I also think that this is whats happening. Sony would prefer the benefits you get from ea's service to come from ps+
Sony's response to EA Access Subscription plan
- Thread starter RexNovis
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I also think that this is whats happening. Sony would prefer the benefits you get from ea's service to come from ps+
Steverulez
Member
Are they going to get them now anyway? And I think with all these indies coming out (for all platforms) having day 1 on some of those is quite a big thing now, that along with an older retail game - or other downloadable title
protomouse
Member
Sounds more to me like Sony doesn't want anything even remotely competing with PlayStation Plus. Obviously they're not going to say that, so are spinning it from the "oh but we're totally doing it for you guys because #4TheGamers!" angle. A company never wants what's best for its customers, unless it's also what's best for itself.
Neuromancer
Member
Hmm that's a weird use of the term salty, I'm not getting that impression at all.
GarthVaderUK
Banned
I think it would be quite good if more publishers offered this as an option.
I'd personally like to be able to look at what games each subscription service offers and pick and choose which one to subscribe to depending on which games I want to play - the cheap price and option to dip in for a month makes this attractive to me.
£3.99 per month for access to 4 games per publisher or £19.99 per year per publisher is a hugely less expensive way to be able to play all those games compared to buying them all.
friskykillface
Banned
I hope this move makes Sony step it up with PS+ on PS4
IMO of course I'd put FIFA 14,Madden 14, peggle 2 and battlefield 4 over every single PS+ game for PS4 so far
Can we get knack at least Sony
I also lol at that PS+ statement, Microsoft could easily say the same thing now
IMO of course I'd put FIFA 14,Madden 14, peggle 2 and battlefield 4 over every single PS+ game for PS4 so far
Can we get knack at least Sony
I also lol at that PS+ statement, Microsoft could easily say the same thing now
Really surprised they spoke so clearly about this. Sounds like it's only XB1 exclusive by default then as apparently EA offered it to Sony too who passed.
Not totally sure about this decision, on the one hand I think let your customers decide while on the other I have doubts about implications of EA Access and rather like the idea of a clear split to see how it fares on XB1 and how PSN fares without it.
My main concern is around multiple split subscriptions and overall cost model when you factor in online and DLC. I really don't want to end up with an EA an Activision and a UBI subscription all as seperate schemes.
Bad enough media such as films, TV and music is ending up segregated across multiple subscription services with exclusive content a a lure IMHO.
Still if it works out well on XB1 and does deliver value then I've no doubt Sony will reassess if their user base demands it.
For now we have a trial and a control which should make for interesting observation.
Not totally sure about this decision, on the one hand I think let your customers decide while on the other I have doubts about implications of EA Access and rather like the idea of a clear split to see how it fares on XB1 and how PSN fares without it.
My main concern is around multiple split subscriptions and overall cost model when you factor in online and DLC. I really don't want to end up with an EA an Activision and a UBI subscription all as seperate schemes.
Bad enough media such as films, TV and music is ending up segregated across multiple subscription services with exclusive content a a lure IMHO.
Still if it works out well on XB1 and does deliver value then I've no doubt Sony will reassess if their user base demands it.
For now we have a trial and a control which should make for interesting observation.
digoutyoursoul
Member
Isn't Games with Gold a similar service ?
Uno Venova
Banned
Something like this couldn't possibly go wrong or be exploited. Is this a case of wanting forbidden fruit? Lobbying for a clearly slippery slope service because one manufacturer is saying they don't want it on their system?
zomgbbqftw
Banned
Absolutely the correct decision from Sony. Surprised that MS went along for the ride, opening the door to publishers selling directly to consumers through your product is not a good precedent. How long until we get Activision Access and Ubisoft Access all of which will have timed exclusive DLC etc...
There may be a short term gain for Xbox One here if the 5 day early access stuff catches on (which is clearly the sweetener from EA to MS) but the longer term picture definitely suffers by giving publishers their own platform with which to exploit consumers.
There may be a short term gain for Xbox One here if the 5 day early access stuff catches on (which is clearly the sweetener from EA to MS) but the longer term picture definitely suffers by giving publishers their own platform with which to exploit consumers.
Officerrob
Banned
That's a pretty good assumption, yeah, but not sure you can state it 100% definitively like you're doing.
I'd put it at 100% more likely than the "Sony is protecting us" garbage
They want you to believe that you matter to them. That's the fun of PR. Fun fact: you don't. You are a walking ATM to every corporation out there.
GuitarAtomik
Member
Huh. Though I thought it was weird that they only announced it for X1, I assumed they would eventually bring it to PS4. Kind of a weird stance. I bet they change it if it becomes popular.
AyaisMUsikWhore
Member
This. I mean, it can start getting crazy and then what value is there left? This is already an exclusive deal. If Sony did allow it, now that both services are deployed on both and have a good following, what's stopping EA from going the extra route and now making exclusive deals for access games.
FranXico
Member
PS+ already is the same kind of service...
Most people can't justify buying all of the consoles as is. People can barely tolerate using more than Steam on PC. Hell I'd say it's more likely we'll get gaming subscription fanboys on top of console fanboys. What a world that would be.
SquiddyCracker
Banned
Good move by Sony.
It'd be a bad precedent to support EA's initiative as other major publishers might follow up with similar subscription schemes.
Imagine 3-4 different subscription services to get access to free games, rather than just getting all those free games on PS+
It'd be a bad precedent to support EA's initiative as other major publishers might follow up with similar subscription schemes.
Imagine 3-4 different subscription services to get access to free games, rather than just getting all those free games on PS+
If Sony pays EA probably wont say no.
To me, online gaming is basic functionality of a console in 2014.
LookAtMeGo
Member
Sony is just looking out for Sony just like they should be, they are just using this #4theplayers PR language and it doesnt always come off the way they intend me thinks.
Yeah that's it, and like me if you got a X1 in AUS with free FIFA 14, then im sure there are people that will just stay on X1 for convenience/existing friends along with this service.
boneso
Member
It's not a scam, EA are being completely transparent about the service, they have told us exactly how much it will cost, what platform it is available on and what games are going to be available when it launches... you don't have to pay for it and it does not affect any other part of your gaming life...
I don't understand why people hate EA so much, no one is forcing you to pay for any of their products or services. They make games, they provide services for those games, they sell DLC for those games... If you don't want them, don't buy them!
Sony, the company with probably the most successful comparable service in the industry, who also recently showed exactly how to persuade players to accept compromises (such as putting multiplayer behind a paywall) for additional value, is simply "attempting to put on the brakes" efforts by other companies to make money in similar fashion for whatever reason?
Jesus, guys. That entire sentiment is ridiculous, and not even consistent with what Sony themselves said in this PR statement. Presumably, had EA Access provided value more in line with the expectations of the Sony audience, they would have eagerly offered the service.
TechnicPuppet
Nothing! I said nothing!
I wouldn't bet on it. EA want this to happen so why would they keep giving their games away on PS+. That isn't going to convince Sony is it.
Opus Angelorum
Member
Good thing it's a choice then.
If you don't think it offers good value, don't subscribe.
GeordieMark
Member
It's optional. You can still choose to ignore it and buy games the old fashioned way.
But if you want 'free' games (that you pay monthly for), you will have to sign up.
AyaisMUsikWhore
Member
We are kind of already seeing it now. But it can become a huge problem if that's the only way digital gaming will lift off. To offer you incentives to buy digitally within a subscription.
Yep. Making customers think you care for them, that we're one of you and all that other horseshit is a time-tested business strategy. If you legitimately believe that Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo etc. "cares" about you, you are a game industry mark of the highest order and probably deserve to have your money taken.
FranXico
Member
There is a very good reason for this: Microsoft was "losing" on subscription/rental services, so they don't actually care about GwG. They are more than willing to nuke their own rental service if it that takes PS+ down with it.
That's exactly what MS wants: open the gates to publishers to do their own thing, so that PS+ becomes fractured, loses value and consumers abandon it.
It's all about cutting Sony's oxygen supply. Microsoft tactics 101.
Impeccable
Member
I think that money speaks for everyone involved and EA still would consider offering games not offered on their subscription service as eligible for Games with Gold or Playstation +.
People keep saying that this is just Sony trying to protect PS+. That may be true, but I'm all for that. I want to protect PS+. I pay for it, I like it, and I want to continue to like it, but if every publisher has their own service, why would PS+ ever get another game from them? This would devalue a thing that I already pay for.
SmokedMeat
Gamer™
How many millions signed up for Xbox Live Gold last gen? The fact is stupid consumers DO subscribe to services that offer poor to no value.
Spanky
Neo Member
Me too
.....but as for giving us the choice, Sony would have obviously had to pay some serious sponds to give us that choice, THAT is what they didn't think was worth it.
AyaisMUsikWhore
Member
But this service is for only EA titles which PS+ covers everyone, I guess until now.
Freeman
Banned
There is no way of knowing that. The obvious consequence of a program like that coming from EA is that they would start putting even more content on DLCs.
Personalty I think Sony should just let them, assuming they are taking their cut.
Choice is good, but sadly we are the 1%. Imagine the dudebros flocking to Access just to play Call of Duty 5 days early from release. Now imagine Activision doing the same for Battlefield. That is the target market. It's scary because that is how these publishers will start looking at gaming consumers.
Opus Angelorum
Member
I was one of those 'stupid consumers' and Xbox Live offered the best on-line experience period. Absolutely worth the cost.
mangochutney
Member
Potentially agreeable.
I wonder though if they're going (from their business perspective) something along the lines of...
We allow EA Access on to the platform, one of two things occur:
A) EA ceases to give us PS+ content to drive subscriptions to EA Access
B) EA kindly continues to give us PS+ content
And so, if EA stops giving PS+ content, PS+ may be worth less to those who enjoyed previous EA PS+ titles. So the service has been degraded to some and to get titles that may have come to PS+ they have to pay extra.
Alternatively if EA continued providing titles for PS+ whilst also adding them to EA Access then people will see less value in both - why am I paying for PS+/EA Access if the same titles are on both - duplication. People then think that month's PS+ has a 'wasted title' like many already moan about now if they add games they already own. So again less value in the service.
Add to that, if the other publishers decide it is a good idea and Ubi etc all start doing it, then you might end up with PS+ remaining indie, indie, indie.
So I can kind of see why they're saying it doesn't offer good value for gamers from that point of view, even if as a standalone product it clearly does.
I'm conflicted here, but I think sony are doing the right thing...
Playstation Plus users are already paying for a service to deliver us games its giving out a mixed message to Playstation users, the immediate reaction of a lot of people was, 'great now we are not getting EA games on plus'. Sony are baiscally saying in this statement that is still an option and EA could still find value in that.
Also this is EA we are talking about just because they are trying to dress up pretty they are still a wolf, Sony might know something about the value proposition of EA's subscription that we don't.
EA would not be doing this if the end result was not turning a profit. Paying for early access to what might be essentially beta test seems a bit wrong, especially after the value given with destiny.
My other thought is that all of those sports games EA are publishing under this service about de value significantly when the new iteration comes out and i'm sure alot of that money goes to second hand retails and not the publishers. EA are probably after that market with this. And I don't see this a bad thing...
I believe in market choice, but at the same time I can't deny that containing things and making them simple often is the best way to grow a market. Apple with their approach to Apps proved that in my eyes. I'm not trying to start a iPhone/Android war here, they are both excellent, but apple were the forerunners for a model that pushed out Apps to mobiles. Sony essentially are doing the same thing, having this EA subscription (dependent on how EA proposed to deliver it) might be similar to having a different app store, one in which Sony does not have control of the rules. One that EA given their track record, could be abuse and as such staying away is probably not a bad idea.
This Anti-Consumer behavior might actually be Pro-Consumer, I don't think the details are clear enough to know...
Playstation Plus users are already paying for a service to deliver us games its giving out a mixed message to Playstation users, the immediate reaction of a lot of people was, 'great now we are not getting EA games on plus'. Sony are baiscally saying in this statement that is still an option and EA could still find value in that.
Also this is EA we are talking about just because they are trying to dress up pretty they are still a wolf, Sony might know something about the value proposition of EA's subscription that we don't.
EA would not be doing this if the end result was not turning a profit. Paying for early access to what might be essentially beta test seems a bit wrong, especially after the value given with destiny.
My other thought is that all of those sports games EA are publishing under this service about de value significantly when the new iteration comes out and i'm sure alot of that money goes to second hand retails and not the publishers. EA are probably after that market with this. And I don't see this a bad thing...
I believe in market choice, but at the same time I can't deny that containing things and making them simple often is the best way to grow a market. Apple with their approach to Apps proved that in my eyes. I'm not trying to start a iPhone/Android war here, they are both excellent, but apple were the forerunners for a model that pushed out Apps to mobiles. Sony essentially are doing the same thing, having this EA subscription (dependent on how EA proposed to deliver it) might be similar to having a different app store, one in which Sony does not have control of the rules. One that EA given their track record, could be abuse and as such staying away is probably not a bad idea.
This Anti-Consumer behavior might actually be Pro-Consumer, I don't think the details are clear enough to know...
cripterion
Member
What is essentially this EA deal? Do I get all their sports titles if I pay the annual fee?
Fallout-with-swords
Banned
Sounds like MS made a bid for this service to be exclusive after both companies had the chance to look it over and see what they thought of it. Obviously, you would want every service on your system to be available so this sounds a bit like spin from Sony.
That said the EA access thing is not for me at all. The vault games seem bad and the fact that I'm never going to want to play their Battlefield or sports games other than NHL means that a good portion of those games aren't going to interest me. I don't buy near enough EA games to justify the 10% discount and the trial stuff sounds cool but sounds like it will just end up being a demo. Five days with any significant portion of a game and you can finish it easily.
That said the EA access thing is not for me at all. The vault games seem bad and the fact that I'm never going to want to play their Battlefield or sports games other than NHL means that a good portion of those games aren't going to interest me. I don't buy near enough EA games to justify the 10% discount and the trial stuff sounds cool but sounds like it will just end up being a demo. Five days with any significant portion of a game and you can finish it easily.
I'm with Sony on this. The less support they receive, the better. This trend, paying fees here and there, must be nip in the bud.
One service to pay is already one too many but at least it can grow, gathering all kind of games and offers for more than a device,becoming bigger and bigger and more advantageous for us.
N little services are just a pain the ass (and for my wallet). If it ends like this, that will be the moment I'll stop being a console gamer.
One service to pay is already one too many but at least it can grow, gathering all kind of games and offers for more than a device,becoming bigger and bigger and more advantageous for us.
N little services are just a pain the ass (and for my wallet). If it ends like this, that will be the moment I'll stop being a console gamer.
I don't really follow EA, how many games do they have lined up to release on xbox one in the next 12 months?
If this was for 360 as well, then the vault may actually be useful as there are some older games I'd have gone back and played....Maybe in 3 years this will be useful (or if you are dedicated enough to be able to finish any new games in the 5 day trail period)
If this was for 360 as well, then the vault may actually be useful as there are some older games I'd have gone back and played....Maybe in 3 years this will be useful (or if you are dedicated enough to be able to finish any new games in the 5 day trail period)
I agree but with Sony saying Fuck off EA they probably hurt themselves more than Sony.
There will still be EA games on PS+. EA will probably sell more games digitally on XB1 but with the Userbase difference theyll still sell more(overall) on PS4.
Who's arguing that?
Forearm Star
Member
What a strange thing to say, basically bashing the service and out right not giving gamers the choice. Seems hypocritical
Even if you think it sucks, the idea is to have a system with as much choice and possibilities if not more than the competition. Unless there's a crazy licensing fee for Sony, this seems like a dumb move. What if this somehow takes off running down the line? Then what will go into trying to get the service to PS gamers at that point.
I'm gonna give this pr the benefit of doubt and assume there's more to it than this. Like don't trying to get EA on board for psnow
Even if you think it sucks, the idea is to have a system with as much choice and possibilities if not more than the competition. Unless there's a crazy licensing fee for Sony, this seems like a dumb move. What if this somehow takes off running down the line? Then what will go into trying to get the service to PS gamers at that point.
I'm gonna give this pr the benefit of doubt and assume there's more to it than this. Like don't trying to get EA on board for psnow
Wow. The logic cartwheels and Sony apologists in here are fucking amazing.
Thinking EA will lock online gaming to this isn't realistic. They would significantly reduce their player counts and would likely infuriate Sony and Microsoft who already offer online play for their consoles at a subscription. It would only make sense for Origin but that would be suicide because of Steam.
Exclusive DLC is possible I guess. But again it would make more sense to sell it separately for people outside of the sub. How is this different to what they do now with preorder and retailer DLC?
None of the doomsday scenarios I have read so far have really sound realistic to me yet. Even from a business perspective.
Exclusive DLC is possible I guess. But again it would make more sense to sell it separately for people outside of the sub. How is this different to what they do now with preorder and retailer DLC?
None of the doomsday scenarios I have read so far have really sound realistic to me yet. Even from a business perspective.
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