Is FIFA 23 Free on EA Play? A Deep Dive
The simple answer is: it depends on what you mean by “free.” While FIFA 23 isn’t entirely free in the sense that you can download and own it forever with a basic EA Play subscription, it is accessible through the service in a few different ways, including access to the full game. Let’s break down the nuances and clear up any confusion surrounding FIFA 23 and EA Play.
EA Play provides different tiers of access. With the standard EA Play subscription, you can find FIFA 23, usually added to the Play List a few months after launch, but you don’t ‘own’ it. This means that as long as you maintain your subscription, you have unlimited access to the game.
Furthermore, you can download a 10-hour trial of FIFA 23 around its initial release date. This allows you to experience the game before committing to a purchase. And, finally, EA Play subscribers get a permanent 10% discount on purchasing FIFA 23 and other EA content.
In short, FIFA 23 isn’t entirely free with a standard EA Play subscription in the way one might get a genuinely free game. However, it becomes accessible through the Play List and offers valuable perks such as trials and discounts.
Now, let’s explore some frequently asked questions to provide a more comprehensive understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about FIFA 23 and EA Play to deepen your understanding:
1. What exactly does EA Play offer?
EA Play is a subscription service that grants access to a library of EA games, exclusive member content, and early trials of new releases. It also provides a 10% discount on EA digital purchases, including full games, DLC, and in-game currency.
2. Does Xbox Game Pass Ultimate include EA Play?
Yes, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes an EA Play membership at no extra cost. This means subscribers of Game Pass Ultimate can access the EA Play library on Xbox consoles and PC, along with the associated benefits like the 10% discount and early trials.
3. How long is the FIFA 23 trial with EA Play?
The FIFA 23 trial with EA Play typically lasts for 10 hours. This allows players to experience a significant portion of the game before deciding whether to purchase it. Your progress is saved and transfers over to the full game if you buy it.
4. How much of a discount do I get on FIFA 23 with EA Play?
EA Play members receive a 10% discount on FIFA 23 and other EA digital purchases. This discount applies to full games, DLC, in-game currency, and season passes.
5. Can I play FIFA 23 offline with EA Play?
Whether you can play FIFA 23 offline with EA Play depends on how you are accessing the game. If you are playing the full game as part of the Play List (meaning it’s included in your EA Play library), you can play offline modes like Career Mode and Kick-Off as long as you have initially downloaded and authenticated the game while online. If you’re playing the 10-hour trial, the same principle applies. However, to play online modes like Ultimate Team, you will need an active internet connection.
6. Is FIFA 23 free with PlayStation Plus?
FIFA 22, and other older FIFA titles, has been offered for free as part of PlayStation Plus’s monthly games program in the past. However, it is important to note that FIFA 23 has not been offered as a free game for PlayStation Plus subscribers.
7. What is the difference between EA Play and EA Play Pro?
EA Play and EA Play Pro are two tiers of EA’s subscription service. EA Play offers access to a library of games, early trials, and a 10% discount. EA Play Pro, on the other hand, provides access to a larger library of games, including deluxe editions of new releases, and often includes in-game content and rewards that are not available with the standard EA Play subscription. Think of EA Play Pro as a premium version with more content and perks.
8. How much does EA Play cost?
EA Play costs $4.99 per month or $29.99 per year. EA Play Pro is priced at $14.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
9. Can I cancel my EA Play subscription at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your EA Play subscription at any time. You will retain access to the service until the end of your current billing cycle. You will not receive a refund for the remaining time but will not be charged further.
10. Do EA Play games stay in my library forever?
No, EA Play games do not stay in your library forever. As long as your subscription is active, you have access to the games in the Play List. If you cancel your subscription, you will lose access to the games. However, your progress and game saves are retained, so if you resubscribe or purchase the game later, you can pick up where you left off.
11. How do I access FIFA 23 through EA Play?
To access FIFA 23 through EA Play, you need to subscribe to EA Play or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Once subscribed, you can download FIFA 23 from the EA Play library on your console or PC. Make sure to check if FIFA 23 has been added to the Play List, as it’s not available immediately upon release.
12. Is FIFA 24 going to be free on EA Play?
It’s unlikely that FIFA 24, now rebranded as EA Sports FC 24, will be free on EA Play at launch. Similar to previous years, it will likely be added to the Play List a few months after its release. Early access will be available through the EA Play Pro subscription.
13. Will my progress from the FIFA 23 trial carry over to the full game?
Yes, your progress from the FIFA 23 trial will carry over to the full game if you purchase it. This means you can continue playing from where you left off without losing any progress.
14. What other FIFA games are available on EA Play?
Besides FIFA 23, EA Play typically includes older FIFA titles, such as FIFA 22, FIFA 21, and earlier versions. The specific titles available may vary depending on the current offerings in the EA Play library.
15. Where can I use my EA Play discount?
You can use your EA Play discount on EA digital purchases through the EA app on PC or the platform store on consoles (PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store). The discount applies to full games, DLC, in-game currency, and season passes.
In conclusion, while FIFA 23 isn’t entirely “free” with EA Play in the traditional sense, the subscription provides various avenues to access and enjoy the game, including full access through the Play List, 10-hour trials, and a 10% discount on purchasing the game. Understanding these nuances helps you make an informed decision about whether EA Play is the right choice for your gaming needs.
Learning about the complexities of game subscriptions and digital distribution is increasingly important. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) offers valuable resources for understanding the educational and social aspects of gaming, highlighting the importance of informed consumer choices in the digital age. As gaming evolves, it’s crucial to understand not just how to play, but also the business models that shape our access to these experiences. GamesLearningSociety.org provides that critical perspective.