EA Access

EA Access
Developer Electronic Arts
Type Subscription gaming service
Launch date August 11, 2014
Platform Xbox One
Status Released
Website www.ea.com/eaaccess/

EA Access (stylized as EA access) is a subscription-based gaming service by Electronic Arts. Initially pitched to both Microsoft and Sony for use on their consoles, EA Access launched only on Xbox One on August 11, 2014. The service allows access to select games published by Electronic Arts, along with additional incentives.

Structure

Upon downloading the EA Access hub from the Xbox Games Store, users purchase a membership in either one- or 12-month increments. Memberships can be purchased through the Games Store or from select retailers.[1] During the membership period, users have unlimited access to the full versions of a selection of games published by EA, dubbed "the Vault".[1] The games are downloaded to the console's storage device and remain available as long as users continue their membership. If membership is suspended, access to the games is restricted, but all progress and game saves are retained. Users may purchase games available in EA Access outright, along with other EA games, at a discounted price.[1] EA Access members can purchase DLC for Access or other EA titles at the same discount.[1] Games offered in the initial beta launch include Battlefield 4, Madden NFL 25, FIFA 14 and Peggle 2.[2] More games will be added in the future, with additions occurring at EA's discretion as opposed to timed availability, such as making a title available on Access a set number of days after its retail launch.[3] When a game is added to the Vault, EA has pledged that it will not be removed at a later date.[3] However, the Terms of Service do state that EA does retain the right to remove titles with 30 days' notice.[3]

Users interested in select upcoming titles and who pre-order them through Access will be able to download special limited versions of the games that are released five days prior to the retail launch. Any progress earned within the limited versions carries over to the full retail version.[1] EA describes these early-release versions as not being more traditional demos, but instead full-featured versions that are time limited, with the exact extent of content varying from game to game.[4] Games confirmed for this program include Madden NFL 15, NHL 15, NBA Live 15, FIFA 15 and Dragon Age: Inquisition.[2] In the case of Madden NFL 15, the Access early-release version will be the only planned way to sample the game prior to release.[5]

EA Access does not require users to have a paid Xbox Live membership, although a Gold-level membership is required for use of any multiplayer features that are included in Access-enabled games.[6]

Additionally, games published on the EA Partners brand (such as Titanfall) are not eligible for EA Access benefits.[7]

Release and reception

EA Access debuted in beta form exclusively on Xbox One on July 29, 2014,[1] and was officially launched on August 11, 2014.[8] Electronic Arts approached both Sony and Microsoft with the service, but Sony declined to make it available on their PlayStation 4 console.[9] In a statement, Sony claimed that the EA program's monthly fee was not a "good value" for their consumers.[9] Sony offers its own premium membership service that provides unlimited access to the full versions of a selection of games from a broader range of publishers, and is also unveiling PlayStation Now, a game streaming service.[9]

Shares of video game retailer GameStop, which sells both new and used games, fell over five percent after Electronic Arts' announcement.[10] A similar price drop occurred after PlayStation Now was first announced and that the stock price subsequently recovered.[10] GameStop will be one of the retailers selling EA Access memberships.[10]

Games in the Vault

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Lawler, Richard (July 29, 2014). "'EA Access' subscription on Xbox One brings all-you-can-eat gaming for $5 per month". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on July 30, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Moriarty, Colin (July 29, 2014). "EA Announces Subscription Service on Xbox One: EA Access". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on July 30, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Pereira, Chris (August 7, 2014). "EA Promises Not to Remove Games From EA Access' Free Games Vault". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on August 7, 2014. Retrieved August 7, 2014.
  4. ↑ Sirani, Jordan (August 7, 2014). "New Details Emerge on EA Access' Game Selection and Trials". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on August 7, 2014. Retrieved August 7, 2014.
  5. ↑ Samit Sarkar (August 11, 2014). "Madden NFL 15 won't be playable early unless you pay for EA Access". polygon.com. Vox Media, Inc. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  6. ↑ Cavalli, Earnest (July 30, 2014). "EA unveils Xbox One subscription service, EA Access". Joystiq. AOL. Archived from the original on July 30, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  7. ↑ Earnest Cavalli (August 10, 2014). "EA unveils Xbox One subscription service, EA Access [update]". Joystiq. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
  8. ↑ Eddie Makuch (August 11, 2014). "EA Access Now Available On Xbox One". gamespot.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved August 11, 2014.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Karmali, Luke (July 30, 2014). "Sony Passed on EA Access for PS4 as It's Not 'Good Value'". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on July 30, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Makuch, Eddie (July 29, 2014). "GameStop Shares Tumble After EA Access Announcement". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on July 30, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2014.

External links