Like it or not, we are now entering the era of the game subscription service. Games are starting to look more like Netflix and Hulu than ever before. Sure, you get to play more games for a simple monthly fee, but it's one more subscription to keep track of.
Until recently, console gamers were limited to the services offered by the console's manufacturer. That is no longer the case thanks to services like EA Access. The question is whether that service is worth it or not.
Don't Expect the PC Experience
EA's service on the PC, Origin Access, has a lot to offer for its monthly fee. This is because EA has an enormous backlog of PC games to offer dating back to the 90s. EA Access on consoles is limited to this console generation.
This means a severely limited catalog when compared to its PC counterpart. That said, the service costs $4.99 per month, or $29.99 per year, so for less than the cost of a single new game, you get access to a relatively sizable library of games.
Do You Like Madden?
This is one of the best reasons I can think of to pay for EA Access. If you buy the Madden games every year and you don't need a physical copy, this is already saving you roughly $30 per year. Yes, you'll be slightly behind as new releases don't always hit the service right away, but you also get a 10 percent discount on digital purchases, so even if you buy the new games, you're saving.
What About FIFA?
The FIFA games are an even better deal for EA Access subscribers as, at least for now, the latest version of the game is included in the subscription. If you buy the FIFA games as soon as they come out, you might as well opt for an EA Access subscription and save the cash unless you really need to own them.
Are You a Battlefield Fan?
When it comes to cross-platform first-person shooters, you have two types of people: Battlefield people and Call of Duty people. If you're in the Battlefield camp but somehow don't own all of the games already, then EA Access is a great deal.
Not only does EA Access have Battlefield V, the latest game in the series, but it has the older games as well. If you feel like jumping back to Battlefield 1, Battlefield 4, or even Battlefield Hardline to see how the franchise has evolved this console generation, you've got them all bundled together here.
Love Star Wars Battlefront?
Star Wars Battlefront (the reboot, not the original) was praised for how good it looked when it first came out, but the lack of content meant people gave up on it relatively quickly. Star Wars Battlefront 2 ran into a loot box controversy and the game pulled them before it was even released, but the stigma stuck with the game for a long time.
Fortunately for franchise fans, Star Wars Battlefront 2 has continued to evolve since release, and it managed to turn into a pretty good game. If you're a Star Wars fan but avoided the game at release because of the backlash, EA Access is a great way to try it out without actually committing to a purchase.
Other Games? Not Many
Origin Access on PC is home to a treasure trove of indie and other games, which are a large part of why it's worth paying for. Sadly, that isn't the case on consoles. EA Access has a handful of other games like Unravel Two, A Way Out, Mass Effect Andromeda, and the fantastic Burnout Paradise Remastered, but the bulk of the games offered are from EA's most popular franchises.
That's both the blessing and the curse of the service. If you love EA's core franchises, EA Access has a lot for you. On the other hand, if you're not big into sports games or shooters on massive maps, it doesn't have too much for you.