Now that we know that the Xbox Series X will cost $499 and will be launching on November 10th, Microsoft had one more announcement they couldn’t wait to share. Since their next-gen goals are clearly inline with selling a service versus hardware metrics, the team is making the incredible Xbox Game Pass service even better by adding in some additional service flair.
The entire point of the Xbox Game Pass is to put amazing titles in player hands for a low monthly cost, giving fans access to major title releases day one effectively for free when looking at the cost of the membership versus the 60 dollar price tag per game. Now they are sweetening the deal even more by including an EA Play membership, at no cost, when Xbox players get the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. PC players are included in this as well, with this change rolling out this holiday season.
According to a recent Xbox blog post on the official website:
- More than 60 of EA’s biggest and best console and PC games like FIFA 20, Titanfall 2 and Need for Speed Heat, as well as titles from some of EA’s most popular franchises like Battlefield, Mass Effect, Skate, and The Sims.
- Exclusive in-game challenges and rewards, special member-only content, discounts on EA digital purchases for DLC, games, and more.
- Access to trials of games for up to 10 hours from best-loved franchises and top titles like Madden NFL 21 and FIFA 21.
- Not only will EA Play titles be available on console and PC, this holiday, some of the best EA Play games will also be available for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to play on Android devices via the cloud at no additional charge.
As mentioned previously, Sony and Microsoft are taking to next-gen very differently this year. Sony is focused on the traditional metric of success by measuring hardware sales, while Microsoft is less concerned about selling units and more interested in selling a service. With the low barrier entry point into next-gen with the Xbox Series S costing only $299, it’s going to be easier than ever for people to be able to enjoy both sides of the gaming console spectrum.
Related: What You Need to Know About Xbox’s Next-Gen Launch Plans
What do you think about how Microsoft has handled their service appeal? Is adding EA Play a good move for the Xbox Game Pass marketability? Sound off with your thoughts over on Twitter @PrimaGames, we’d love to hear what you think!
