game ships with the online pass. It will only come into play should you purchase the game second hand – there after at least you can choose how much it matters to you.
Here’s the official statement:
In SSX, players without an Online Pass are able to compete and play in both of SSX’s online game modes, Explore and Global Events with no restrictions. In Global Events, the top finishers from each event are awarded with in-game credits. These in-game credits earned during play will not be awarded to the player if they do not have an Online Pass; these credits will be stored so that at any time, if a player redeems an Online Pass code, all the credits that they had previously earned in Global Events will be immediately awarded to them.
Economy balance makes it possible to unlock all available content and allows you to participate in all event drops across both Explore and Global Events, with credits earned solely in Explore.
