[Updated]

As pointed out by M0nk on our forums – it would seem the added content is, indeed, added content – and wasn’t included in the game anyway. As per response posted on Joystiq:

“We wanted to post a quick clarification for something we’ve seen a few comments about. For what it’s worth, the House of Valor content was not in the finished game/disc at one point, then removed. It isn’t there and we’re locking you out of it. The House of Valor was created as stand-alone content, and was always intended to be the first DLC. Instead of holding onto it and charging for it later, we opted to give it to everyone who purchases the game new, for free, on launch day. We hope that helps clarify that point, at least.”

So it’s DLC, not an Online Pass, which kind of changes things, no?

[Original Article]

The latest game to jump on the bandwagon of second-hand gamer shafting is Kingdom’s of Amalur: Reckoning.

The game will come with an Online Pass DLC, which will give gamers access to the House of Valor faction quest – which features seven additional single-player quests.

Destructoid nabbed some evidence

The whole thing with online passes is that it pretty much “incentivises” gamers to go out and buy a copy of the game, as opposed to borrowing/buying it from a friend – all by blocking out some of the content that’s already in the game, with a one-use code.

EA are calling the (already in the game) unlockable missions a “free bonus!”, so second-hand gamers will be required to buy an online pass if they want to access the “extra” content.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is dropping down on 10 February 2012.

Source: GamesRadar