PC Gaming Subscription Services: Game Pass vs EA Play
Subscription services have transformed how we play PC games: instead of buying each title separately, you pay a monthly or yearly fee and get access to a large library of games. Two of the biggest players in this space are Xbox Game Pass and EA Play. While there is some overlap — and even bundling — they serve somewhat different purposes. Let’s break down what each offers, and how to decide which is right for you.
What is EA Play?
EA Play is the subscription service from the game publisher Electronic Arts (EA). It gives access to a catalog of EA’s major games, perks, and member benefits.
With EA Play you get:
- Access to a rotating library of popular EA titles — sports games, shooters, action, and more.
- Unlimited access to “vault” games, and occasional early access / trial access to new releases (e.g. 10-hour trial periods before deciding to buy).
- Member perks such as a ~10% discount on EA digital store purchases (full games, DLC etc.) for subscribers.
- A relatively affordable standard subscription fee (monthly or yearly) if you only want EA games.
Importantly: EA Play’s catalog is limited to games published (or owned) by EA — it doesn’t include many big titles outside EA’s stable.
EA also offers a higher-tier service, known as EA Play Pro — but this tier is different and typically not bundled with Game Pass.
What is PC Game Pass?
PC Game Pass is a subscription service from Microsoft that provides access to a broad and constantly updated library of PC games from many developers and publishers — not just EA.
Key advantages of Game Pass:
- A diverse game library: first-party Microsoft titles (like games from Xbox Game Studios / Bethesda), indie games, third-party titles, and a variety of genres.
- Wide variety — from AAA to indie, action to strategy — giving you more flexibility in what you play.
- If you have certain Game Pass tiers (for example Game Pass Ultimate, or PC Game Pass), EA Play may be included at no extra cost.
- More value for players who don’t want to restrict themselves to a single publisher’s games — good for exploring, variety-seeking, or trying multiple genres.
How They Compare — Pros vs Cons
| Feature / Factor | EA Play | PC Game Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Library focus | EA’s catalog: AAA + EA-exclusive titles (sports, shooters, etc.) | Broad, cross-publisher catalog — AAA, indie, third-party + Microsoft titles |
| Variety / Genre breadth | Limited to EA games; you won’t find non-EA titles | Much larger variety: action, RPGs, indie, strategy, etc. |
| Access to games outside EA | Rare/none | Plenty — access to many developers/publishers beyond EA |
| Cost (when standalone) | Affordable for EA fans (monthly / yearly plan) | Costs a bit more, but offers more content for that price |
| Bundling (with EA Play) | — | Some Game Pass plans include EA Play at no extra cost, increasing value |
| Ideal for: | Players who love EA games (sports, EA exclusives, etc.), want discounts, occasional trial/early access | Players who like variety, want to try many games without buying individually, enjoy exploration across genres and publishers |
When EA Play Makes Sense
Choose EA Play if:
- You primarily enjoy games made by EA — such as sports titles, EA-published shooters or franchises.
- You want to take advantage of EA’s member discounts for DLCs, expansions or related content.
- You prefer a lighter, publisher-specific library rather than a massive sprawling catalog — especially if you don’t play many games or want to stick to favorites.
- Budget matters and you don’t need the broader library of Game Pass.
When PC Game Pass Is Better
PC Game Pass is likely the better choice when:
- You love variety: you enjoy trying out lots of games across genres, studios and publishers.
- You want access not just to EA games, but indie gems, big AAA games, exclusives from other studios, and a diverse gaming experience.
- You prefer having a one-stop subscription, especially when Game Pass includes EA Play — offering “best of both worlds.”
- You want flexibility: maybe you’re exploring new genres, experimenting with different games, or don’t want to commit to buying individual titles.
Conclusion — Which Should You Pick?
In short: Neither subscription is strictly “best” — it depends on what kind of gamer you are.
If you lean heavily on EA’s lineup and want a straightforward, cost-effective way to play only those games, EA Play is a no-brainer. But if you prefer variety, love exploring different genres and want to maximize value by getting a broad selection of games in one place, then PC Game Pass is usually the smarter bet.
