590°

EA Access Will Drive Gamers to Xbox One, Away from GameStop

Hardcore Gamer: his is a huge step for EA to take, and it's definitely an example of Microsoft firing a big shot at both Sony and GameStop.

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ValKilmer3550d ago

It gives you Xbox One loyalty for EA games. If I subscribe to this program and play Battlefield 4 on it for the first time, I'm going to want to play Battlefield 5 on Xbox One.

majiebeast3550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

Why?

If you said Mass Effect 4 then i agree. But none of your progress from BF 4 will transfer over to BF5. Terrible example.

ValKilmer3550d ago

Console loyalty, my friend.

For instance, I've played every Call of Duty on a Xbox console and as such can't stand playing with a PlayStation controller.

XBLSkull3550d ago

Agreed, while the DS4 is a nice improvement it's still got that icky playstation controller feel to it, I think it's the joysticks that are so bad. Offset is definitely the way to go, and the triggers still need a lot of work.

PeaSFor3550d ago

XBLSkull, dat controller preference....

fyi, subjectivity. isnt the same thing than objectivity.

sonarus3550d ago

well i dunno about all that. I dont see this as a system seller in any way just an added value bonus for console owners. Since most ppl only own one of the two next gen consoles what you are saying makes sense from that perspective.

But its hard for me to justify purchasing an xbox one just to play old ea games. But it is a nice added bonus for xbox owners.

BattleTorn3550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

I for one loved the 360 pad over the DS3.

With that said, DS4 is a dream!

and my X1 pad constantly squeaks and creaks - much similar to how my DS3 would... :(

MorePowerOfGreen3550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

For XB1 owners in the preview beta(click on the link in this link and sign into your Xbox account) http://www.reddit.com/r/xbo...

Also don't forget to check out the two new apps in the app store.

4Sh0w3550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

@sonarus
A true "system seller" is very, very rare thing but it does exist. I sort of hate the term because besides being a huge, huge Halo fan, like some folks are maybe now huge, huge Uncharted fans I really can't think of any 1 game or service ALONE that makes me have to get an X1 or someone have to get a ps4 over the other, its always just another bonus, which is why its one of those things that really goes without saying. The "system seller" term vs the results is almost always overused. Yes Halo being the game that spawned my online gaming enthusiasm with so many friends and family means that of course I have to get an X1 to play Halo5 but even with this being the case if that was it I would never buy a X1 since no 1 game ever satisfied my gaming desires for more than a few months by itself, therefore although affordable I couldn't justify the expense, at best its a huge PART OF WHY. Yes this EA news "is a nice added bonus for xbox owners", so I agree with you there but I don't know why that point needs to be made since essentially everything from a random indie title, to a extra twitch feature, to a online exclusive tv show, to a big budget AAA exclusive etc, etc is in fact a bonus to whoever finds interest in that platform.

Now with that said I think ValKimer is right and wrong, for many this will be a good way to build a library of EA games on X1, thus fostering a higher amount of returning customers on the same platform for this perk but frankly there is nothing stopping that same customer from buying the *next big EA game on ps4 for other good reason like for example if he has a ps4 and a lot of his friends only have a ps4 and he wants to play online with them= it depends on the circumstances.

vvvEdit, How did they f-up?, its a business partnership for a >>paid service, it happens all the time just this is the first major 3rd party deal of this type on the new gen consoles. ps4 gamers will still buy and play EA games with nothing lost just like before this deal, they can sample games like before using gamefly too, right? X1 owners just get to sample some games early, play without buying games, and 10% off digital games>> IF they pay for the service.

TheGreatAndPowerful3550d ago

We'll see what kind of backlash this causes from PS who just got snubbed. Not a smart move EA, you done f'd up!

Utalkin2me3550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

@XBLSkull

Yeah cause your thumbs are offset, lol. And the triggers are perfect if you ask me.

And about the article, i could care less. Only EA game i play is Battlefield.

JackBNimble3550d ago

We'll see what kind of backlash this causes from PS who just got snubbed. Not a smart move EA, you done f'd up!

Why would sony fans care? We have PS+, EA's garbage (IMO) and I would never support this service no matter what platform it's on.

UltraNova3550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

Good news on xbox camp but I cant see the appeal for someone who plays 1 maybe 2 EA games per year...

choujij3550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

My main concern with this is that its a service for older EA games. If I was a BF or Fifa fan, I likely would have bought the game when it came out. So this probably isn't aimed at gamers such as myself, probably for some casuals (as the article mentions), those who are on a budget, or those who wait till games are bargain bin cheap before buying. Which is fine, as its not like having more choices is a bad thing.

imt5583550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

Hmmmm... Odd deal! If you want cheaper EA games, you will need to pay EA Access. But why pay for another subscription under already payed Xbox Live subscription? EA games probably won't be included in Deals With Gold or Games With Gold anymore.

EA Access ToS: "WE CAN REMOVE YOUR VAULT GAMES WHILE YOU ARE STILL SUBSCRIBED" :

http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

MysticStrummer3550d ago

"I've played every Call of Duty on a Xbox console and as such can't stand playing with a PlayStation controller."

That has nothing to do with EA Access. How does EA Access give you console loyalty if you already had it?

badz1493549d ago

What you guys don't really get is this EA access is the way EA squeezes more money from their annual games people are not buying anymore like last year's FIFA, MADDEN, BF...

1nsomniac3549d ago

"Console loyalty" - the most immature, childish comment I've heard said with pride.

Bobby Kotex3549d ago

@ValKilmer It's pretty pathetic to be loyal to a console. You do realize Microsoft doesn't give a crap about you?

Major_Glitch3549d ago

Is EA Access a good deal? Sure. Is it a big deal? No. It's just EA people. I'm not going to buy an xbone just so I can get cheaper access to old ea games and demos to new ones.
It amazes me how SOME xboners are running around proclaiming that this is the thing that's gonna put the xbone on par with the PS4. Smh.

loulou3549d ago

Bobby kotex you are talking to the wrong fan on n4g.. You should be telling the droids this

+ Show (16) more repliesLast reply 3549d ago
Baka-akaB3550d ago

This is Ea , the service is likely to comes everywhere at some point

Elwenil3550d ago

"This is EA, the service will likely be discontinued at some point."

FIFY ;)

truefan13550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

Sounds like a win for XB1 gamers. Hopefully I get into the beta program, I need Madden and Fifa asap, in prep for the new ones coming soon.

PS for those that kept saying EA is dissatisfied with Titanfall sales, something must have went right if EA is once again doubling down on XB1 and MSFT.

SuperBlur3550d ago

you're a true fanny 1 , i'll give you that

Something went right , alright

In business , money talk .. I dont expect you to understand that, fanboy :D oh and i won't be looking for your edited come back so have fun responding to your own self, good day to you fanboy!

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

ScorpiusX3550d ago

Two words Peter Moore . Ha ha ha

WeAreLegion3550d ago

You know something is wrong when truefan has more agrees than disagrees.

Gekko363550d ago

@NoMercyOnlyRage (Steriod boy) Chill man, you have nthing to do with any of these Corporations other than you buy their toys or buy games for your toys.

Pull ya thong from between your bum cheeks and relax will ya.

Focus your chi, although if your in work, I'd keep you chi in your budgie smugglers :)

OT: This sounds great, I'm sure people will be happy and shiny over this as they were over gaikai or what ever it's called now.

Tit for tat, thats business, no need for craziness now girls.

rocketpanda3549d ago (Edited 3549d ago )

What went down? Money, and lots of it! Don't think for one second EA has loyalties to anymore......only when money is involved.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3549d ago
Bigpappy3550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

Older games are free or heavily discounted, while new games are 10% off when purchased DIGITALLY. Free trails and early demos, all for $30/yr. Sounds like a deal worth serious consideration to me.

poor_cus_of_games3550d ago

The whole 10% off thing is a load of rubbish. Digital game £55-£60 disc game £40-£45 with trade in value. Where is the logic?

mrmarx3550d ago

old ea sports titles cant be played online either

BattleTorn3550d ago

I personally think 10% off is probably the biggest incentive, cause at least that gives me $5 off BF Premium which I usually get.

Ghost_Nappa3550d ago

Agreed, hate the way my thumbs touch with ps controllers.

MRMagoo1233550d ago

If your thumbs touch you arent holding the controller right, or you have weird freaky extra long thumbs

Utalkin2me3550d ago

Did i just read his thumbs touch on a DS4 controller? Do you play with the base of your thumbs?

MeliMel3549d ago

Off Topic from article. The only wrong with my PS4 controller is short battery life and I noticed yesterday the rubber on my thumbsticks are not looking to good. I haven't even had it that long. I ended up buying some thumbs covers for it at Gamestop yesterday when I picked up The Last of Us Remastered. Best purchase I made in awhile.

Hopefully with the revised DS4 they work out all the kinks.

3-4-53550d ago

4 years from now, people will be like " o yea I think I remember that access thing"

BattleTorn3550d ago

just like their season pass service.... lol I honestly can't even remember it now

tbone5673550d ago

4 years from now there will be 50+ games.

Sayai jin3550d ago

I am in the Xbox Early Preview Update Beta Team. I received a message from MS with my code to download the EA Access App. It was a pretty simple process. Memberships run from $4.99 monthly or $29.99 yearly. I chose the yearly, because my sons play a lot of EA games. They already downloaded Madden and FIFAA for free. So the subscription already paid off for us got a $100 to $120 worth of games already. Seems like a advantageous deal so far.

My only question is how often are they going to alternate the games in the EA vault.

falviousuk3550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

Hi

same here, got the email and signed up for the year, £20 for the UK for a years sub or £3.99 for a month.

Allready have BF4 and Peggle 2 sadly but can now grab fifa and madden for the cheap sum of £20. Happy days.

And looking forward to trying games 5 days early in demo form to see what they are like. Try before you buy, all game should do this,

Oh and PS MS please bring back Xbox Live arcade to the xbox one, sorely missed

MeliMel3549d ago

How do get on beta team? Man you got Madden and Fifa? It already paid off. I dont understand all the negativity towards this service.

I bet it wouldnt be as bad if the PS4 owners got it. They seem to be the ones with most of the harsh opinions.

sAVAge_bEaST3550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

-Just for the LuLz-???

wow , 0_0 just

Wow,.. battlefield 4.. id on't eve.nn??

EA.. .. JUST wow.

<kittenBETA.PROGRAMING.kon firmed>5$, just w0_0w

peace.I'am.done.

?!?!?!-_-!?!?Q?

Gekko363550d ago

Jesus, Savage Beast. It looks like your have either had WAAY too much coffee / Stimulants or are typing with gloves on.

I'm still trying to decypher it.

DrRobotnik3550d ago

This is EA we're talking about. Voted worst company next to ENRON and Xbox one fans rejoice!?! You guys truly are grasping at straws. EA!?!...making pool building DLC in sims 4 EA!?! You can have it. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice...okay.

JeffGUNZ3549d ago

It's not mandatory man, people can chose which they like. $30 a year isn't bad, especially when you're in the spring/summer where the game releases are poor and you're waiting for the fall lineup. It would be nice to try the games you had some interest in but didn't want to fork the money for free. Also, 10% of games form EA and trial of games before purchase (with stats transferring over if you buy it). It's really not a bad idea if you tend to play a lot of games published by EA.

Death3549d ago

EA is also the largest third party publisher. You can vote them worst all you want, but when it comes down to it people speak with their wallets. People may say they hate EA, but that doesn't stop them from buying their games. $30 annually for a handfull of games and discounts doesn't sound horrible to me.

Clown_Syndr0me3549d ago

Although I am primarily a PS4 gamer, previously a 360 gamer I understand this.
I cant imagine playing Assassins Creed on a PS, although this year with Unity I will be. I prefer consistency when it comes to series.
I think this scheme with EA is a great idea, brilliant value for newcomers to BF4. If they update it with new sports games on release it would be amazing.

PaleMoonDeath3549d ago

He has a point, I couldn't imagine playing a Metal Gear Solid game on an Xbox controller, nor would I want to, the little things matter and this is actually very dangerous to Sony.

Stupidly, EA are making more money on Sony's console and are over supporting a less profitable side, silly company, spread the damned love (it'll make you more money).

+ Show (9) more repliesLast reply 3549d ago
Abash3550d ago

I think this is an exaggeration. If you could rent the latest EA games on Xbox One for $30 a year, that would be a big deal. But this seems to be for the older titles while the new releases wont be added till some time after they sold millions at retail

Ginesis3550d ago

You get early access 'trials' for new EA games as part of the service with a 10% discount on those new games when bought digitally.

jkendrick3550d ago Show
Omegasyde3550d ago

It wouldnt surprise me if activision followed suit with Sony.

But then again, theres that thing called PSnow.

YodaCracker3550d ago

@Omegasyde

Err, what big games does Activision have coming to consoles these days besides Call of Duty and Destiny? A lot of their big franchises (like Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk) are no longer relevant. There would be a very limited portfolio compared to EA and all their studios and franchises.

Besides, what makes you think Activision would partner with Sony to begin with? Their marketing deal for Destiny? That's just one game. Microsoft and Activision still seem to be in bed together when it comes to Call of Duty.

Clown_Syndr0me3549d ago

@Yodacracker

Aww I miss Tony Hawk and Guitar Hero. So many unique games that arent being made anymore...everythings just the same now :(

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3549d ago
Dudebro903550d ago

That would apply to the hardcore. Casual gamers dont need the latest and greatest battlefield and madden.

theRell3550d ago

If anything, the casual gamers do want Madden for as cheap as possible yearly.

MRMagoo1233550d ago

the older games wont have a server tho so you wont be playing them online so what would be the point ?

Utalkin2me3550d ago

@theRell

The casual gamer does not buy Madden yearly.

Wikkid6663550d ago

It's EA loyalty program. Get a few free games, plus early access to new titles with a 10% discount.

Clogmaster3550d ago

You only need to buy five $60 dollar EA games a year to get your money's worth on the discount alone.

kurruptor3550d ago

D-Du you can always get retail games at a discount. This isn't some deal. You can't trade-in. That is a win for EA, not the consumer.

brich2333550d ago

Its still a step in the right direction and benefits people who want to test try certain games for 5$ a month. Thats 5$ a month for unlimited access to whatever games they EA has in Access.

mhunterjr3550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

I think you are missing the point, this is a direct shot at game stops business model.

1st it promotes buying new games digitally by making them cheaper than physical. This means the games cannot be resold. 2nd it reduces the need to buy used games by offering unlimited access to older titles. Lastly, it robs gamestop of the preorder bonus. Now those bonuses (beta access, exclusive DLC, etc) will likely go to EA access subscribers. They've completely cut out the middle man...

If done right, this could be a huge deal.

mcstorm3550d ago

Your spot on and if this is done right everyone else will follow too. Could would out well but then could go very wrong too depends on how much each company charge for their services as it could put a lot of them out of business esp the smaller ones. But that said it also sounds a good idea too and I do think this gen is going to be the one that shapes next gen into being more about digital than having media which is where Microsoft tried to go with the Xbox one in the 1st place.

Chevalier3550d ago

It's also being sold at EB/Gamestop just like Steam money. Meaning you can still trade games towards the EA Access and Gamestop benefits because those demos will also drive people to trade their used games for preorders of EA titles, especially since most EA preorders get 25-30% bonus for game trades. EA still offers exclusive Gamestop/EB content and they help each other push their product. They still need each other to survive.

mhunterjr3550d ago

@chevalier

They need each other.... For now, but gamestop is DESPARATLEY trying to stay relevant as we move towards a digital future. Right now, the only true need for Brick and mortar retail is for resales, and hardware distribuition. All else can be handled online.

What GameStop gonna do when, digital licenses are tradable on Xbox live and PSN? At that point, why would anyone ever walk into a store?

rainslacker3550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

If they wanted to make games cheaper than retail then why not offer the discount to everyone instead of putting it behind a subscription service? It's nice to get the discount if you're a member, but EA isn't losing anything by putting the discount behind a paywall. In fact they'll make more unless people buy 5+ games a year.

These publishers could kill retail right now if they wanted to. MS tried to do it big time with the X1. But they know that retail is just too much revenue to give up. If all publishers decided to charge $40 for digital new releases, I'm sure the transition to digital would be massive.

EA isn't about to cut out GameStop. They are still the largest game retailer in the world, and GS does give EA money for those pre-order bonuses.

This service is just another revenue stream.

I know a lot of people want to see GS fail big time, but they are a ways off from that happening. If it really came down to this being a threat to GS, have no doubt that GS would quickly stop selling EA games, or possibly even the X1 console. Look how they treated the X1 after it's reveal, pushing people to the PS4 instead. Now that MS dropped all it's trade-in limitations, GS is happy to sell the system, and you see plenty of ad space in their flyers for it.

If this becomes a threat to GS, then it becomes a threat to Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, and every other major retailer that sells games. They aren't likely to just say oh well, you guys win.

I don't personally like GS being the only real game specific store around, but they have a lot of clout when it comes to these publishers making money. Until digital becomes a thing that the vast majority of people want, GS is going to be fine.

Chevalier3550d ago

Why would people walk into a store? Because they want to get a gift they can wrap up. We have grandparents, girlfriends and people buying for grandkids, boyfriends, husbands, nephews, nieces. There's a reason most money companies make are during Christmas and black fridays. Those people that I refer to don't understand steam cash, MS points, PSN money and still want to get gifts they can wrap. Their not the tech savvy and don't buy online.

We're years away from 'digital' future, due to band width caps and access to highspeed internet. I have a lot of people come in from out of town as well where they only have satellite internet in rural areas. I also have customers from up north like Nunavut where there is very bad internet and costs of products are ridiculous due to the remoteness of the area.

The companies will evolve to survive, just like how EB Games/Gamestop now carry other products we've never traditionally carried to diversify their offerings.

As for digital rights trading that may be the way we're heading, but, that doesn't mean everyone wants digital only. Some of us still like reading paperback books and having a game display. Physically owning copies is also convenient as well. For example my friends come in from out of town and we head down to the U.S. for black friday and we always have a soul calibur tournament. If I had to download even with my high speed internet would be a couple hours. Those hours where we would have been playing.

mhunterjr3550d ago

@rainslacker

Why would EA cut into their own profit margins and devalue their own product? This service allows them to eat into gamestops business, while keeping the MSRP on their games the same. This isn't 'destroy Gamestop by any means neccisary, let's under cut retail by 30%'. This is 'let's provide incentives for digital consumption, and ween consumers off of the traditional business model, so that we can improve our margins'... GameStop just happens to be in the way.

mhunterjr3550d ago

@chevalier

You seem to think I'm imply this is going to kill gamestop tommorow. Obviously people will still have a need to go into a store... For now...

The point I'm making is that this a step towards an all digital future for gaming. And a pretty big one at that. It's not as far off as you seem to be implying.

4Sh0w3550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

@rainslacker
"If they wanted to make games cheaper than retail then why not offer the discount to everyone instead of putting it behind a subscription service?"

Who said they want to make games cheaper?= Its give and take. If they want to eat into Gamestops profits on the resale/used game side of the business then this is one way to do it, actually a good way to do it but they have to give the consumer some *incentive(10% off new games, early access, convenience) to make that happen. They know most won't make the jump to 5+ games a year, so its still a profitable business model on their end, on the consumer end that's fine because you "try" more games without going all in. The likely result is that this will hurt "subpar"/non AAA game titles more with even lower sales from casuals who now won't buy the game because they got to play it but that $5/$30 will make up the difference, the better games will really benefit because it that's where used game sales will be affected the most. lol, EA DOES NOT want to make the INITIAL SALE of physical disc sales CHEAPER. No, no but they do want to cut into Gamestops second hand sale profits. mhunterjr is right the reason Gamestop participates is because they are at gunpoint, in other words EA can implement this without them but Gamestop wants to remain revelant in gaming so they have no choice but to find a strategy of being involved. Amazon, BestBuy and other retailers are much less affected because they aren't in the used game space, also they can sell the subscriptions online, codes and other deals/promotions to be involved in digital sales, hardware and accessories.

Gamestop in no way would ever stop selling physical disc EA games as long as they are allowed to because game sales is their lifeblood, while EA doesn't care HOW games are sold as long as the profit margin is the same. Now of course EA could make digital games extremely cheap to cut out Gamestop completely but that would be anti-productive because that also means their physical disc($60) revenue stream would also dry up and they would be selling the vast majority of the same games for less profits, in this partnership they keep they physical disc profits while slowly eating into used game sales.

incredibleMULK3550d ago (Edited 3550d ago )

Agreed, but i think they need to give some sort of free games as long as u maintain your subscription like ps +. I wish ps + would move to allowance system instead of getting stuck with don't starve or mercenary kings. Same with games with gold. Every month let us choose or use it toward dlc instead of a shit game and use our $50 subscription to pay the appropriate royalties.

on pc, origin/ea gives away free games and you don't have to pay a subscription fee. I got battlefield 3 for free, and its 10 times better than live or psn. I think they're trying to dent the steam market share, and now trying to dent live and psn with this move. I think this can be good. They gotta hook up the games though.

If activision did it ea but did like unlimited previous call of duty access with dlc AND 50% off dlc on latest cod and 20% off latest digital cod is epic & could be a one up on ea and knock gamestops dick in the dirt. lol.

Chevalier3550d ago

I'm not implying it will kill Gamestop tomorrow, that's just you drawing conclusions and overreaching. You seem to think that the digital future will happen soon yet you provide very little evidence to support your theory. There are many challenges and while it's true 70% of households in the U.S. have access to broadband, that still leaves out about 100 million people that don't. Also there is very little competition in the U.S. so costs for broadband need to come down and caps will have to increase significantly for this digital future to happen especially since HD games are increasing file sizes.

https://technology.ihs.com/...

Also I wasn't implying people need to come into stores, but, rather that some people still like to walk in and talk to a friendly associate and pick up their games or gifts. Some people like having something tangible rather than a download. I still like borrowing and lending a game to/from friends.

" What GameStop gonna do when, digital licenses are tradable on Xbox live and PSN? At that point, why would anyone ever walk into a store?"

For the reasons I've already stated, it's preposterous to think the way you think. If in the future they said I could instantly view new movies from home that's like saying people will stop going to theatre's. I for one would still go to theatres, still like using cash and buying games and movies when I come across a deal or something I want. If publishers had complete control of the market would they even need to offer us deals?

" Right now, the only true need for Brick and mortar retail is for resales, and hardware distribuition. All else can be handled online."
What?! So you assume because it's convenient for you there's no need for it? Just because it's convenient in some way to have online distribution doesn't mean it's the only way it should be done.

Consoldtobots3550d ago

so MS is effectively cutting the throat of the one retailer who has pushed their console with fanatical fervor? Yeah that sounds like MS.

objdadon3550d ago

There is no " unlimited" access, it clearly says games that are available in the vault for a limited time. I want to own my games.

+ Show (9) more repliesLast reply 3550d ago
diehardmetallicafan3550d ago

it's microsofts answer to psnow and it sounds like ass

DoubleM703550d ago

Yes it's Microsoft answer to PSNOW and it sounds good. It's good win on their platform just like PSNOW is a good win for Playstation.

COMPETITION HOLMIE!

diehardmetallicafan3549d ago

I'm not 100% but i think the one thing that'll screw it up is because the EA subscription is behind the GOLD subscription... so to play these 'awesome' ea games you need to be subscribed to gold first, which means two lots of sub fees per month.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3549d ago
XiSasukeUchiha3550d ago

EA+MS= Sportsbox, and EAbox, and teaming up is so exciting.

user74029313550d ago

gamestop has a huge foothold on titles being sold everywhere, i seriously doubt that this will even take 5% from gamestop.

tinynuggins3550d ago

If it fails then yes, 5%. But if it succeeds..could be huge. Either way, I'm in for any way to take money away from gamestop and if this helps shut them down, I'll support it. Gamestop are crooks, they sold mortal Kombat 3 ultimate for Ps1 for $79.99. Who does that shit?

ThatOneGuyThere3550d ago

everybody on ebay. dont be mad at them because theyre not allowing themselves to be taken advantage of.

tinynuggins3550d ago

I've never seen anybody on ebay to that for a video game

Killz4Twinkies3550d ago

Unfortunately already sold my XB1 for PS4 (no complaints) but seems like a pretty cool concept. I just have a feeling that EA is trolling with the beta and when it actually comes out - consumers will be getting much older games especially when it coms to non-sport titles.

falviousuk3550d ago

What exactly is wrong with older games, if someone hasn't played a game then is it still classed as an old game, would it not be new to that person.

Whyis everyone so obsessed by what scamming out tomorrow rather than whats already out.

just because a game came out a year ago or two years doesn't mean its not a good game.

Show all comments (183)
220°

EA Hopes to Use Generative AI to Drive Monetization and Make Development 30% More Efficient

Today Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson provided a look into his ideas for the use of generative AI in the company's development processes.

Read Full Story >>
techraptor.net
thorstein42d ago

I wonder what the next buzz word they'll slap in front of AI to make it sound exciting next? "Generative" as if it's creating its own content. Lol.

Cacabunga41d ago

EA is already dying a painful death..

peppeaccardo41d ago

i have a better idea .. why the whole exec team doesn't get replaced by chat bots ?

just_looken41d ago

Though i agree the ai thing is already in other forms of media there have been ai translations/scripts/voice over and even full ai commercials aired on tv. Ubisoft has created a ai game creator story/vo/music except the building of the game

The new unreal engine has auto terrain creation tools

In the world of greed in which it is winning without any major blow back ai is our future.

everyone want's biden dead on the mic or a criminal instead of a woman and now we are getting ai everything because no one will stop watching/playing ai created media.

GamerRN41d ago

Maybe they should just focus on making good games?

Just a thought...

Kiryu199241d ago

Exactly EA are just pure evil. When they are beating Bank of America to be voted the worst company to work for that’s saying a lot

Good thing I don’t buy their games day one and wait for deep deep sale years after launch (the select few games I am actually interested in)

Gaming is making so much money yet the greed of these companies is never ending

CEO’s and people on board making millions yet cutting jobs to those who are actually making the products

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 41d ago
Knightofelemia42d ago (Edited 42d ago )

EA is still a shady shitty company even with or without the help of Skynet. All they will use AI for is new ways to milk loot boxes and come up with the same sports title with a different year on the label. They are one company I truly do hate with a passion. They single handedly ruined some great franchise with their death touch. ME, Dead Space, Alice Returns, Dante's Inferno.

Stuart575641d ago

EA layoffs followed by 'Generative AI to Drive Monetization'

I knew it. Wonder what AI salary looks like? Nothing.

ChasterMies41d ago

I having a feeling that most of the layoffs in the industry are based on the idea that AI will do the same job for less.

DarXyde41d ago

Very likely, yes.

Made worse by the fact that the execs aren't changing their compensations.

My deepest fear at this point is that we are now in the capitalism endgame.

At this point, we really should just burn AI to the ground. Executives cannot be trusted to do the right thing.
How are those people expected to support families if everything gets automated?

Barlos41d ago (Edited 41d ago )

And take away creativity, and people's jobs as we've been seeing. Got it.

No thanks. I want my games created by people, not AI.

CobraKai41d ago

Exactly. If or when games start becoming more AI than people, im done with gaming. AI and companies like EA can suck donkey d***k.

just_looken41d ago

Though i agree remember this is no ps3/360 era were we got up to 3 games in one generation from on developer like gears/halo/bioware/sony/ms

The people today are pro esg/sweet baby for the most part AAA gaming is imploding right now.

We should be stepping back re evaluate everything as a whole this year xmen 97 written/directed by a woman that is nuts and its also being made by a group reshaping bodies to be less sexual like wtf. A dam famous cartoon from the 90's is being rebuilt with millions spent to be worse in everyway.

Gaming/movies/tv shows made today are worse than what we had 7years ago ai won't change this but that ai is also being made by these groups so either way we are screwed.
https://www.youtube.com/wat...

Eonjay41d ago

Don't be of afraid of women. Sexy characters in games and movies still exist. Got my Stellar Blade on preorder!!! Everything all the time doesn't need to be sexual...that's stupid, childish and dull.

Chocoburger41d ago (Edited 41d ago )

EA doesn't want to lose their title of worst gaming company ever, always trying their best to remain the champs!
What's sad is that they have so much potential to be a decent publisher.

SSX Tricky / SSX 3
Def Jam Vendetta / Fight for New York
NBA Street
NFL Steet
Mirror's Edge
Bad Company
Burnout 3 / 4 / 5

Remember when EA used to be awesome? It's all over with now. Unpolished, if not out-right broken games these days. Endless monetization and gambling in their sports games, and let's not forget wasting hours of your life trying to unlock characters or equipment using "surprise boxes!"

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80°

EA And Sony Layoffs, Entertainment News And More Skewedcast

Gareth, Justin, and JoeyZ look at Layoff news for EA and Sony and reasons behind the downturn in the industry and more.

220°

EA - Continuing to evolve our business and teams

EA CEO Andrew Wilson writes: "In this time of change, we expect these decisions to impact approximately 5 percent of our workforce. I understand this will create uncertainty and be challenging for many who have worked with such dedication and passion and have made important contributions to our company. While not every team will be impacted, this is the hardest part of these changes, and we have deeply considered every option to try and limit impacts to our teams. Our primary goal is to provide team members with opportunities to find new roles and paths to transition onto other projects. Where that’s not possible, we will support and work with each colleague with the utmost attention, care, and respect. Communicating these impacts has already begun and will be largely completed by early next quarter."

LG_Fox_Brazil49d ago

All the big ones doing the same stuff. Terrible. I just hope that all these people are able to get a new job as soon as possible, God know that it is horrible to be left jobless when you have your kids or your parents depending on your financial help

Jin_Sakai49d ago (Edited 49d ago )

2024 so far.

Feb ’28 Electronic Arts (EA) 670 (5%)
Feb ’24 PlayStation 900 (8%)
Feb ’24 Vice Media Group Several hundred
Feb ’24 Buzzfeed 16%
Feb ’24 NowThis 26 (50%)
Feb ’24 Paramount Global 800 (3%)
Feb ’24 SiriusXM 160 (3%)
Feb ’24 Snapchat 10%
Jan ’24 TechCrunch 8 + subscription product
Jan ’24 U.K.’s Channel 4 200
Jan ’24 Business Insider 8%
Jan ’24 Microsoft Gaming 1,900
Jan ’24 Riot Games 530
Jan ’24 Sports Illustrated Possibly all
Jan ’24 YouTube 100
Jan ’24 Pitchfork (Conde Nast) Undisclosed
Jan ’24 Universal Music Group Hundreds
Jan ’24 Discord 17%
Jan ’24 NBC News 50-100
Jan ’24 Audible 5%
Jan ’24 Google Hundreds
Jan ’24 Amazon Hundreds
Jan ’24 Duolingo 10%
Jan ’24 VideoAmp 20%

DATA AS OF FEB. 28, 2024

outsider162449d ago

Is it possible maybe this whole ai thing is in play?

just_looken49d ago

Another long list that skips over UPS cutting 12,000 jobs those workers as we know work without ac low pay and old box trucks but that company had to cut 12k jobs do too loosing billions of dollars year 2 year.

https://edition.cnn.com/202...

The greed and lack of transparency/oversight is disgusting.

Ups are still making bang but not enough for a golden boat fleet.

Remember we all use ups at some time even stuff in our stores this is going to be a huge issue gong forward i know in my area they removed half the state ups stores northern half least population got some 3rd party running packages now from minivans.

Sonic188148d ago

When I explan this I get called a troll 🤔 like wtf

thorstein48d ago

@just_looken

UPS is a different story altogether.

They are paying the people doing the actual work/ earning the money more and eliminating management.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 48d ago
CrimsonWing6949d ago (Edited 49d ago )

You do realize around this time this happens all throughout many industries (not just the game industry), right? It has to do with taxes for these major companies, like tax subsidies for downsizing. You want to know a little secret? Around May or so you’ll see a spike in hiring…

It blows my mind that people are oblivious to corporate workings.

Andrew33649d ago

So over 25 huge companies cut jobs every year like this and it only got noticed this time?

CrimsonWing6949d ago (Edited 49d ago )

@Andrew336

Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. Google it up if you’re uninformed of how corporations work. Only gamers seem to live in a bubble and when they see things like crunch, acquisitions, and lay-offs they act like this is the only industry it happens to and how shocked they are about it.

Welcome to the real world, kid.

thorstein48d ago (Edited 48d ago )

EA CEO Wilson's total compensation was 20 million. Let's take away 19 million (I'm sure he can survive on 1 million.... somehow).

1 million is the salary of an in the chair developer @100,000 for 10 years.

He could earn 1 million a year.

And save the jobs of 15 in the chair devs for A DECADE (plus benefits) with ONE YEAR'S compensation.

RhinoGamer8849d ago

No Executive accountability or firings I see...

just_looken49d ago

Do not worry they will take over 40mill say sorry then get hired by playstation or xbox

blackblades48d ago

I heard Japan does it better, they do layoffs like what's happening with companies in the west. The higher ups also being agreeing to to lower there own salary. These MFs like jim and Phil isnt gonna do that they want that $

Sonic188149d ago

Like I said earlier, this is happening all around the gaming industry.

Petebloodyonion49d ago

The point I feel is problematic about all of this is that focusing on Owned Ip means more sequels, remasters and more of what was selling last year.

TheColbertinator49d ago

EA is certainly among the worst,if not the worst

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