Do You Have to Buy FIFA If You Have EA Play? A Deep Dive
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The short answer is: it depends. Whether you need to buy the latest FIFA (now EA Sports FC) title even with an EA Play subscription boils down to the specific FIFA version, your subscription tier, and how much access you’re looking for. An EA Play subscription offers varying levels of access to EA games, including FIFA/EA Sports FC. To get the full picture, let’s break down the details.
Understanding EA Play Tiers: The Key to Access
The first crucial element to grasp is that EA Play comes in two main flavors: EA Play and EA Play Pro. The difference between them dictates what kind of FIFA/EA Sports FC experience you can unlock.
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EA Play (Standard): This is the more affordable option. It typically provides a limited trial period (usually 10 hours) for new releases like FIFA/EA Sports FC. After the trial, you’ll need to purchase the game to continue playing. You also get access to a library of older EA games, including previous FIFA titles, and a 10% discount on EA digital purchases, such as the FIFA/EA Sports FC game itself or FIFA/FC Points.
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EA Play Pro: This is the premium subscription tier. With EA Play Pro, you typically receive full, unlimited access to new EA releases, including the most recent FIFA/EA Sports FC game (the Pro Edition). As long as your subscription is active, you can play the full game without needing to purchase it separately. You also get the same benefits as the standard EA Play tier, such as the game library and the discount.
Therefore, if you have the standard EA Play, you’ll likely need to buy FIFA/EA Sports FC after your trial period ends. However, with EA Play Pro, you get the full game as part of your subscription.
The FIFA/EA Sports FC Cycle and EA Play
Another factor is where the FIFA/EA Sports FC title sits in its lifecycle. As newer versions are released, older FIFA games often get added to the standard EA Play library. This means that while you might need to buy the latest FIFA/EA Sports FC with standard EA Play, you could potentially play a slightly older version, like FIFA 22 or FIFA 23, as part of your subscription.
The Transition to EA Sports FC
With EA’s split from FIFA, the franchise transitioned to EA Sports FC. Understanding how this shift impacts EA Play access is essential. The same principles apply: standard EA Play typically provides a trial, while EA Play Pro grants full access to the new EA Sports FC title.
Deciding What’s Right for You
Consider these questions when deciding whether to buy FIFA/EA Sports FC or rely solely on your EA Play subscription:
- How much FIFA/EA Sports FC do you play? If you’re a casual player, the 10-hour trial from standard EA Play might suffice. If you’re a hardcore player, EA Play Pro or purchasing the game outright might be better.
- Do you want the latest version? Standard EA Play usually lags behind in offering the newest titles in full.
- Are you interested in other EA games? If you enjoy a variety of EA titles, EA Play or EA Play Pro offer excellent value due to the game library.
- What is your budget? Consider the ongoing cost of EA Play or EA Play Pro versus the one-time cost of buying the game.
EA Play: More Than Just FIFA/EA Sports FC
Remember, EA Play offers more than just access to FIFA/EA Sports FC. Both tiers provide other benefits:
- Access to a library of other EA games: Explore titles like Madden NFL, Battlefield, Need for Speed, and more.
- Exclusive in-game content: Get access to cosmetic items, boosts, and other perks for various EA games.
- 10% discount on EA digital purchases: Save money on games, DLC, and in-game currency.
Ultimately, the decision to buy FIFA/EA Sports FC despite having EA Play depends on your individual gaming habits, preferences, and budget. Weigh the costs and benefits of each option to make the most informed choice. It is important to stay abreast of current news from educational organizations such as the Games Learning Society as they focus on the many aspects and educational impacts of gaming (GamesLearningSociety.org).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About EA Play and FIFA/EA Sports FC
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between EA Play and FIFA/EA Sports FC:
1. Can I play the full FIFA/EA Sports FC game with the standard EA Play subscription?
Typically, no. The standard EA Play subscription usually offers a 10-hour trial period for new releases like FIFA/EA Sports FC. To play the full game without time restrictions, you’ll generally need to purchase it separately or upgrade to EA Play Pro.
2. Does EA Play Pro give me the full FIFA/EA Sports FC game?
Yes, absolutely. EA Play Pro provides full, unlimited access to the latest FIFA/EA Sports FC game (usually the Pro Edition). As long as your subscription remains active, you can enjoy the entire game without purchasing it separately.
3. If I buy FIFA/EA Sports FC with my EA Play discount and then cancel EA Play, can I still play the game?
Yes. The 10% discount from EA Play applies to purchasing the game outright. If you cancel your EA Play subscription after buying the game, you retain access to the game you purchased. You simply lose the EA Play benefits, like the game library and in-game content.
4. Will older FIFA games be added to the EA Play library?
Yes, this is a common practice. As newer FIFA/EA Sports FC titles are released, older versions often get added to the standard EA Play library. So, you might find FIFA 22 or FIFA 23 available to play in full with standard EA Play after the release of a newer version.
5. How long is the FIFA/EA Sports FC trial with EA Play?
The standard EA Play trial for new releases is typically 10 hours. You can play the game for up to 10 hours before needing to purchase it.
6. What happens to my FIFA/EA Sports FC progress if my EA Play subscription expires?
Your game progress is generally saved to your EA account. If you resubscribe to EA Play or purchase the game, you should be able to pick up where you left off.
7. Is EA Play worth it if I only play FIFA/EA Sports FC?
This depends on how often you play. If you only play FIFA/EA Sports FC occasionally, the standard EA Play for the trial and discount on the game purchase may suffice. If you are a heavy player, then EA Play Pro will provide the best value.
8. What other games are included in the EA Play library?
The EA Play library includes a wide variety of EA titles, such as Madden NFL, Battlefield, Need for Speed, The Sims, and many others. The specific games available can change over time.
9. Can I play EA Play games on multiple devices?
An EA Play subscription is typically tied to a single platform (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, PC). You cannot use the same subscription to access games on multiple platforms simultaneously.
10. Does EA Play include in-game content for FIFA/EA Sports FC?
Yes. EA Play members often receive exclusive in-game content for FIFA/EA Sports FC, such as kits, stadium themes, and other cosmetic items.
11. Is EA Play Pro only available on PC?
No, it is available on consoles as well.
12. If I purchase FIFA/EA Sports FC through Steam with my EA Play discount, do I still need EA Play to play it?
No, you don’t need EA Play to play. Purchasing the game through Steam with the discount means you own the game outright. EA Play is only required for accessing the EA Play library or the 10-hour trials.
13. Can I upgrade from EA Play to EA Play Pro?
Yes, you can typically upgrade your subscription from standard EA Play to EA Play Pro. The process and pricing may vary depending on the platform you’re using.
14. What happens if EA removes a FIFA game from the EA Play library?
If a FIFA game is removed from the EA Play library, you will no longer be able to play it through your subscription. If you want to continue playing, you would need to purchase the game separately.
15. How does the transition to EA Sports FC affect EA Play?
The transition from FIFA to EA Sports FC doesn’t fundamentally change how EA Play works. The same principles apply: standard EA Play offers a trial, while EA Play Pro grants full access to the new EA Sports FC title. The only difference is the name on the box and the branding within the game.