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Is EA Play Pro Included with Game Pass? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is no, EA Play Pro is not included with Xbox Game Pass. While Xbox Game Pass Ultimate does include EA Play, it’s important to distinguish between the standard EA Play subscription and the more premium EA Play Pro tier. This distinction significantly impacts what you get access to and how you can access it. Let’s dive deep into understanding the nuances between these subscriptions and how they interact (or don’t!) with each other.

Understanding EA Play and EA Play Pro

To really grasp why EA Play Pro isn’t part of Game Pass, it’s crucial to understand the distinct offerings of each EA subscription tier.

EA Play (Standard): This is the base-level subscription. Members get access to a library of games, early trials of new releases (usually 10 hours), exclusive in-game rewards and discounts on EA digital purchases. It’s a great way to explore a wide range of EA titles without buying them outright.
EA Play Pro: This is the premium offering. In addition to everything included in the standard EA Play, EA Play Pro members get unlimited access to all the latest EA titles as soon as they launch, including deluxe editions with all the bells and whistles. You also get more pro-level benefits like in-game rewards and exclusive player content.

The key difference lies in immediate access to new releases and access to deluxe edition games. Standard EA Play often involves waiting a while before new games are added to the library.

Game Pass and EA Play: The Connection

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes EA Play as a perk. This means that Game Pass Ultimate subscribers automatically get access to the standard EA Play library on both Xbox consoles and PC. However, this inclusion does not extend to EA Play Pro.

Think of it like this: Game Pass Ultimate unlocks the front door to the EA Play house, but it doesn’t give you the key to the penthouse suite, which is EA Play Pro.

Why Isn’t EA Play Pro Included?

There are likely several reasons why EA Play Pro isn’t bundled with Game Pass Ultimate:

Value Proposition: Including EA Play Pro would significantly increase the cost of Game Pass Ultimate. The current price point is already attractive, and adding the premium EA Play Pro benefits would likely make it less accessible to many gamers.
Platform Exclusivity: EA Play Pro is primarily focused on PC gaming and is available exclusively through EA’s own PC platforms, namely Origin and the EA app. Integrating it seamlessly with Xbox consoles would present technical and logistical challenges. While Game Pass Ultimate does cover both console and PC, certain aspects are tailored to each platform.
Direct Revenue: EA likely prefers to maintain direct control over EA Play Pro subscriptions to maximize their revenue stream. Keeping it separate from Game Pass allows them to directly engage with and monetize their most dedicated fans.

Accessing EA Play Pro

If you want to enjoy the benefits of EA Play Pro, you’ll need to subscribe directly through EA’s PC platform, either Origin or the EA app. You can upgrade from a standard EA Play membership to EA Play Pro through these platforms.

Is EA Play Pro Worth It?

The value of EA Play Pro depends heavily on your gaming habits and preferences.

Pro: If you are an avid EA fan who wants to play every new release as soon as it drops and wants access to deluxe editions, EA Play Pro can be a great deal.
Con: If you only occasionally play EA games or are happy to wait for games to be added to the standard EA Play library (or find them on sale), then it might not be worth the cost. Remember, many EA titles can be found on other platforms, often with significant discounts.

Game Pass vs. EA Play: Which Should You Get?

This isn’t an either/or question! The best choice depends on your gaming style and the platform you are using.

Game Pass Ultimate: A fantastic value if you play a variety of games across Xbox and PC. The included EA Play perk is a nice bonus.
EA Play: A good choice if you specifically want access to EA’s library at a lower cost. Especially useful if you play the older EA Sports titles.
EA Play Pro: The ultimate choice for dedicated EA fans who want immediate access to everything EA has to offer on PC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get EA Play Pro on Xbox?

No, EA Play Pro is exclusively available on PC through Origin and the EA app. You cannot subscribe to it or access its benefits on Xbox consoles.

2. Is EA Play Pro the same as EA Play?

Absolutely not. EA Play Pro is a premium tier that includes everything in EA Play plus immediate access to new releases, deluxe editions, and extra in-game perks.

3. How do I upgrade to EA Play Pro?

You can upgrade your EA Play membership to EA Play Pro through Origin or the EA app on your PC. Navigate to your membership settings and choose the upgrade option.

4. How much does EA Play Pro cost?

EA Play Pro is priced at $14.99 per month or $99.99 for a full year.

5. Will I lose my games if I cancel EA Play Pro?

Yes, if you cancel your EA Play Pro subscription, you will lose access to the games available through the service unless you have purchased them separately. Your save game progress should be retained (as long as you don’t delete the save files) and will be available if you resubscribe or purchase the game.

6. Can I cancel EA Play Pro after 1 month?

Yes, you can cancel your EA Play Pro membership at any time through your EA account settings. You will continue to have access to the benefits until the end of your current billing cycle.

7. Is EA Play Pro multi-platform?

EA Play Pro is not multi-platform. It is exclusively tied to your EA account and can only be accessed on PC through Origin or the EA app.

8. How do I redeem my EA Play Pro code?

You can redeem your EA Play Pro code within the EA app. Simply launch the app, log in, navigate to “My Library,” and select “Redeem Code.”

9. Does EA Play Pro transfer from PC to Xbox?

No, there is no cross-platform transfer of benefits or progress for EA Play Pro. It is strictly a PC service.

10. Can you get a refund on EA Play Pro?

EA Play for PC memberships are generally not refundable. There are some exceptions under certain circumstances. It’s best to contact EA support directly to inquire about your specific situation.

11. Can I get EA Play Pro on Steam?

No, EA Play Pro is not available on Steam. Steam offers the standard EA Play subscription, but the premium tier is exclusive to EA’s own PC platforms.

12. How do I keep Game Pass games forever?

You cannot keep Game Pass games forever. They are only accessible while your subscription is active. To keep playing them after your subscription ends, you must purchase them. For insightful discussions on the impact of games on learning and development, consider exploring resources such as the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

13. Is EA Play better than buying games?

It depends on your gaming habits. EA Play can be more cost-effective if you play multiple EA games regularly. However, if you only play a few titles, buying them outright might be cheaper in the long run, especially if you catch them on sale.

14. Is Xbox Game Pass worth it?

Xbox Game Pass is generally considered a great value, especially if you enjoy a wide variety of games across Xbox and PC. The inclusion of EA Play adds even more value to the package.

15. What happens to EA Play games after the subscription ends?

When your EA Play subscription ends, you lose access to the games available through the service unless you have purchased them separately. You’ll need to resubscribe or buy the games to continue playing.

In conclusion, while EA Play Pro offers substantial benefits for dedicated EA fans on PC, it remains a separate entity from Xbox Game Pass. Understanding the differences between EA Play and EA Play Pro is crucial for making informed decisions about your gaming subscriptions. Choose the option that best aligns with your gaming needs, preferences, and platform of choice.

Is EA Play Pro included with game Pass?