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Is FIFA 23 Free if You Have EA Play? The Ultimate Guide

No, FIFA 23 is not completely free with a standard EA Play subscription. However, an EA Play membership grants you several benefits related to the game, including a 10-hour trial period and a 10% discount on the full game purchase. For full access to FIFA 23 through a subscription service, you’ll need EA Play Pro. Let’s delve into the details.

Understanding EA Play and FIFA 23: What You Need to Know

EA Play is a subscription service offered by Electronic Arts (EA) that provides access to a library of games, exclusive rewards, and early trials of new releases. Think of it as Netflix, but for EA games. FIFA 23, the final installment under the FIFA banner before the rebranding to EA Sports FC, was a highly anticipated title. Understanding how EA Play interacts with FIFA 23 involves distinguishing between the standard EA Play membership and the premium EA Play Pro tier.

EA Play: Benefits for FIFA 23 Players

A standard EA Play subscription offers these benefits related to FIFA 23:

10-Hour Trial: Subscribers get a 10-hour trial period to play the full version of FIFA 23. This allows players to experience the game and decide if they want to purchase it. All progress made during the trial carries over to the full game if purchased.
10% Discount: EA Play members receive a 10% discount on all EA digital purchases, including the full version of FIFA 23, FIFA Points, and other downloadable content (DLC).
In-Game Rewards: Members often receive recurring in-game rewards, such as kits, stadium decorations, or experience boosts in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT).
Access to the EA Play Library: Subscribers also gain access to a library of other EA titles, which can include older FIFA versions.

EA Play Pro: Full Game Access

EA Play Pro is the premium tier of the EA Play subscription. It provides more extensive benefits, including:

Full Game Access: With EA Play Pro, subscribers have full access to the EA Play Pro Edition of FIFA 23 (while it was available). This means you could play the game without any time restrictions as long as your subscription was active.
Deluxe Edition Content: The Pro Edition typically includes bonus content, such as additional FUT packs, Career Mode perks, and player items.
Access to Premium Games: EA Play Pro grants access to a wider library of premium and deluxe edition games compared to the standard EA Play membership.

Why Isn’t FIFA 23 Free with Standard EA Play?

The standard EA Play subscription is designed to offer a taste of new games and provide ongoing value through discounts and in-game rewards. Offering full access to every new release immediately would significantly devalue game sales and undermine the financial model. The 10-hour trial strikes a balance, allowing players to experience the game while still incentivizing full purchases.

FIFA 23 on Game Pass

Recently, FIFA 23 has become available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and EA Play at no extra cost for subscribers. This inclusion of FIFA 23 in Game Pass Ultimate and standard EA Play adds significant value to both subscriptions, providing subscribers with access to the full game and its features.

Is EA Play Worth It for FIFA Fans?

Whether EA Play is worth it for FIFA fans depends on their gaming habits and priorities. If you:

Want to try FIFA 23 before buying: The 10-hour trial is invaluable.
Plan to purchase FIFA Points or other DLC: The 10% discount can add up to significant savings.
Enjoy playing other EA games: The EA Play library offers a diverse selection.

Then EA Play is likely worth the cost. However, if you only play FIFA and rarely purchase extra content, the benefits might be limited. EA Play Pro, on the other hand, is more suitable for hardcore FIFA fans who want full access to the game and its premium content without buying it outright.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About EA Play and FIFA 23

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about EA Play and FIFA 23, designed to provide clarity and additional insights:

1. How do I access the FIFA 23 trial with EA Play?

To access the FIFA 23 trial, you must have an active EA Play subscription. Then, on your console (PlayStation or Xbox) or PC (via the EA app), search for FIFA 23 and download the trial version. The 10-hour timer will begin when you launch the game for the first time.

2. Does my FIFA 23 trial progress carry over?

Yes, absolutely! All progress made during the 10-hour trial, including your FIFA Ultimate Team squad, Career Mode progress, and VOLTA FOOTBALL customizations, will carry over to the full game if you decide to purchase it.

3. How much is the discount on FIFA 23 with EA Play?

EA Play members receive a 10% discount on all EA digital purchases, including FIFA 23 and any associated DLC or FIFA Points.

4. Can I play FIFA 23 offline with EA Play?

Yes, you can play offline during your 10-hour trial. However, you will need an internet connection to download the trial and activate it initially.

5. What happens when my FIFA 23 trial time runs out?

Once your 10 hours are up, you will no longer be able to launch the FIFA 23 trial. If you decide to purchase the full game, you can pick up exactly where you left off.

6. Is EA Play Pro worth it for FIFA 23?

EA Play Pro is worth it if you want unlimited access to FIFA 23 and its premium content. If you play FIFA regularly and enjoy the extra benefits of the Pro Edition, the higher subscription cost is justified.

7. How much does EA Play Pro cost?

EA Play Pro is priced at $14.99 per month or $99.99 for a full year. This is more expensive than the standard EA Play subscription but offers significantly more value for dedicated players.

8. Can I upgrade from EA Play to EA Play Pro?

Yes, you can upgrade your subscription from EA Play to EA Play Pro. The process is straightforward through your EA account settings, and you’ll typically receive a prorated refund for the remaining time on your standard EA Play subscription.

9. Do I need an EA account to play FIFA 23?

Yes, an EA account is required to play FIFA 23, regardless of whether you are playing the trial, using EA Play Pro, or have purchased the game. Your EA account is linked to your console or PC platform account (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or Steam/Epic Games).

10. Will FIFA 23 be cheaper during Black Friday?

Historically, FIFA games have been discounted during Black Friday sales events. It’s highly likely that FIFA 23 will be available at a reduced price at various online retailers during Black Friday. Keep an eye on major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and the PlayStation Store/Microsoft Store.

11. Is FIFA 22 free with EA Play?

FIFA 22 has been added to the EA Play library, making it available for free download to subscribers. This is part of EA’s strategy to provide ongoing value to EA Play members with older titles.

12. Can I refund FIFA 23 if I’m not satisfied?

Yes, EA offers a refund policy for digital game purchases made through the EA app. If you are not satisfied with FIFA 23, you can request a refund within a specified period after purchase, provided you meet the eligibility criteria outlined in EA’s refund policy.

13. What other games are included with EA Play?

The EA Play library includes a wide variety of popular EA titles, such as Madden NFL, Battlefield, The Sims, Need for Speed, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age, among others. The specific games available can change over time as EA adds and removes titles from the library.

14. Is FIFA 23 free with PlayStation Plus?

While FIFA 22 has been offered as a free monthly game with PlayStation Plus in the past, FIFA 23 is not currently a part of the standard PlayStation Plus monthly games offering.

15. Can I use my EA Play discount on physical copies of FIFA 23?

No, the 10% EA Play discount typically applies only to digital purchases made through the EA app or console storefronts. It does not apply to physical copies of the game.

The Future of EA and Football Games

With the end of the FIFA partnership, EA’s focus shifts to EA Sports FC, the future of their football games. This new direction promises to bring fresh innovations and features to the franchise.

For educators and researchers interested in the impact of games on learning and society, the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org offers valuable resources and insights.

Final Thoughts

While FIFA 23 isn’t entirely free with EA Play, the subscription provides significant value through the 10-hour trial, 10% discount, and access to a library of other games. For those seeking unlimited access, EA Play Pro remains the best option. Ultimately, the decision to subscribe to EA Play depends on your individual gaming habits and preferences.

Is FIFA 23 free if you have EA Play?