Do EA Access Games Last Forever? The Truth About EA Play and Game Ownership
No, EA Access games do not last forever if you only access them through an EA Play subscription. EA Play, like other subscription services such as Xbox Game Pass, grants you access to a library of games as long as your subscription is active. Once you cancel your subscription, you lose access to the games in the EA Play library that you have not purchased separately. Think of it like Netflix: you can watch their shows while you pay, but once you stop, you need to buy the shows individually or resubscribe.
Understanding EA Play and Game Ownership
The key concept to grasp is that EA Play provides a license to play, not ownership of the games themselves. It’s a rental service, not a purchase. While you can download and play numerous titles included in the EA Play catalog, your access is contingent upon maintaining an active subscription.
This model offers several benefits, such as access to a large library of games for a relatively low monthly or annual fee, the ability to try out new releases before committing to a purchase (often with a 10-hour trial), and member-exclusive rewards and discounts. However, the trade-off is that you don’t permanently own the games.
How to Ensure You Keep EA Games Forever
The only way to guarantee permanent access to EA games is to purchase them outright, either digitally through the EA app or physically as a disc copy. When you own the game, it remains in your library regardless of your EA Play subscription status.
Furthermore, EA Play often offers discounts on game purchases for its subscribers. If you find yourself particularly enjoying a game through EA Play, it might be worthwhile to buy it at the discounted rate to ensure you can continue playing even if you decide to cancel your subscription.
EA Play Pro vs. EA Play: A Note on New Releases
EA Play offers two tiers: EA Play and EA Play Pro. EA Play provides access to a rotating library of games, while EA Play Pro grants access to premium editions of new releases and the complete catalog. The same principle applies to both tiers: access is tied to your active subscription. Even with EA Play Pro, you won’t retain the games permanently unless you buy them separately.
FAQs About EA Play and Game Ownership
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify how EA Play works and what happens to your games when your subscription ends:
1. Do I lose my game progress if I cancel EA Play?
No, your game progress is generally not lost when you cancel EA Play, as long as you do not delete the save files from your hard drive. When you resubscribe or purchase the game, you can pick up where you left off. The saves are typically stored locally on your device or in the cloud, linked to your EA account.
2. What happens to EA Play games after my subscription ends?
When your EA Play subscription ends, you will no longer be able to launch or play any games you accessed through the service (unless you have purchased them separately). They will essentially be locked until you resubscribe.
3. Can I play EA Play games offline?
Some EA Play games can be played offline, but this is dependent on the specific game and platform. You’ll typically need to connect to the internet periodically to verify your subscription status. Check the game’s details for specific offline play information.
4. Will I get a refund if I cancel my EA Play subscription?
EA Play subscriptions are generally not refundable, but if you believe you are entitled to a refund, you can contact EA Help to request one. This is typically reserved for exceptional circumstances.
5. How do I cancel my EA Play membership?
Canceling your EA Play membership is straightforward. You can do this by navigating to the EA Play section in your EA account settings and selecting “Cancel my membership”.
6. What is the difference between EA Play and Xbox Game Pass?
Both EA Play and Xbox Game Pass are subscription services that offer access to a library of games. However, Xbox Game Pass includes games from various publishers, while EA Play focuses primarily on Electronic Arts titles. Xbox Game Pass also has different tiers (Console, PC, Ultimate) offering varying access and benefits. EA Play is also available as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
7. Can I use EA Play on multiple devices?
An EA Play subscription is linked to your EA account, and while you can log in to your account on multiple devices, you can only play games simultaneously on one device at a time.
8. Does EA Play include all EA games?
No, EA Play does not include every single EA game ever released. It offers a curated library of titles that changes over time. New games are added, and some may be removed.
9. Are EA Play games permanent if I upgrade to EA Play Pro?
Upgrading to EA Play Pro does not grant you permanent ownership of the games. It simply gives you access to a larger library and premium editions while your subscription is active.
10. How long are the 10-hour trials for new EA releases?
The 10-hour trial period begins when you first launch the game. The timer runs continuously, even if you are not actively playing the game. Make sure to close the game completely when you’re not playing to avoid wasting trial time. Trial length and availability varies by title.
11. Can I buy EA Play games at a discount?
Yes, EA Play members often receive a 10% discount on digital purchases of EA games, DLC, and other content. This can make buying your favorite games more affordable.
12. Where are my EA Play game save files stored?
Save files for EA Play games are typically stored in one of two places. Some games store save files locally on your computer, inside the Documents folder or a similar location. Others use cloud saves, synced with your EA account. The specific location varies per game.
13. What happens if a game is removed from the EA Play library?
If a game is removed from the EA Play library, you will no longer be able to play it through the service, even if you have downloaded it. You will need to purchase the game separately to continue playing.
14. Does EA Play require an internet connection?
While you can play some EA Play games offline after downloading them, you will need an internet connection to initially download games, activate your subscription, and periodically verify your subscription status.
15. Is EA Play worth it?
Whether EA Play is worth it depends on your gaming habits. If you enjoy playing a variety of EA games and want access to new releases without buying them outright, then it can be a cost-effective option. However, if you only play a few specific games, buying them individually might be more economical in the long run. Consider your gaming frequency and the types of games you enjoy before subscribing. The Games Learning Society also has many interesting articles in their website GamesLearningSociety.org.
In Conclusion
EA Play is a great way to experience a wide range of EA games for a reasonable price. You can also try newly released titles before commiting to purchasing them. However, it’s important to remember that your access is tied to your subscription. To keep EA games forever, you’ll need to purchase them separately. Understanding the difference between access and ownership is crucial for making informed decisions about your gaming habits. If you are also interested in the broader intersection of games and learning, you can explore valuable resources available at the Games Learning Society website.