After Resistance 3 came packaged with the PSN Network pass — a single-use code that restricts online functionality — many figured this was just the start of a new tradition for Sony’s exclusive titles. Now comes confirmation that Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, the next online-focused Sony exclusive, will also include support for the pass.

While gamers who come by a used copy of Uncharted 3 will be able to partake of the multiplayer for a $10 fee, those who purchase either the retail or Collector's Edition will be free and clear for combat.

It’s actually quite strange that Uncharted 3 would support the PSN pass, especially considering Naughty Dog has made the multiplayer available to any Subway patrons (in the US) and any PS Plus members (in the UK) for the entire month of October. Perhaps they figure that teasing the modes will help them generate more revenue in the long run.

For those gamers that are wondering, the full Uncharted 3 multiplayer suite will become available on the 5th to any PlayStation Plus subscriber living in not just Europe but South Africa, The Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. There’s no word on if any of the exclusive in-game items and themes that Subway is also offering will be available, but we'll keep you posted.

While it’s not a total shock to hear that Uncharted 3 will be supporting the online pass, it definitely sets a precedent for how Sony plans to approach their multiplayer-focused titles in the future. Having already revealed their intentions to position Naughty Dog's action adventure title as the PS3’s marquee multiplayer franchise, Sony has now also made it pretty clear that online functionality may come at a price to used game purchasers. The game does look amazing, and the multiplayer is layered enough to warrant the $10 “price tag,” but we hope Sony stays away from this recent trend in games.

Will the PSN Pass now become a standard for Sony exclusive games? Have you had a chance to check out the full Uncharted 3 multiplayer experience? Feel free to give your European brethren your thoughts in the comments below.

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception releases November 1, 2011 for the PS3.

Source: IGN, CVG