In a surprise move, THQ has apparently decided that it, too, will follow the lead of Electronic Arts and restrict access to online content; this includes online game play for the upcoming UFC Undisputed 2010 to those that use the code included with new copies of the game that are purchased or those that purchase access by buying it from the online store. Apparently, the company has elected to only charge $5 for the online access, which is half what Electronic Arts is going to charge.

While it is currently unknown whether the company is planning any trial period for those that either buy the game used or rent it, the news is sending shock waves through the community; gamers are bracing for this trend to continue as companies combat the sale of used games. This move opens a new revenue stream for publishers and developers, but at the same time it is expected to put the squeeze on many gamers who believe that new title prices are already too high.

THQ is the second company to move this direction, with Electronic Arts being the first. While Ubisoft has confirmed that they are investigating and monitoring this strategy, they have yet to commit to deploying it. Other publishers, such as Take-Two and Activision, are said to be considering similar plans, but fear of backlash from the game playing public has stopped them from acting.  Sources suggest that both of these companies are considering experimenting with the code concept in their fall releases yet this year.