Game publisher Electronic Arts (EA) is re-branding and consolidating its two subscription rewards programs. The services formerly known as EA Access and Origin Access will now both be called EA Play. The actual content of the programs does not appear to have changed much. Hardcore fans of EA games like Madden, FIFA, and Star Wars: Battlefront can pay a subscription fee to get rewards in those games. Rewards can include experience boosts, cosmetic items, and early access to some games. The premium versions of the subscription service will also be renamed from Premier to Pro.
Some EA Play rewards for upcoming games include:
- Early Access to 10 hours of play starting on 08/21
- Monthly recurring 3 Gold Team Fantasy MUT Pack Giveaways
- A welcome bonus – 3 Gold MUT Players
- Pro reward – 3 extra Gold Team Fantasy MUT packs monthly
Star Wars Squadrons
- Cosmetic items for ships and pilots from both factions
- Pro Reward – Additional cosmetic items for ships and pilots of both factions
FIFA 21
- Early Access to 10 hours of play
- Start of Season Exp Boosts for FUT
- Seasonally recurring FUT kits and stadium customization item rewards
- Pro Reward – Play the Ultimate edition before launch with Ultimate Team objectives
EA recently began selling games on the Steam storefront as well as its Origin client. This has led to a boost in popularity for some EA games on PC like Titanfall 2. Another effect of this change has been the erosion of the Origin brand. With more and more players finding EA games through Steam and not Origin it made little to no sense for EA to continue branding their subscription service on PC with the Origin name. The move to unify the PC and console services makes sense in preparation for new console launches as well given that some console players may move over to PC during the transition to new consoles or vice versa.
A victory for fans of sensible naming of things in the video games industry should always be celebrated.