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When Can You Play FIFA 23 for 10 Hours? A Deep Dive into Early Access

The burning question on every football (soccer) fan’s mind in late 2022 was: when can I get my hands on FIFA 23? Specifically, how could they experience the game through the highly coveted 10-hour early access trial? The answer is September 26th, 2022. This date marked the start of the EA Play trial, allowing subscribers to dive into the game before its official worldwide launch on September 30th. This trial offered a tantalizing taste of what the new edition had to offer, but understanding the intricacies of accessing it was key.

Unlocking the FIFA 23 Early Access Experience

Securing those precious 10 hours before the official launch required a specific plan. It wasn’t simply a matter of buying the game. It involved either subscribing to EA Play or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, both of which offered the same benefit: early access to a selection of EA titles, including FIFA 23.

EA Play: Your Gateway to the Pitch

EA Play is EA’s subscription service, granting members access to a library of games, exclusive in-game content, and crucially, early access trials. The process was straightforward:

Subscribe to EA Play: A simple sign-up and subscription fee was all it took to unlock the benefits.
Pre-load FIFA 23: This step was crucial. Pre-loading ensured that the game was ready to go as soon as the trial period began, maximizing your play time.
Launch FIFA 23 When Early Access Starts: At the specified time (September 26th, 2022), subscribers could launch the game and begin their 10-hour trial.
Enjoy the Trial: Immerse yourself in the World’s Game, test out new features, and get a head start on building your Ultimate Team.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: A Two-for-One Deal

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes all the benefits of Xbox Live Gold, plus access to a vast library of games on both Xbox consoles and PC, and an EA Play membership. This made it an attractive option for gamers who wanted access to more than just FIFA 23.

The process for accessing the FIFA 23 early access trial through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate was nearly identical to the EA Play process, with the subscription to Game Pass Ultimate unlocking the EA Play benefits.

Maximizing Your 10 Hours: A Strategic Approach

Once you gained access, the pressure was on to make the most of those limited 10 hours. Here’s a breakdown of strategies to consider:

Plan Your Activities: Prioritize what you want to experience. Focus on game modes you enjoy or areas you want to test out, such as Ultimate Team, Career Mode, or the new gameplay features.
Beware of Background Apps: Close unnecessary applications running in the background to optimize your system’s performance and prevent lag or crashes, which could eat into your valuable time.
Understand Trial Limitations: Certain features might be limited during the trial period. Be aware of these restrictions to avoid disappointment.
Track Your Playtime: The trial timer is always running, even when you’re not actively playing the game. Be mindful of the time and avoid leaving the game idle for extended periods.

Beyond the 10-Hour Trial: What Comes Next?

Once the 10 hours expired, players had two options:

Purchase the Full Game: Progress from the trial carried over to the full game, allowing players to seamlessly continue their journey. EA Play subscribers also receive a discount on digital purchases, making this an even more appealing option.
Wait for the Official Launch (or Ultimate Edition Early Access): Players who didn’t want to purchase the full game immediately had to wait until the official release date of September 30th. Those who pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition could start playing on September 27th, offering a three-day head start.

FIFA 23 Early Access: A Valuable Opportunity

The FIFA 23 10-hour early access trial was more than just a demo; it was an opportunity to experience the game ahead of the crowd, gain a competitive edge, and make informed decisions about whether to purchase the full version. By understanding the requirements and strategies outlined above, players could maximize their time and get the most out of this valuable perk. Game-based learning is something that is always evolving, and finding creative ways to play games and learn is something that resonates with many, including the Games Learning Society and what they do at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About FIFA 23 Early Access

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about FIFA 23 early access, providing further clarity and addressing common concerns:

What is EA Play? EA Play is a subscription service that offers access to a library of EA games, exclusive rewards, and early access trials of new releases.
How do I get EA Play? You can subscribe to EA Play on PlayStation, Xbox, PC (via Steam or Origin), and through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
How much does EA Play cost? The price of EA Play varies depending on the platform and subscription length. Check the official EA Play website for current pricing.
Does Xbox Game Pass Ultimate include EA Play? Yes, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes an EA Play membership.
When did the FIFA 23 early access trial start? The FIFA 23 early access trial started on September 26th, 2022.
How long is the FIFA 23 early access trial? The FIFA 23 early access trial is limited to 10 hours of playtime.
Does my progress from the trial carry over to the full game? Yes, if you purchase the full game, your progress from the trial will carry over.
Do I get a discount on FIFA 23 if I’m an EA Play member? Yes, EA Play members typically receive a 10% discount on digital purchases of EA games, including FIFA 23.
Can I replay the FIFA 23 trial if my 10 hours expire? No, once the trial time has expired, it cannot be reinstated.
Does the trial timer run when I’m not playing the game? Yes, the trial timer continues to run even when you’re not actively playing the game.
Can I play FIFA 23 early if I pre-order the standard edition? No, pre-ordering the standard edition does not grant early access. Only the Ultimate Edition and EA Play membership offered early access.
What happens when my 10 hours are up? Once your 10 hours of trial time are up, you will need to purchase the full game to continue playing.
Can I access the FIFA 23 trial on multiple platforms with one EA Play account? An EA Play subscription is typically tied to a specific platform. You would need separate subscriptions for different platforms.
Are there any limitations to the features I can access during the FIFA 23 trial? There might be some minor limitations to certain features during the trial period, but the core gameplay experience is generally available.
Is there an early access trial for the newer EA Sports FC games? Yes, EA has continued offering the 10-hour early access trial for the newer EA Sports FC games via EA Play.

When can you play FIFA 23 10 hours?