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

So you pay and get to play those games in full?
You get to pay and play for the 4 that have been announced so far. The available games can be changed, but there have been no comments about what titles will be added to the Vault in the future.
 
So EA has went the "instead of putting our shows on Netflix, let's create our own version for our shows and charge money for it" way that the cable channels are doing now.

Now we'll get Ubisoft, EA, etc. each with their own subscription service. So instead of paying $60 for one service, you'll be paying $100+ for numerous services.

Color me a little scared of this practice.
 
Fast moving topic. Couple of questions as I'm approaching this cynically as it's EA.

My reading of this is you pay your subscription and get:

10% price reduction on buying new titles
Early access to new titles
Access to EA defined library of older titles - said library is managed by EA and subject to change (rather like Plus)

What I'm missing is whether once you access a title you always have access (assing you're still paying subscription) or whether you only get access to the defined library at that point in time.

It sounds cautiously promising although of course the current Xbox only focus is as issue as I don't have one.

I'd be curious to see whether any plans to bring this to PC (or even PS4) vs having to get another device so will be watching to see how it develops.

I'm interested in why only Xbox - was this something being worked on as part of MS/EA plans for original XB1 approach only surfacing now; is EA trailing with MS first as they still seem close; has MS brokered a deal to get it first (or exclusively) or does EA see Plus as too similar hence focus on XB1?

I like to understand anything that seems exclusive that's a surprise (like this) to gauge whether it's realty exclusive or merely short term.

Anyway it's clearly a Beta in many regards so I can wait and watch for now. Will be curious to see how people find it.

Hopefully it's a guenuine move to offer value for loyalty and not something promising that ends up a bit lacking in execution.
 

[...]access to a limited library of certain EA Content for unlimited online play for the duration of their availability in the Vault. Limitations and exclusions may apply.

So unlike PS+, once the titles are not "in the Vault" any more, you will loose access to them. If you want to continue playing them, you will have to buy them. That's why they can give out fairly new titles like BF4.
 
So EA has went the "instead of putting our shows on Netflix, let's create our own version for our shows and charge money for it" way that the cable channels are doing now.

Now we'll get Ubisoft, EA, etc. each with their own subscription service. So instead of paying $60 for one service, you'll be paying $100+ for numerous services.

Color me a little scared of this practice.

Yep.

And it will probably be exclusive.
 
Yyyyyup. Testing the waters, seen this shit coming a mile away. It's how you fight piracy and grab consumers even more by the balls. In the end you won't own anything, everything will be subscription base most importantly of which yearly titles. Won't be one bit surprised if Ubisoft announces a subscription based Assassins Creed with yearly updates by next E3.

Never forget this day. This is the horse armor moment that people will look back upon.
 
So unlike PS+, once the titles are not "in the Vault" any more, you will loose access to them. If you want to continue playing them, you will have to buy them. That's why they can give out fairly new titles like BF4.

But no games will be taken out the vault so it's promising. And also, your saves from the game will always be there. You won't ever lose those regardless if the game doesn't work.
 
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

This whole generation so far EA and Microsoft have had a uncomfortably close relationship. It's odd that shareholders are not up in arms about this seeing how much money EA is leaving on the table with shunning PS4/Sony gamers.
 
You get to pay and play for the 4 that have been announced so far. The available games can be changed, but there have been no comments about what titles will be added to the Vault in the future.

Huh. I don't hate the idea but I am sure EA will do something to bugger it up.
 
So unlike PS+, once the titles are not "in the Vault" any more, you will loose access to them. If you want to continue playing them, you will have to buy them. That's why they can give out fairly new titles like BF4.

Yup, and this is what is kind of putting me off of this. It's basically a glorified demo. Unlike GWG or PS+, you lose the games when EA says you lose the games. With the other services at least you can keep them and come back to them anytime as long as your sub is active.
 
Err... Why?

Because they have no to competition with the leagues and franchises they have of which they barely improve upon the games each new year...



to summarize my overall take on this new service, it's not for me and it's not surprising to me that this is exclusive to a MS console being as this is most definitely for the sports (Annual madden players) franchises which MS have always co-marketed the shit out Madden for since the first years of the exclusive NFL license...
 
But no games will be taken out the vault so it's promising. And also, your saves from the game will always be there. You won't ever lose those regardless if the game doesn't work.

From the same TOS for EA Access

EA reserves the right to change and update the EA Access Services, and the EA Content offered through the EA Access Services without any liability to you. In particular, Vault Titles are subject to change and may be removed, and the online services for certain Vault Titles may be discontinued. In the event that EA changes the EA Access Services, including the removal of Vault Titles or discontinuation of online services for certain Vault Titles, we will provide thirty (30) days advance notice to you by posting a notice on http://www.ea.com/eaaccess.
 
Now we'll get Ubisoft, EA, etc. each with their own subscription service. So instead of paying $60 for one service, you'll be paying $100+ for numerous services.

Color me a little scared of this practice.

But nobody is forcing you to buy it. You can still get the games/DLC at regular price. This is a bonus for people wanting to pay a little bit more. There's nothing exclusive here (long term of course, not counting a demo). If exclusivity in games and DLC happens behind a subscription, then I agree that we have a problem.
 
Yyyyyup. Testing the waters, seen this shit coming a mile away. It's how you fight piracy and grab consumers even more by the balls. In the end you won't own anything, everything will be subscription base most importantly of which yearly titles. Won't be one bit surprised if Ubisoft announces a subscription based Assassins Creed with yearly updates by next E3.

Never forget this day. This is the horse armor moment that people will look back upon.

This, so much this.
Also, from EA business' pov, what's the point of locking a "service" like this to one single exclusive platform? Makes no sense.
 
I can't imagine its as simple as being described. There must be some huge catches we aren't hearing about. I just find it EXTREMELY hard to believe that EA, the company who's been voted Worst in America 3 years running, has ruined multiple beloved franchises with shitty DRM and anti consumer practices, releases broken buggy games, and repeatedly screws its user base; suddenly out of the blue decides to offer unprecedented value. It just doesn't make sense to me. Its EA guys, they are going to screw us with this just like they've done with everything else.
 
You honestly don't see how this can be a bad thing? Separating different media into different services for no real reason. Like how you may never see EA Games on PS Now or OnLive because of this service, or the steps you'd have to jump through to play years later. Likely, You'd have to get an X1, a Xbox Live subscription, and now this EA subscription too. Had EA not, stupidly, locked this down to just X1, I'd still say it's pretty stupid, but at least it may have had cross-save or something.

Ca't see a service like this staying exclusive. They're probably testing it out on Xbox first but after that it should be available on other consoles and PC. There is a real reason, they own the content. They're simply offering a different way to access it. If it isn't your cup of tea, move on.
 
Step 1: EA gets you to sub.

Step 2: You play games with microtransactions.

Step 3: You buy microtransactions.


It's a Trojan horse guys.
 
So Microsoft paid EA so gamers can buy a subscription to get timed exklusive betas* only on XBox One and "free games"?
Sub price seems ok, but then again how much value you'll get from the older games? You'll have to pay for xbox gold also (which will get you "free games" anyway).

*The ability to play a limited trial of certain EA Content 5 days prior to the date that EA Content is otherwise available on the Xbox Marketplace for 5 bucks.
 
makes sense.. People will be more inclined to buy ea games because of the trial and discount. Both microsoft and ea cut out all the middle men because the games will be digital purchases, (so they wont lose much if at all) and subscribers will get back the 30 a year pretty easily..... what a great idea imo.

I'm in by the way. I want FIFA and NHL, plus they will be discounted and I'm all digital... day one infact
 
"for the duration of their availability in the Vault" says otherwise.

From the same TOS for EA Access

Well at least...

EA reserves the right to change and update the EA Access Services, and the EA Content offered through the EA Access Services without any liability to you. In particular, Vault Titles are subject to change and may be removed, and the online services for certain Vault Titles may be discontinued. In the event that EA changes the EA Access Services, including the removal of Vault Titles or discontinuation of online services for certain Vault Titles, we will provide thirty (30) days advance notice to you by posting a notice on http://www.ea.com/eaaccess.

.....they will let you know, so it's not that terrible. I'm expecting whatever get removed would probably be a very old game that they probably don't have the rights to anymore.
 
Reading the FAQ it actually seems like it could be worth it. It feels like something that would make more sense to try first with PC and Origin, the Xbox One choice is odd. If MS paid for this it's a big waste of money since if it works it will show up on other systems and other companies will come up with their own services, putting EA at a disadvantage if they remain exclusive.

To me it boils down if whether or not its is worth more than just buying the occasional used Fifa game.
 
As much as I hate these kind of exclusive services, like HBO used to be and still is in EU, I'd most likely pass on it even if it was available on the PS4. Considering, that the only EA games I own are ME1-3, and I don't play sports games. It's still an odd decision to offer the service for one platform only.
 
If/when these first titles leave the vault, is that it for everyone? Could this be like PS+ and you get your 1 month opportunity per monthly selection, and keep it indefinitely?

The FAQ would have me believe that only while games are actually on the vault, their available, it seems.
 
It is in everyone's best interest to take a wait and see approach with anything EA puts forth. The overwhelming "this is awesome!" sentiment in this thread is way too premature.
 
Well at least...



.....they will let you know, so it's not that terrible. I'm expecting whatever get removed would probably be a very old game that they probably don't have the rights to anymore.

I'm sure they have the rights Battlefield, Peggle, Dragon Age locked down.

Remember we are talking about Xbox One (that was released last year not the Xbox that was released when Bill Gates was still CEO at Microsoft)
 
Well at least...



.....they will let you know, so it's not that terrible. I'm expecting whatever get removed would probably be a very old game that they probably don't have the rights to anymore.

Sure? But it's an entirely different approach to "Games will never leave the vault"

For all we know at any given time you could only have access to 4 games via the vault with new ones replacing old ones. I don't expect that to happen mind you but it's quite unclear to how it will play out and how much content you will be allowed access to at any given time.

If/when these first titles leave the vault, is that it for everyone? Could this be like PS+ and you get your 1 month opportunity per monthly selection, and keep it indefinitely?

The FAQ would have me believe that only while games are actually on the vault, their available, it seems.

From my understanding of the TOS, you can only play the games via EA Access when they are in the Vault. After they are removed you no longer have access to that game. So not like PS+ or GwG
 
So EA has went the "instead of putting our shows on Netflix, let's create our own version for our shows and charge money for it" way that the cable channels are doing now.

Now we'll get Ubisoft, EA, etc. each with their own subscription service. So instead of paying $60 for one service, you'll be paying $100+ for numerous services.

Color me a little scared of this practice.

If you remained completely ignorant of this service or own a PC/PS4 then this announcement doesn't effect you in the least. Where is your fear coming from exactly?
 
Maybe im just an insane person but i dont find the need to buy microtransactions just because they are there

EDIT: The idea he's saying is that once EA has everyone roped in with this they'll make you have to buy micro transactions to enjoy the game by way of doing things like making leveling grindy or making your weapon/armor shit so you have to buy a micro transaction.
 
No, the 5 day early access is available for every member, it's just you can't play more than 2 hours during this 5 days

Is that what it means. I assumed it meant you can play 2 hours for FREE if you're a subscriber and you then get the full early access privilege if you actually buy the game. Am I wrong?
 
Sounds like a good deal to me. Alot of people like to shop the bargain bins for cheaper older games all the time. That you get discounts on newer games and DLC while having early access on those is just sweet icing on the cake. Sign me up.
 
Let me guess. You need to keep a CC on file with EA and the subscription is set to auto-renewal by default. Then when you want to cancel you have to call a 1-800 number that will then transfer you to the Comcast customer service center for some reason. You'll spend a half hour on hold and then another half hour with the CSR after which you not only didn't get your subscription canceled, but somehow unknowingly signed up for a two-year contract with Comcast as well. The CSR bids you farewell with a $5 credit towards your EA account and you feel much better about yourself.
 
Maybe im just an insane person but i dont find the need to buy microtransactions just because they are there

You aren't insane, but introducing them to a larger pool of people does increase the likeliness of purchase. So in that case the $30/yr turns into potentially much more. I think that's what EA is looking at.
 
Once EA has everyone roped in with this they'll make you have to buy micro transactions to enjoy the game.

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So unlike PS+, once the titles are not "in the Vault" any more, you will loose access to them. If you want to continue playing them, you will have to buy them. That's why they can give out fairly new titles like BF4.

But this only has an effect is EA removes titles from their "vault". If they just build it up and titles stay there forever than it would not be a problem.

This we just do not know yet.
 
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