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Decoding Early Access: Who Got to Play FIFA 23 First?

The burning question on every FIFA enthusiast’s mind before the official release date: who gets to lace up their virtual boots and hit the pitch first? In the case of FIFA 23, early access was primarily granted to two groups: EA Play members and those who pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition of the game. This allowed eager players to jump into the action up to three days before the global launch, granting them a significant head start in building their Ultimate Team squads and experiencing the new features. Let’s delve into the details of how these groups secured their early access passes and explore some frequently asked questions about the process.

Breaking Down the Early Access Pathways

EA Play: A 10-Hour Head Start

EA Play is a subscription service offered by Electronic Arts that provides members with numerous benefits, including early access trials to new games. For FIFA 23, EA Play members received a 10-hour trial starting on September 27, 2022. This wasn’t a limited demo; it was a full, unrestricted experience allowing players to dive into all game modes, including Ultimate Team, Career Mode, VOLTA FOOTBALL, and Pro Clubs. Any progress made during the trial carried over to the full game upon purchase. This provided a valuable opportunity to test the game and get a feel for the new mechanics and features before committing to a full purchase.

Ultimate Edition: The Full Experience, Early

The Ultimate Edition of FIFA 23 offered a more substantial early access perk. Players who pre-ordered this premium version gained full access to the game three days before the official release date, starting on September 27, 2022. This meant they could play unlimited hours and experience the complete game without restrictions, giving them a significant advantage in building their Ultimate Team squads and mastering the gameplay before the wider player base joined the fray.

The New Zealand Trick: An Xbox Exclusive

An interesting loophole, primarily for Xbox users, involved leveraging time zone differences. By changing the console’s region settings to New Zealand, players could potentially access the game even earlier than the standard early access periods in their respective regions. This trick worked because New Zealand is one of the first countries to reach midnight on the release date. This method primarily worked for those who digitally pre-ordered the game and was subject to EA’s specific release policies and time zones. It’s important to note this method isn’t always reliable and can be affected by updates or changes in EA’s release procedures.

The Perks of Playing Early

The benefits of accessing FIFA 23 early were considerable:

Ultimate Team Advantage: Early access allowed players to get a head start in building their Ultimate Team squads, acquiring valuable players, and completing Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) before prices inflated due to increased demand.
Mastering Gameplay: Early access provided ample time to familiarize oneself with the new gameplay mechanics, tactics, and player attributes, giving players a competitive edge when the game officially launched.
Career Mode Progression: Players could kick off their Career Mode journeys early, scouting talent, managing finances, and leading their chosen club to glory.
Exploration of New Features: Early access allowed players to fully explore the new features and improvements implemented in FIFA 23, providing a richer and more informed gaming experience.

Potential Drawbacks

While early access offered numerous advantages, there were a few potential drawbacks to consider:

Server Issues: During the initial early access period, servers could be more susceptible to instability due to the influx of players, potentially leading to lag or disconnections.
Exploits and Bugs: Early access players might encounter unforeseen bugs or exploits in the game, which could potentially impact their experience. However, reporting these issues often helped developers address them before the official launch.
Price Point: Accessing the game early often required purchasing the more expensive Ultimate Edition or subscribing to EA Play, which might not be feasible for all players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FIFA 23 Early Access

1. Was FIFA 23 early access available on all platforms?

Yes, early access was available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, although the methods for obtaining it (EA Play or Ultimate Edition pre-order) were consistent across platforms. The “New Zealand trick” was mainly applicable to Xbox consoles.

2. Did the standard edition of FIFA 23 offer early access?

No, the standard edition did not include early access. Only the Ultimate Edition and an EA Play membership granted players access to the game before the official release date.

3. Could I pre-order the Ultimate Edition after the early access period started?

You could technically pre-order the Ultimate Edition even after September 27, 2022 but the early access benefit would no longer be applicable. The main advantage of pre-ordering the Ultimate Edition was to gain access before the official launch.

4. Was there a difference between the EA Play trial and the Ultimate Edition early access?

Yes, the EA Play trial was limited to 10 hours of playtime, while the Ultimate Edition early access provided unlimited access to the full game from September 27, 2022.

5. Did my FIFA Points transfer over from FIFA 22 to FIFA 23 during early access?

Yes, if you pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition and logged into FIFA 23 during the early access period, your FIFA Points typically transferred over from FIFA 22.

6. What happened to my progress in the EA Play trial if I didn’t buy the full game?

Your progress in the EA Play trial was saved. If you decided to purchase the full game later, your progress would transfer over, allowing you to pick up where you left off.

7. Did all countries get FIFA 23 early access at the same time?

No, due to time zone differences, some countries received early access slightly earlier than others. The “New Zealand trick” exploited this time zone difference.

8. How much did EA Play cost to get the FIFA 23 trial?

The cost of EA Play varied depending on the subscription plan (monthly or annual) and region. It was a relatively affordable way to get a 10-hour trial of the game.

9. Did EA Play Pro members get even earlier access than regular EA Play members?

EA Play Pro members on PC typically received full, unlimited access to the game on the same date as Ultimate Edition pre-order players (September 27, 2022), rather than just a 10-hour trial.

10. Was it possible to share my FIFA 23 early access with friends or family?

This depended on the platform and its account sharing policies. Generally, if you shared your account on a console, your friends or family might be able to access the game, but this could violate the terms of service.

11. Were there any special events or content available exclusively during the early access period?

While there weren’t usually events exclusive to early access, the timing of early access often coincided with the release of certain promotional content in Ultimate Team, giving early players a head start on obtaining those items.

12. How did the “New Zealand trick” work exactly?

The “New Zealand trick” involved changing your Xbox console’s region settings to New Zealand. This allowed the console to recognize the game as being available based on New Zealand’s time zone, potentially granting access hours before the official release in your region.

13. Was the “New Zealand trick” guaranteed to work?

No, the “New Zealand trick” wasn’t always guaranteed to work and could be affected by changes in EA’s release procedures or updates to the console’s operating system.

14. What were the system requirements for playing FIFA 23 on PC during early access?

The system requirements for playing FIFA 23 on PC were the same for early access as they were for the full game. You needed to ensure your PC met the minimum or recommended specifications to run the game smoothly.

15. What resources are available for understanding how games can be used for education?

One great resource is the Games Learning Society. The Games Learning Society (or GamesLearningSociety.org) explores the intersection of games and education through research, publications, and community engagement.

The Final Whistle

Gaining early access to FIFA 23 offered a competitive advantage and a chance to experience the game before the crowds. Whether through an EA Play membership or a pre-ordered Ultimate Edition, early access provided invaluable time to master the gameplay, build a dominant Ultimate Team squad, and dive into all the new features. While potential drawbacks like server issues existed, the perks of playing early far outweighed the risks for many dedicated FIFA fans. And, for those interested in exploring the educational aspects of gaming, the Games Learning Society is a fantastic resource.

Who gets FIFA 23 early?