EA unveils new Xbox One subscription service called EA Access

On the heels of digital subscription models like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold, Electronic Arts has revealed its own Xbox One-exclusive subscription platform called EA Access.

For $5 a month or $30 a year EA access gives subscribers access to the publisher's biggest Xbox One titles like Battlefield 4, Peggle 2 and Madden NFL 25. Unlike similar services like Xbox Live Gold and PlayStation Plus, EA told Game Informer that they have no plans to remove games from their 'vault.'

An EA rep. tells us that the company has no plans to remove games from The Vault. Also, progress is saved if you lapse and later re-up.- Game Informer (@gameinformer) July 29, 2014

In addition to free older games, EA's new subscription plan gives members 10 per cent discounts on digital Xbox One games as well as access to titles five days before their official release date. Early access is apparently confined to a 'limited trial' version of the game and Titanfall unfortunately isn't included in EA Access. EA previously offered a similar early access program called season ticket that gave subscribers early access to titles and discounts on in-game micro-transactions.

While it hasn't been confirmed yet, it's believed an Xbox Live Gold Subscription, priced at $59.99, is also required to subscribe to EA Access. While the service might be useless for people who already own EA's lineup of titles, it's a great deal if you missed some of the publishers bigger titles this year.

As downloading digital games and subscription services like EA Access and streaming platforms like PlayStation Now become increasingly popular, the days of owning physical copies of games are certainly numbered. There's no word yet on whether EA Access will eventually make its way to other gaming platforms like the PlayStation 4.

If you're interested in signing up for EA Access you can sign up at this link.