How Long Can You Keep Games on EA Play?
The simple answer is: you don’t “keep” games on EA Play. EA Play is a subscription service, meaning you have access to a library of games as long as your subscription is active. Think of it like Netflix, but for video games. Once your subscription ends, your access to the EA Play library disappears unless you purchase the games individually. You do, however, retain your game progress and save data, so if you resubscribe or purchase the game, you can pick up where you left off.
Understanding the EA Play Model
EA Play offers different tiers, each with its own features and limitations. The core benefit remains the same: access to a catalog of games. The EA Play tier grants access to a selection of titles, often referred to as “the Vault”. The EA Play Pro tier, on the other hand, provides access to premium editions of games, often including all DLC and expansions.
The key is understanding that your access is tied to your subscription. If your subscription lapses, you no longer have the license to play the games included in the EA Play library. Your downloaded games will remain on your system, but you won’t be able to launch them without an active subscription or a separate purchase.
The 10-Hour Trial Exception
EA Play also offers a 10-hour trial for select new releases. This allows you to try out a game before committing to a full purchase. After 10 hours of playtime, you’ll need to buy the game to continue playing. Your progress during the trial will typically carry over to the full game if you decide to purchase it.
Maximizing Your EA Play Subscription
To make the most of your EA Play subscription, it’s crucial to stay informed about the game catalog. EA periodically adds and removes titles from the service, so keeping an eye on the latest additions and removals will help you prioritize what you want to play. Taking advantage of the 10-hour trials is also a great way to test out new games and decide if they’re worth purchasing.
Remember, EA Play also offers a 10% discount on EA digital purchases, including full games, expansion packs, and in-game currency. If you plan on buying any EA games, the discount alone can sometimes justify the cost of the subscription. This allows you to buy them at a discounted rate to keep forever!
Is EA Play Worth It?
Whether EA Play is worth it depends on your gaming habits. If you’re a fan of EA games and enjoy trying out new titles, the subscription can be a great value. The annual subscription is usually more cost-effective than paying monthly, especially if you plan on using the service for an extended period. It’s worth noting that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes EA Play, making it an even more attractive option for Xbox gamers. Learning more about video games and the skills they can teach is important. The Games Learning Society and their website, GamesLearningSociety.org, is a great source of information to help you keep learning!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide a more in-depth understanding of EA Play:
How long do games last on EA Play?
Games remain on EA Play as long as EA chooses to keep them in the library. There’s no fixed duration; some games may stay for years, while others might be removed after a shorter period. Monitor EA’s announcements for updates on game additions and removals.
How long can you play EA Play games?
As long as your membership is active, you can play any game in the Play List (or “the Vault”) as much as you want, with the exception of newly released games, which typically have a 10-hour trial limit.
Can you keep games from EA Play?
No, you cannot keep the games included in the EA Play library permanently unless you purchase them separately. Your access is contingent upon maintaining an active subscription.
Do I lose my game progress if I cancel EA Play?
No, you do not lose your game progress if you cancel EA Play. Your progress and save data are stored separately and will be available if you resubscribe to EA Play or purchase the game.
Is there a time limit with EA Play?
Yes, there is a time limit on playing newly released games. With the standard EA Play membership, you typically get a 10-hour trial. EA Play Pro provides unlimited access to these new releases while you’re a subscriber.
What is the EA Play 10-hour rule?
The EA Play 10-hour rule applies to newly released games. Subscribers get access to the full game for a limited time, usually 10 hours. After that, you’ll need to purchase the game to continue playing.
Does the EA app delete games if my subscription expires?
No, the EA app does not automatically delete games when your subscription expires. The games remain installed, but you won’t be able to launch them without an active subscription or purchase.
Is EA Play worth the money?
Whether EA Play is worth the money depends on your gaming habits. If you enjoy EA games and want to try out new titles, the subscription can be a great value, especially with the 10% discount on purchases.
Can you keep games after EA Play expires?
No, you cannot keep the games after EA Play expires unless you purchase them. You’ll be prompted to activate the games if you don’t already own them.
Is EA Play the full game?
EA Play provides access to full games, not demos. However, new releases often come with a 10-hour trial period. EA Play Pro members get unlimited access to the full premium versions of many games.
Are games cheaper with EA Play?
Yes, games are cheaper with EA Play. Subscribers receive a 10% discount on EA digital content, including full games, expansion packs, and in-game currency.
Why did my games disappear on the EA app?
If your games have disappeared, first check that you’re logged in with the correct EA account. You may have multiple accounts with different email addresses.
Why did EA uninstall my games?
EA doesn’t automatically uninstall games. It’s possible you’re logged in with the wrong account or there may have been an unexpected error. Ensure you’re logged into the correct account.
How long do most games stay on Xbox Game Pass?
Non-first party games typically stay on Xbox Game Pass for about a year, but the duration can vary depending on the publisher’s agreement with Microsoft.
What does EA Play allow you to do?
EA Play gives you access to a library of games, exclusive player benefits, and the chance to try out new-release games before launch. It also includes a 10% discount on EA digital purchases.