EA could enjoy lots of extra revenues by bringing its all-you-can-play subscription to PlayStation 4.
EA today confirmed that its EA Access service is coming to console gaming's biggest platform: the PS4. The 90 million-strong PS4 userbase will be able to sign up this July, bringing a bounty of potential earnings to both EA and Sony by proxy, who takes a 30% cut of everything sold on its platform.
The subscription, which offers access to 50+ games across EA's varied catalog for $4.99 a month, was previously barred from the PS4 as Sony pushed its own buffet-style PlayStation Now service. PS Now is actually starting to kick up a bit and is the most-subscribed console service, so Sony has relented on EA. This change comes at an interesting time for Sony as it shifts towards a more service-based model under John Kodera, former Sony Interactive president who stepped down to exclusively focus on PlayStation's online future.
EA is also eager to delve into new platforms and explore new cashflow opportunities. The company didn't have a very good third quarter, missing sales targets and revenue guidance by as much as $116 million. As a result we're seeing EA pursue more ways to monetize over time with live services.
"As we continue to invest in digital and subscription services, bringing great games to even more players across more platforms is an exciting opportunity for everyone," said Matt Bilbey, Executive VP of Strategic Growth. "Our goal is to give players more choice to try and play our games wherever and however they choose, and we're happy to bring EA Access to PlayStation 4."