While it was initially thought that Hitman: Absolution's Contract mode would require the registration of an online pass like, in-box code to unlock it, it's now been revealed on the game's official Tumblr that this will not be the case: Contracts will be free to everyone.
"We’re so excited that Hitman: Absolution is launching next week! In particular, we’re looking forward to all of the amazing ways players can challenge each other in the innovative CONTRACTS mode – where you get to call the shots," reads the official post. "We’d actually planned to have this mode accessible via a code in the game’s box, but we really want to make it available to anybody that plays the game – so we want to take a new approach."
While the code will still be employed in some regions, it will be freely available to anyone that wants one if they connect online.
"If you’re in North America you’ll see the mode automatically appear in the game menu. If you’re elsewhere, you can redeem the code inside the box, or you can simply select the BUY CONTRACTS PASS option. From there, head to the store where CONTRACTS will be free to access," the post continues.
Considering the Contract mode provides a lot of the end-game content for Hitman: Absolution, this is good news. It's interestng though that publisher Square Enix elected to drop this DRM measure. Whether it's because it's known to not be very effective, or if it's purely how unpopular it is with the fanbase is unknown.
Does this move make you guys more likely to buy the game?