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EA announces Subscription Service for Xbox One ($5/month or $30/year, get game vault)

If you look back, this whole EA Subscription service was basically leaked over 4 years ago! Pachter Talked about it!

EA will test waters with paid-for demos



Then, just a month or so ago, you have the FIFA 14 and UFC Demos on Xbox Live listed as costing $4.99 each, coincidentally, the same price as one month of this new service. Which EA later said was a technical error.

The writing has been on the wall. They have dangled this in gamers face for a while now. Looks like these plans have come to fruition.

Good find! Though this is a better implementation of the strategy for EA. It comes off much more consumer friendly.
 
Because you are playing a 1 year old annualized game series?
FIFA 14-Useless, can get it for 5.00 in 2015
Madden NFL 25-Useless, can get it for 5.00 in 2015
Battlefield 4-Semi-useless, can get it for 5.00 in 2015
Peggle 2-Eh...I guess this is worth the money.

Fifa released in 2013- so you're skipping a whole season of Fifa
Madden NFL 25 released in 2013- so you're skipping a whole season of Madden
Battlefield 4- 2 years after it released

I know you were trying to make some type of point....but sports games are numbered for the upcoming year...not the year it released. I think the only one that doesn't do this is The Show. Because the baseball season is contained within the same year.
 
If you look back, this whole EA Subscription service was basically leaked over 4 years ago! Pachter Talked about it!

EA will test waters with paid-for demos



Then, just a month or so ago, you have the FIFA 14 and UFC Demos on Xbox Live listed as costing $4.99 each, coincidentally, the same price as one month of this new service. Which EA later said was a technical error.

The writing has been on the wall. They have dangled this in gamers face for a while now. Looks like these plans have come to fruition.

So that makes it £3.99 in the UK if the previous pricing was accurate.

That's actually not bad value for money to access EA's back catalogue of games.
 
So I take it you don't download Games with Gold or PS+ games?

And you don't use Gamefly or Netflix either?

Your loss

Ps plus is a ripoff, only reason I have it is for multiplayer. Netflix is a good deal since my family consumes way more than 9$ of media a month. I buy like 1 ea game a year, and I own it. With this I do not. Not worth it for me but might be worth it to other people.
 
When you break it down, it's not a good deal if you're trying to game the system financially.

-If you buy the $30 membership, you need to buy at least 6 EA retail games within that year to come out ahead, or buy over $300 in EA digital content and DLC.

-Buying a $5 subscription for one month only requires you to buy one retail game or $50 worth of EA DLC, so that theoretically you could wait till December, buy a one month membership, and buy all the EA games and content you wanted to save money. But it's highly unlikely anyone would do that.

-So in regards of discounts, no, it isn't worth it for this membership unless you feel that the extra features make up for it. You get to dip into an "EA Vault" that has old titles that are either bringing in less revenue or are reaching the end of their shelf life (essentially all of last year's sports titles), games that depend less on making that initial $60 sale and more on keeping the player count high and offering premium DLC and subscriptions (Battlefield), and the occasional "goodwill" game that can be considered a small loss to EA (Peggle 2, though I think that got some DLC if I'm not mistaken?). You also get limited early play time for games up to a few days beforehand, which is neat.
...
Like I said, easy to make that call if you love sports and videa'games, maybe not so much if you don't.

I've got to disagree with several of your points. If there's an EA game coming out, I'd absolutely pay $5 for a month subscription in order to get the slight discount. It seems like they've basically made it stupid for people to not do this.

The subscription is $5 a month. So you could pay $5 for a particular month, which would get you $6 off the price of a $60 game.

For people who choose to go all digital, this would mean that if they're buying a new game on release day, they can subscribe for a month, save $1 on the cost of the game, plus get access to whatever games EA has in their vault.

Is this a good deal if you don't buy games digitally? Not really, unless you're really excited about the vault games.
Is the annual subscription a good deal? Depends how many EA games you buy a year, and how enticing playing older titles is for you.
Is the Monthly subscription a good deal? If you buy even a single EA game digitally, then absolutely yes.
 
Good find! Though this is a better implementation of the strategy for EA. It comes off much more consumer friendly.

EA used to do a subscription thing on last-gen for a weeks early access to sports titles with free dlc but they didn't include UT so its not really that new
 
I see the MS and EA bedwarming continues.

Nintendo rejected their plans for Origin to essentially be the Wii U's store and so MS were all too happy to take them in.

This is the start of a worrying trend. No doubt Ubisoft will have their own service soon.
 
I don't understand why people are confused about this. This seems very simple.

Exactly. EA Sports have been doing this for years with the Season Ticket, which basically charged the same amount just to give you early access to all sports games and also discount on DLC.

This new offering gives fantastic value for money by comparison.

Any idea when it is available? I assume soon seeing as Madden 15 should be available in a few weeks.
 
I personally will support this service so that we can see more like it and better games added to it. If it shows that there is a demand for service like this maybe other game companies will emulate it, especially as the libraries on current gen start to grow.
 
They already have. It's called PS+ and PS Now. This model is practically inspired by that.

I don't think it's the same in my opinion. PS Now is a streaming service is that correct? Does it include playing games before they are released to the general public? Does it include 10% off EA games? I am confused.

I have PS+ and I don't see any of these games on my PS4 bar.
 
Guys

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Titanfall excluded from all EA Access features; Check this page often for EA Access updates and any future exclusions. Xbox Live membership, acceptance of Microsoft’s Terms of Use and EA Access Terms, Internet connection and Origin Account required. Must be 13+. EA Online Privacy and Cookie Policy and Terms of Service available at www.ea.com. EA may retire this service and/or online services associated with Vault titles after 30 days’ notice posted on this website. Available only on the Xbox One Marketplace.
Nice that they're covering their asses, but it's not very reassuring.
 
it makes you wonder how much they got to keep it on Xbox. The ammount of subs would probably be huge on all platforms.

but you know..

yeah i was thinking the same thing, they could've made it a XB1/PS4/PC Type of thing and made bank when things like this happen its almost as worse as Timed exclusive DLC i guess EA wants to take the fire from Sony and let Microsoft shine ? but sometimes i just don't understand These types of Decisions
 
From EA:

http://www.ea.com/eaaccess/faq.html

What is EA Access?

EA Access is a new program for Xbox One gamers that lets you play the best of EA for as low as $4.99 a month. Members can binge on an assortment of awesome games in The Vault, a handpicked selection of great Xbox One games from EA. EA Access members also have the opportunity to try new games five days before the release date, and enjoy 10% discounts on EA digital download purchases, including full games, downloadable content and in-game currency. Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply.

How do I join EA Access?

EA Access membership is available to Xbox One gamers through Xbox Live. You will soon be able to sign up through the EA Access Hub app after downloading it to your console.

Where else can I purchase an EA Access membership?

Coming soon, GameStop fans will be able to purchase an EA Access membership at their local GameStop retail store. In the UK, gamers will also be able to purchase their membership through GAME stores.

How much does EA Access cost?

Membership in EA Access has been priced affordably at $4.99 per month, but you can save even more: $29.99 for a full year.

When does EA Access go live?

You’ll be able to become an EA Access member this summer. We’ll announce the launch day soon. Stay tuned!

What is The Vault?

The Vault is an evolving selection of EA's Xbox One games that EA Access members can download and play while an active member. During the beta, gamers will have unlimited access to four great EA games: Madden NFL 25, FIFA 14, Peggle 2 and Battlefield 4, with more titles being added soon.

What will the pre-release trials include? Will my progress carry over?

Each game is different, so each game’s trial will be, too. In some titles you’ll be able to play one of the game's modes for a limited time, while other times you can jump right into the full game. And since you’ll always be playing the real game, any progress you make will carry over so you can pick up where you left off on launch day.

Who can become an EA Access member?

EA Access is available to all Xbox One owners in supported territories.

Will EA Access be available in my country?

At launch, EA Access will be available in Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States with additional territories to follow.
 
lol no. They will give out as old games as possible, those whose purchases are dropped way down, or whose presence can boost sales of upcoming titles.

TBH all that matters is whether the end user feels like they're getting value out of it, they don't need to know the potential reasons you may come up with for them putting a game on this service (although you are probably correct).
 
I see the MS and EA bedwarming continues.

Nintendo rejected their plans for Origin to essentially be the Wii U's store and so MS were all too happy to take them in.

This is the start of a worrying trend. No doubt Ubisoft will have their own service soon.

Very true.
 
think PS+

older games are added to the vault and you can play them as long as you are subbed.

New games have 5 day early access that will carry over to the full game if you purchase it. You also get 10% off digital purchases of said game.

Did I miss anything else?

Yeah but I have PS+ and Games for Gold already. Also upcoming games already have demos...

Seriously it's not expensive but I don't see why I would need this?

For example next Mirror's Edge will have a PS4 and a Xbox One demo (maybe not now that there is this offer) and it won't be in the vault after 6 month minimum imo.

If the objective is to make me buy a PS+ like subscription for every editor and make demos not accessible for free (even if it's sadly already the case on Xbox One) I don't see what the good thing here.

Also in an industry where it's really difficult to value great products and good work and embracing mobile games shitty pricing practices I don't see big editors going anywhere with this.

It's still good for some so I won't complain for something I can just ignore but I personally don't see the appeal. And EA must have a good financial reason to do this so even if I think it's a dangerous move they may have a great success with this.
 
If you look back, this whole EA Subscription service was basically leaked over 4 years ago! Pachter Talked about it!

EA will test waters with paid-for demos



Then, just a month or so ago, you have the FIFA 14 and UFC Demos on Xbox Live listed as costing $4.99 each, coincidentally, the same price as one month of this new service. Which EA later said was a technical error.

The writing has been on the wall. They have dangled this in gamers face for a while now. Looks like these plans have come to fruition.

Fucking hell. I had completely forgot about the demo "price-glitch" thing. It was in our faces the whole time. And I remember people were saying "it's just a glitch, everyone calm down." "Stop being conspiracy theorists!" etc. I wonder what those people have to say now.
 
You're conveniently ignoring part of the description of the early access service--

The words "limited" and "unlimited" as you seem convinced of are quite in contrast of one another. Also, "pick up where you left off" doesn't necessarily mean continued saved progress. Nowhere does it say it means that literally, though I'd hope to god they'd be kind enough to allow imported saves from trials.

Check the FAQ I just posted for an update.
 
I personally will support this service so that we can see more like it and better games added to it. If it shows that there is a demand for service like this maybe other game companies will emulate it, especially as the libraries on current gen start to grow.

Me too...I play a certain amount of companies games ( just works out like this) I'd pay a subscription to have access to their line up. They could tier the prices to fall in line with when you want access to new n old releases.
 
If you look back, this whole EA Subscription service was basically leaked over 4 years ago! Pachter Talked about it!

EA will test waters with paid-for demos



Then, just a month or so ago, you have the FIFA 14 and UFC Demos on Xbox Live listed as costing $4.99 each, coincidentally, the same price as one month of this new service. Which EA later said was a technical error.

The writing has been on the wall. They have dangled this in gamers face for a while now. Looks like these plans have come to fruition.

Price error was on psn also so that theory doesnt really hold.

Edit: maybe it was just on xbox
 
Chû Totoro;123195224 said:
Yeah but I have PS+ and Games for Gold already. Also upcoming games already have demos...

Seriously it's not expensive but I don't see why I would need this?

For example next Mirror's Edge will have a PS4 and a Xbox One demo (maybe not now that there is this offer) and it won't be in the vault after 6 month minimum imo.

If the objective is to make me buy a PS+ like subscription for every editor and make demos not accessible for free (even if it's sadly already the case on Xbox One) I don't see what the good thing here.

Also in an industry where it's really difficult to value great products and good work and embracing mobile games shitty pricing practices I don't see big editors going anywhere with this.

It's still good for some so I won't complain for something I can just ignore but I personally don't see the appeal. And EA must have a good financial reason to do this so even if I think it's a dangerous move they may have a great success with this.

Hey I agree with you 100% and I console game exclusive on PS4 right now. I was just helping a fellow Gafer who had questions.
 
Price error was on psn also so that theory doesnt really hold.



You sure? I dont remember it happening on PSN, and cannot find any information that it was (I am not saying you are wrong, but I dont remember it and I dont see any stories about the "technical error" charging for demos on PSN). But regardless, it is a weird coincidence that the pricing "errors" were the same price as one month of the service, at least in the US.




EDIT: Oh I see you added to your comment. Yeah, I never saw that on PSN, which if you think about it, the "technical error" charging for demos on Xbox Live, which was charging $4.99 for a demo, the same price as one month of this new service, and the pricing error only being on Xbox, the only console that will have this new subscription service, definitely adds up to a lot of smoke, or just a lot of coincidences.
 
So because you don't own an Xbox it's not good? Because that's exactly what i got from your statement. You really can't see how this is innovative in the console space?

How is it innovative when it's doing something that other companies do, Netflix, but limiting it to one companies products and one device to view it on. That's...the opposite of innovation?

Edit: Oh and maybe pay for demos! Really innovative...
 
EAAccess is a great value if you take the $30 yearly sub fee and buy at least 5 games at $60 with EA label. If you this is your case the sub comes totally for free because of the 10% off for all purchases. If you not plan to invest $300/year in EA games you have to decide what value the "vault" and "trial/beta access" options are worth to you.

In my opinion it looks like a fair deal if there is a bigger catalog of games from EA for the Xbox One.
 
I see the MS and EA bedwarming continues.

Nintendo rejected their plans for Origin to essentially be the Wii U's store and so MS were all too happy to take them in.

This is the start of a worrying trend. No doubt Ubisoft will have their own service soon.

Lol, what?

Xbox One doesn't have Origin on XBL anymore than its on PSN

EA/MS is not any different to Sony/Ubisoft with the FC4 co-op deal, the marketing etc. Both are getting exclusive content and features for their platforms
 
If you’re an EA Access member, you can download upcoming EA games five days before the release date to play for a limited time. Madden NFL 15, NHL 15, FIFA 15, NBA LIVE 15 and Dragon Age: Inquisition are all included, with more to come. If you love it, buy it, and you can pick up right where you left off.

Did they say whether they'll give you access to the full game, albeit for a limited time, or a portion of the game/demo or a timer kind of thing?
 
You sure? I dont remember it happening on PSN, and cannot find any information that it was (I am not saying you are wrong, but I dont remember it and I dont see any stories about the "technical error" charging for demos on PSN). But regardless, it is a weird coincidence that the pricing "errors" were the same price as one month of the service, at least in the US.

Yeah i edited my post. I thought it was both platforms, but i guess it wasnt.
 
How are people turning this to a bad thing?

This service is a choice, no body is forcing anyone to get it. Yeah, at the beginning it is a bit limited but we have to see how much it can develop/grow.

In any way, this is not a bad thing at all..

is this a case of sour apples?
 
As someone who only buys digitally and doesn't have 3 of the 4 games in the vault this is a good deal for me. I like playing sports games but not enough to buy them so this will be great for me.

My only question is how licensing will work. Right now when I purchase a digital game I get 2 licenses, one for my home console and one for my account so I can play it on my 2 Xbox Ones at the same time. Will this still possible with this service since now there is another layer of DRM check? Or will I only be able to play these game when my account is logged in to a specific console meaning I cannot play them on my home console when I'm not logged in like I can with my current digital purchases?
 
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