KEY POINTS

  • Electronic Art's gaming subscription service is coming to Steam by the end of the month
  • EA Play is a rebranded service that combines Origin Access and EA Access
  • Origin Access Premier will also be changed to EA Play Pro 

After a much-needed rebranding, EA's subscription service is headed to Steam on August 31 as a unified banner known as EA Play.

Electronic Art's decision to rename and merge its two gaming service came last week to “avoid confusion” among its subscribers while at the same time, make things more appealing at it enters the world of Steam.

Prior to its transition, EA had two subscription services: Origin Access for the PC and EA Access for its console counterpart. AOL's Rachel Kaser described it to be “confusing” considering the names, while The Verge compared EA's move on how WarnerMedia evolved its HBO Max and HBO from HBO Now and HBO Go.

Electronic Arts
EA is planning to shift to a subscription based model for sports games like 'Madden' and 'FIFA.' REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

To say the least, it's an easier way for gamers to remember the name of their subscription, plus it gives them a dedicated nook for their gaming needs.

It addition, Origin Access Premier will also be changed to EA Play Pro. EA plans to bring “even more” in the coming months, but it'll start by giving subscribers “exclusive in-game challenges” and monthly rewards for select titles, said The Verge, citing a statement from EA's blog post.

EA Play will serve as the gaming portal for players to try the long list of EA games. They can test out select new release games for up to 10 hours, unlock special rewards and member-only content and they get discounts on their digital purchases.

Some of the highlights of EA Play will include stunning titles such as “Titanfall 2,” NFS: Heat Deluxe Edition,” “Star Wars: Battlefront II,” “Battlefield V” and a bunch of “Mass Effect” titles, among others. Even kids can enjoy the subscription with games like “Unravel,” “Plants Vs. Zombies” and “Peggle.”

“EA Play is the ultimate game membership for anyone who loves EA games. Don't just get the game. Get more from your game – more rewards, more exclusive content and unlimited access to more top titles,” read the description on Steam's website.

EA Play will cost $5 per month, but subscribers can also opt to go $30 for a whole year. EA Play Pro on the other hand starts at $15 or $100 annually, said Engadget.

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