Can You Pre-Download FIFA 23 with EA Play? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is yes, you could pre-download FIFA 23 with EA Play, but with a significant caveat. EA Play didn’t offer full early access to FIFA 23 through pre-downloading. Instead, EA Play subscribers got a 10-hour trial period during which they could pre-download and play a limited version of the game. The only way to get the full FIFA 23 pre-download experience was by pre-ordering the Ultimate Edition or subscribing to EA Play Pro. Let’s delve deeper into the nuances and explore frequently asked questions surrounding FIFA 23, EA Play, and pre-downloading.
Understanding FIFA 23 Access Options
FIFA 23, now succeeded by EA Sports FC 24, presented players with several pathways to access the game:
- Full Purchase: Buying the standard or ultimate edition of the game.
- EA Play Trial: A 10-hour trial available to EA Play and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
- EA Play Pro: A premium subscription granting full early access and the full game.
The availability of pre-downloading varied depending on the chosen access method. Let’s break down each scenario:
Pre-Ordering and Pre-Downloading the Ultimate Edition
Pre-ordering the FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition granted players up to three days of early access, allowing them to start playing from September 27, 2022. More importantly, pre-ordering also allowed for pre-downloading the game, ensuring it was ready to play the moment early access unlocked.
EA Play 10-Hour Trial: Pre-Download but Limited Access
EA Play subscribers could pre-download FIFA 23, but this was for the 10-hour trial period. This trial gave players a limited taste of the game, allowing them to explore various modes and features. All progress made during the trial carried over to the full game if purchased. The official release of FIFA 23 on EA Play was May 16 for all EA Play and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
EA Play Pro: Full Game, Full Access
Subscribing to EA Play Pro provided the most comprehensive access. It not only allowed pre-downloading but also granted full access to the game before its official release. This meant EA Play Pro subscribers could start playing the full version of FIFA 23 alongside those who pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition.
Differentiating EA Play and EA Play Pro
It’s crucial to distinguish between EA Play and EA Play Pro. While both offer access to EA games, their benefits differ significantly. EA Play grants access to a library of games, exclusive player benefits, and 10-hour trials of new releases. EA Play Pro, on the other hand, offers all the benefits of EA Play plus full early access to new releases, premium editions of games, and additional in-game rewards.
In the context of FIFA 23, only EA Play Pro provided full early access and the ability to pre-download and play the complete game before its official launch.
Why Pre-Download?
Pre-downloading allows gamers to download and install the game files before the official release date. This ensures that the game is ready to play the moment it unlocks, eliminating the need to wait for a lengthy download process on launch day. Given the size of modern games like FIFA 23 (requiring around 100 GB of storage), pre-downloading can save considerable time and frustration. The Games Learning Society explores how such game mechanics are integrated to make gaming more accessible and enjoyable for players of all skill levels.
The Legacy of FIFA 23: A Fond Farewell
FIFA 23 holds a special place in gaming history as the last FIFA-branded game developed by EA Sports. While EA Sports continues to create football games under the new banner of EA Sports FC, FIFA 23 marks the end of an era. It’s now predominantly available via an EA Play subscription, having been delisted from regular storefronts.
Transitioning to EA Sports FC 24
With the release of EA Sports FC 24 on September 29, 2023, the focus shifted entirely to the new franchise. Similar to FIFA 23, early access was granted through the Ultimate Edition and EA Play Pro subscriptions, allowing players to pre-download and play the game before the official release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of pre-downloading, EA Play, and FIFA titles:
1. Is it still possible to pre-download FIFA 23?
No, FIFA 23 has already been released and is no longer available for pre-downloading. The game can be accessed through an EA Play subscription.
2. Can I play the full version of FIFA 23 with EA Play?
Yes, you can now play the full version of FIFA 23 with an EA Play subscription. Previously, only a 10-hour trial was available, but now the full game is part of the EA Play library.
3. How much storage space did FIFA 23 require?
FIFA 23 needed approximately 100 GB of storage space on your hard drive or SSD.
4. What are the benefits of an EA Play subscription?
EA Play offers access to a library of games, exclusive player benefits, and trials of new releases. Subscribers also receive a 10% discount on EA digital purchases.
5. What is the difference between EA Play and EA Play Pro?
EA Play offers a library of games and trials, while EA Play Pro offers full early access to new releases, premium editions of games, and additional in-game rewards.
6. Can I pre-download EA Sports FC 24?
Yes, you can pre-download EA Sports FC 24 if you pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition or are an EA Play Pro subscriber.
7. How early could I play FIFA 23 with EA Play?
Initially, EA Play offered a 10-hour trial before the official release. The full game was added to the EA Play library on May 16.
8. Do I need an EA account to play FIFA 23 online?
Yes, you need an EA account to play FIFA 23 online.
9. What is the point of pre-loading a game?
Pre-loading allows you to download and install the game files before the official release, ensuring it’s ready to play the moment it unlocks.
10. Is FIFA 23 the last FIFA-branded game by EA Sports?
Yes, FIFA 23 is the last FIFA-branded game by EA Sports. Future football games from EA are now released under the EA Sports FC banner.
11. How much does EA Play cost?
EA Play costs $4.99 per month or $29.99 per year. EA Play Pro costs $14.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
12. What are the minimum PC requirements to run FIFA 23?
The minimum PC requirements include an i3-6100 processor, 8GB RAM, and a GTX 660 2GB graphics card.
13. How big is EA Sports FC 24 in terms of storage space?
EA Sports FC 24 requires under 50 GB of storage space for PS4 and PS5.
14. Can I download FIFA 23 without buying it?
You cannot download FIFA 23 without a purchase or an EA Play subscription. A 10-hour trial was previously available through EA Play.
15. How did I get early access to FIFA 23?
Early access to FIFA 23 was granted through pre-ordering the Ultimate Edition or subscribing to EA Play Pro.
In conclusion, while pre-downloading FIFA 23 was possible with EA Play, it only provided access to a 10-hour trial. Full early access and pre-downloading were exclusive to those who pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition or subscribed to EA Play Pro. As the gaming landscape evolves, understanding these access options becomes crucial for maximizing the gaming experience.
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