The release of Mass Effect 2 is only days away, and today BioWare announced that the free DLC pipeline named “THE CERBERUS NETWORK” which continually updates Mass Effect with regular content, will only be available free to user who purchase the game new. The content pipeline is unlocked through a code sealed away in the packaging at retail, and in locked files if downloaded. For players who buy the game used they can purchase THE CERBERUS NETWORK through Xbox Live, however, no price has been set for the DLC updates. Check out the full press release below.

Did You Buy It Used?!, Oh No You Didn't !

Edmonton, Alberta (January 19, 2010) – BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today revealed ‘The Cerberus Network’, an in-game portal in Mass Effect 2 that will keep fans engaged with the rich and dynamic Mass Effect universe through downloadable content (DLC) and news. ‘The Cerberus Network’ is activated exclusively by original purchasers of Mass Effect 2 through a single-use unlock code that comes included in retail and digital versions of the game worldwide. ‘The Cerberus Network’ is a conduit for players to receive bonus content as well as daily messages and news on upcoming releases for Mass Effect 2 for no extra charge. For players who do not buy the game new, ‘The Cerberus Network’ can be unlocked through a one-time, in-game purchase of a new activation code*.

Mass Effect 2 is the first blockbuster video game release of 2010, having recently been named as one of the “Most Anticipated Games of the Year” by the New York Times, IGN and Wired.