EA launches PS Plus-like subscription service on Xbox One

Electronic Arts has partnered with Microsoft to launch EA Access, a subscription service on Xbox One that offers its members a discount on EA digital goods, early access to downloadable trials of EA games and access to a library of EA titles. This is the first time we've seen such a program instituted by a major publisher. EA Access seems very similar to Sony's well-regarded PlayStation Plus program, which is expected to grow into a substantial revenue generator for the platform holder during this console cycle. A beta version of the EA Access service rolled out today to select Xbox One owners, allowing them to play Battlefield 4, Madden 25, Peggle 2 and FIFA 14 for free and get a 10 percent discount on EA content sold through the Xbox Games Store on Xbox One. They'll also be able to access the trial versions of EA games like Dragon Age: Inquisition a few days early. The publisher plans to charge $5/month or $30 for a year of EA Access membership when the service launches to the public at a future date, and you'll have to download the EA Access Hub app on your Xbox One to use the service. Gamasutra has reached out to EA representatives for comment on the service, and we'll update this story with any meaningful new information.