Do You Have to Pay for Games on EA Play? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is: sometimes, yes, you do have to pay for games on EA Play, but not always. EA Play operates on a subscription model, granting you access to a library of games and other benefits, but it doesn’t mean you automatically own every title available. Let’s break down exactly how this works.
How EA Play Works: A Mix of Access and Purchase
EA Play, formerly known as EA Access and Origin Access, offers a subscription service with two tiers: EA Play and EA Play Pro. The standard EA Play subscription provides several key perks:
- Access to a library of games: This is often referred to as the “Vault” of games, which includes a rotating selection of both older and some newer EA titles. You can download and play these games as long as your subscription is active.
- Early Access Trials: Members get to try select new release games before launch for a limited time, typically 10 hours of gameplay.
- Member Discounts: A 10% discount is applied to all EA digital purchases, including full games, expansion packs, and in-game currency.
- Exclusive Member Rewards: Access to in-game content, challenges, and rewards specifically for EA Play members.
EA Play Pro offers all of the above plus a significant extra: full access to new EA releases on launch day. This means that EA Play Pro subscribers can play new titles, like FIFA 23 immediately upon release, whereas standard EA Play users would only be able to play a time-limited trial of it or have to purchase it separately.
The Key Distinction: Access vs. Ownership
Here is the crux of the matter. An EA Play subscription grants you access to play many games, but not necessarily ownership. When you subscribe to EA Play, the library of games is available to you as long as your membership is active. Think of it like a streaming service: you can watch movies while you are subscribed but do not own them.
- Games in the Vault: Games available within the standard EA Play “Vault” are playable only while you are a member. If your membership expires, you will lose access to those games.
- Early Access Trials: When the trial period is complete (usually 10 hours for new releases), you will need to purchase the full game to continue playing.
- Purchased Games: Any game you purchase, either with the 10% discount or separately, is yours to keep, regardless of your EA Play membership status. These games are tied to your EA account.
Understanding the Different Scenarios
Let’s look at a few scenarios to make it clear:
- Scenario 1: Playing a Game from the Vault: You subscribe to EA Play and download Battlefield V from the vault. You can play the full game as much as you want as long as your subscription is active. If you cancel your subscription, you will lose access to Battlefield V.
- Scenario 2: Early Access Trial: A new Need for Speed game is released, and as an EA Play member, you try it with the 10-hour early access trial. After 10 hours, you must purchase the game if you wish to continue playing.
- Scenario 3: Purchasing a Game: You decide you love Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order after playing it in the Vault. You use your EA Play member discount to buy the game. Now, even if your EA Play membership expires, you can still play Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order because you own it.
- Scenario 4: EA Play Pro Subscriber: You subscribe to EA Play Pro. A new FIFA game is released and you have full access to it immediately as part of your subscription. You are able to play this game, in its entirety, without any limitations, as long as your subscription is active.
Conclusion
In summary, an EA Play subscription doesn’t automatically mean you get to keep games forever. You gain access to a library of titles and trials, but you still need to purchase games if you want to own them and play them after your subscription expires or a trial ends. EA Play Pro offers a more comprehensive approach, allowing access to full new releases for the subscription duration. It’s crucial to understand this distinction to make the most of the service and decide if it aligns with your gaming habits. The value of EA Play hinges on your desire to try games, benefit from discounts, and enjoy its library— knowing when access is granted versus purchase is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About EA Play
1. What is the difference between EA Play and EA Play Pro?
EA Play offers access to a library of games, 10-hour trials of new releases, discounts on digital purchases, and member rewards. EA Play Pro provides all of that plus full access to new EA releases without trial limitations. It’s a premium tier that allows subscribers to play new games from day one, without having to purchase them separately.
2. Do I need to buy games to play on EA Play?
Not always. The standard EA Play subscription grants access to a library of games, which you can play as long as your subscription is active. However, you must purchase games separately if you want to keep playing them after your subscription ends or after an early access trial is finished.
3. What happens when my EA Play subscription expires?
When your EA Play membership expires, you lose access to the games you’ve been playing from the vault, unless you have previously purchased them outright. You will also no longer receive member discounts or other benefits of the subscription. Games you purchased are always yours, regardless of subscription status.
4. Do EA Play early access trials have a time limit?
Yes, early access trials for new release games are usually limited to 10 hours of playtime with a standard EA Play subscription. Once the trial time is up, you’ll need to purchase the game to continue playing. EA Play Pro gives unlimited access to the full game with no time limit.
5. Can I play games offline with EA Play?
Yes, most EA Play games can be played offline, but you may need to connect online initially to verify your subscription status. There are also some games that require an active internet connection to function.
6. Is EA Play included with Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass for PC both include EA Play as part of their subscription benefits. This allows members to access the EA Play library of games on Xbox consoles and PC at no extra cost.
7. Is there a free trial for EA Play?
Yes, EA Play offers a free trial to new subscribers. This allows you to test the service before committing to a paid membership. However, keep in mind that you can only get one free trial per EA account.
8. Will my EA Play game progress carry over if I purchase the game?
Yes, if you purchase a game after playing it during an early access trial or as part of the EA Play library, your progress will usually carry over, allowing you to pick up where you left off.
9. Can I cancel my EA Play subscription anytime?
Yes, you can cancel your EA Play membership at any time. You will have access to your membership features until your next billing date. After that, you won’t be able to play games from the vault unless you purchase them.
10. Where can I find a list of the games included in the EA Play Vault?
You can find the list of games available in the EA Play Vault through the EA app or on the respective console platforms, under the EA Play section. Games are periodically added and removed from the library.
11. What happens to my purchased EA games if I cancel EA Play?
Purchased games are yours to keep regardless of whether you have an active EA Play subscription. Your purchased games are tied to your EA account and you can always play them on the platform you own them on.
12. Is EA Play worth it?
Whether EA Play is “worth it” depends on how much you play EA games. If you frequently enjoy EA titles and like to try new releases, the subscription can save you money and provide access to games you might not otherwise purchase. However, if you seldom play EA games or do not like using subscription services then it may not be for you.
13. How often does EA add new games to the EA Play Vault?
EA regularly updates the EA Play Vault with new games, but there is no fixed schedule. New additions typically occur every month or two, but exact timing varies.
14. Does EA Play have a time limit beyond the trial period?
Yes, unless you have EA Play Pro, EA Play has a 10 hour time limit on trials for newly released games. You can play games from the Vault for as long as you want while your subscription is active.
15. Do EA Play and Origin use the same library of games?
Yes, the game libraries for EA Play (as well as the EA app) and the older Origin platform are largely the same. The transition to the EA app as the primary platform for PC games has been completed, consolidating the game access across platforms.