NEWS  Games  April 11, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

In a move that marks a significant shift in its subscription model, Electronic Arts (EA) has announced its first-ever price hike for its EA Play subscription services. This adjustment, unveiled after a decade of service, signals a strategic move by EA to adapt to evolving market dynamics and enhance its offerings to gamers worldwide.

Since its inception in 2014, EA Play has garnered a dedicated following, offering gamers access to an extensive library of games across various platforms.

Over the years, the service has evolved, introducing higher tiers and expanding its reach to more platforms. However, the recent price adjustment reflects the need for EA to align its pricing with market value and currency fluctuations.

According to reports by GamesIndustry.biz, EA has begun notifying subscribers about the upcoming price changes, affecting both standard and premium tier members. The standard EA Play subscription, known for its diverse game vault, will see an increase from $4.99 / £3.99 to $5.99 / £5.99, with the annual subscription option rising from $29.99 / £19.99 to $39.99 / £34.99. Notably, the UK market experiences the most significant price increase, particularly in the yearly tier.

Meanwhile, the premium offering, EA Play Pro, renowned for its day-one access to new EA-published titles and exclusive in-game rewards, will witness a monthly fee adjustment from $14.99 / £14.99 to $16.99 / £16.99. Similarly, the annual subscription option for EA Play Pro will transition from $99.99 / £89.99 to $119.99 / £99.99, reflecting EA's commitment to delivering premium gaming experiences.

The price adjustments have already been implemented for new subscribers across various platforms, including the EA App, Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox. Existing members are set to experience the new pricing structure starting May 10, 2024. EA attributes these changes to fluctuations in currency value and the need to align fees with market standards.

Notably, EA's decision comes amidst a trend of price increases in the gaming subscription landscape, with services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus also undergoing adjustments. It raises questions about the sustainability of subscription-based models and their impact on the gaming community's financial commitments.

Moreover, with Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass Ultimate bundling EA Play for PC, there remains uncertainty about potential price adjustments for this combined subscription. Gamers are left wondering about the broader implications of EA's pricing strategy on the overall gaming ecosystem and whether similar adjustments will follow suit.

 IMAGES CREDITS: ELECTRONIC ARTS