A year ago, Electronic Arts launched a new subscription gaming service, exclusively on the Xbox One, allowing owners of the console to enjoy unlimited gameplay of a library of games for a flat monthly fee. Microsoft called the EA Access subscription a "game-changer", and now, the company is putting it in the hands of new Xbox One buyers.
Over in the UK, Microsoft is giving away a free 12-month subscription to EA Access with selected Xbox One consoles and bundles. As Microsoft explains, that includes:
Play Great Games: Get access to a constantly updated library of EA games worth over £400.
Play for Less: Save 10% on all EA digital purchases on Xbox One.
Play First: Download upcoming games before release.
Games currently available in the "Vault" of EA Access titles include FIFA 15, Battlefield 4, Peggle 2, Need for Speed Rivals, Titanfall, and others, all adding up to more than £400 worth of games that can be enjoyed without limits.
The offer is exclusively available via the Microsoft Store, but while the company points out that the subscription is worth £3.99 a month - which would work out at just under £48 for the year - the fact that you can buy an annual subscription for £19.99 makes this lower price a more accurate reflection of the true value of the offer.
Still, even a £19.99 freebie is a welcome gift, particularly when you consider that you"ll also get 10% off any EA games that you buy for the console.
Microsoft points out that at the end of the free 12-month subscription period, your sub won"t be renewed automatically, but you will have the option to extend it at the normal rates if you wish to do so.
Source: Microsoft Store UK