Because of the prominence of sports titles in the gaming lineup from publisher Electronic Arts, there's a cyclical nature to the value of the EA Access service they offer. Though definitely worth the cost of subscription at any point in time, the value peaks when the latest sports games which still hold relevance are added to the "Vault".
The first of those games that will become part of the EA Access service this year went in today. Madden NFL 16 is now available to subscribers for as long as a membership is active.
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The EA Access subscription service is available on Xbox One for $30 for a year or $5 month-to-month. Unfortunately Sony continues to resist allowing the service on PS4. Members get all of the games in the Vault for the cost of their subscription, and right now in addition to Madden 16 the lineup includes Battlefield Hardline, Titanfall, Dragon Age: Inquisition, Need for Speed Rivals, all the sports games from 2013 and 2014, and several others.
The service also provides 10 hour trials with all new games which begin five days before they release, and 10% off all digital purchases whether that be the full games or microtransactions within them. That can prove significant particularly for those who invest money into the Ultimate Team modes found in the EA Sports titles.
In the months ahead, the EA Access vault will receive Rory McIlroy PGA Tour, NBA Live 16, NHL 16, FIFA 16, and Need for Speed. The 10 hour trial of EA Sports UFC 2 will open up on March 10, five days prior to its official release.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, has co-founded the new site HitThePass.com, hosts the Press Row Podcast, and be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre.