Joystiq.com are reporting claims that Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment are likely to adopt a new online "pass token" system that will effect the coming release of Mortal Kombat.

The system -- designed to curb piracy and the growing second-hand market -- will allegedly not be promoted in any aspect by Warner Brothers themselves, who have reportedly sent information packages to retailers via e-mail, with the intention of marketting tokens for independent sale in stores.

In an excerpt published by Joystiq, a price point of $9.99 is made clear, with players able to access a two-day free trial before being forced into a code purchase. The scheme does not seem likely to effect new copies, which come packaged with the required token.

Mortal Kombat, available on April 19 for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, includes a one-time-use registration code that gives players access to all online modes in the game. Players who do not have a code will get a free two-day trial of the online play and then be able to purchase the online modes for 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and $9.99 on the PlayStation Network.

Competitive online play has been a major feature promoted in the build-up of Mortal Kombat. With brand new purchases expected to contain the required online token, the effect of the new system will likely be minimal as the industry adapts to control its market. Similar systems have already been adopted by EA and THQ.

Despite negative reaction online; EA Chief Financial Officier, Eric Brown, told a 2010 Deutsche Bank 2010 Technology Conference that backlash had not been significant for their sports titles [via gamasutra]. The system, in it's infancy, was credited with extending revenue in the secondary market. WB is expected to utilize the online pass in a variety of upcoming titles, in different capacities.

The original report is available on Joystiq.com. Thanks to for forwarding the article. If you have news, let Mortal Kombat Online know about it via the submissions form. You can also follow MKO on twitter, @MK_Online.