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While Microsoft has added some popular AAA games to its Xbox Game Pass service this year, the inclusion of the EA Play catalog would have also been a great addition. However, Xbox announced recently that this move has been delayed to 2021.
Xbox delays EA Play addition to Xbox Game Pass PC, Ultimate tiers
The announcement of the delayed EA Play launch on Xbox Game Pass PC and Ultimate was made on Dec. 15, the same day it was supposed to launch. It would have meant that the entire EA Play library will be playable on the said subscription plans without any added cost.
Microsoft did not provide a specific reason for the delay when it addressed its fans and subscribers in a blog post on Tuesday. The official statement only assured fans of Microsoft and EA’s shared goal of “helping people ... discover great games.” The company added, “We knew we could provide a great experience for members by working together.” Microsoft then said that delaying the EA Play launch on Xbox Game Pass was needed to make that happen.
Xbox Game Pass comes in three different subscription plans: console-only ($9.99), PC-only ($9.99), and the “Ultimate” ($14.99) that lets members access its perks through Xbox hardware, PC, and Android devices. EA Play arrived to the Xbox Game Pass Console last Nov. 10, on the same day the Xbox Series X/S also hit the shelves.
Microsoft and EA’s partnership gives Xbox Game Pass subscribers access to more than 80 titles. That includes “The Sims 4,” “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,” “Star Wars: Battlefront 2,” “Titanfall 2,” “Battlefield” series, and multiple iterations of EA Sports titles such as “FIFA,” “Madden,” “NBA Live,” and “UFC.” The Xbox Game Pass for console already has this library, and the same will be added for PC subscribers next year.
When will Xbox Game Pass PC members get EA Play?
For now, Microsoft only confirmed that the EA Play addition to Xbox Game Pass PC will happen in 2021. Since the reason for the delay was not discussed in detail, it is difficult to determine even a release window. What Microsoft promised is to provide more information “early next year.”
