EA has just announced that it is launching a Netflix-style subscription service that provides unlimited access to some of its older games.
The subscription scheme, called EA Access, is currently exclusive to Xbox One owners and gives users the ability to download games for a flat fee.
"At EA, we are always looking for new ways to make it easier for gamers to play more EA games across all platforms, and we are excited about what EA Access will offer to players on Xbox One," the company said in a press release.
For $30 a year (or $5 a month), gamers will be granted complete access to all the titles in what the company calls the "EA Vault." Currently, there are four games included in the subscription. These are FIFA '14, Madden 25, Battlefield 4 and Peggle 2. The company did not give any specifics on what other titles are headed for its vault. However, it assured users that more games will be included in the subscription service.
The service just rolled out in beta to a limited number of gamers. There's no specific release date, but it is expected to become available for Xbox owners soon.
Aside from gaining complete access to the EA Vault, subscribers will also be endowed with some membership perks. EA Access members are entitled to a 10% discount on EA digital content through the Xbox Games Store. The discount doesn't just cover full downloads of new games like NHL '15 and Dragon Age Inquisition, it's also for membership services such as FIFA Ultimate Team Points and Battlefield 4 Premium.
EA Access also lets subscribers get the first crack at new titles five days before its release date. Initially, members will be given trial access to games such as NBA Live 15 and Madden NFL 15.
EA Access membership can purchased through Xbox Live and some retailers. For now, the service is only available in the U.S., Canada, Europe, New Zealand and Australia. In the U.S., EA Access membership can also be purchased through Gamestop stores. In Canada, the service will launch through Gamestop subsidiary EB Games. Finally, EA Access membership is available across Europe through Gamestop and Amazon.
