The provided source material details promotional offers from Electronic Arts (EA) for subscribers of its EA Play service and Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. These offers are presented as digital gifts and extended trials, primarily available during a specific holiday period. The information is drawn from news articles and promotional summaries, which reference official EA and Xbox communications. It is important to note that the sources are primarily third-party reporting on these offers, rather than direct official programme pages, which affects the reliability of some details, such as precise eligibility criteria or long-term availability.
The core offers highlighted in the source data revolve around a 10-day holiday countdown event for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members, running from 17th to 26th December. During this period, subscribers could claim free games and downloadable content (DLC). Specific titles mentioned include Battlefield 1: Revolution, The Sims 4 Home Chef Hustle Stuff Pack, and Titanfall 2: Ultimate Edition. Additionally, EA Sports WRC was made available to all EA Play members, though the source mentions it is offered at a significant discount rather than being entirely free. Other free content included in the countdown is listed as 500 PGA Tour Points in EA Sports PGA Tour and various in-game rewards for titles like Apex Legends, Battlefield 2042, EA Sports F1 24, and EA Sports FC 25.
Beyond the limited-time holiday event, the source data also references the standard library of free-to-play games available through EA. These are accessible on consoles, PC, and mobile without requiring an additional subscription beyond the base platform access. The listed free-to-play titles include Apex Legends, FIFA Mobile, and Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes. This is presented as a permanent offering, in contrast to the time-limited promotional games.
A separate, specific offer mentioned is for NHL 25, which was made free for a weekend via the Xbox Free Play Days promotion. This offer required either an Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription and was noted as being available on Xbox only. The source clarifies that for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, NHL 25 is already accessible via the EA Play perk, making this weekend offer more relevant for Core subscribers.
The source data also mentions a 5-hour trial for Dragon Age: The Veilguard available to EA Play members, presented as an exclusive opportunity to preview the game before its release.
It is crucial for UK consumers to understand that these offers are tied to specific subscription services. The free games and content are not available for standalone purchase or download without an active EA Play or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. The geographic availability is not explicitly confirmed for the UK in the provided chunks, though the sources are written in English and reference global gaming events. The expiration dates for the promotional offers are clearly stated for the December event, with some in-game rewards having different end dates extending into January.
The source material does not provide detailed instructions on how to claim these offers, such as specific steps through the Xbox or EA app, nor does it clarify the process for downloading the free games or activating the DLC. It also does not mention any hardware requirements, regional restrictions, or age verification processes beyond the subscription requirement. The information is presented as a news summary of available perks, not as a step-by-step guide.
Free-to-Play Games from EA
Electronic Arts maintains a selection of games that are free to play without a subscription, though they may include optional in-game purchases. These games are available across multiple platforms, including console, PC, and mobile devices. According to the source data, the free-to-play roster includes titles such as Apex Legends, FIFA Mobile, and Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes. These games are permanently available at no cost to download and play, forming a separate category from the promotional free games offered to subscribers.
Holiday Promotional Offers for Subscribers
A significant portion of the source data focuses on a limited-time promotional event for subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and EA Play. This event, described as a "holiday countdown," ran for ten days in December, from the 17th to the 26th. During this period, members were able to claim a selection of digital gifts.
The key free game offers included in this promotion were: * Battlefield 1: Revolution * The Sims 4 Home Chef Hustle Stuff Pack * Titanfall 2: Ultimate Edition
Additionally, the source mentions that EA Sports WRC was made available to all EA Play members during this period, though it is specified that the game is offered at a "significant discount" rather than being completely free.
Alongside the full games and DLC packs, the promotion included a variety of in-game rewards for popular EA titles. These rewards had varying expiration dates, some extending into the following month. The listed rewards are: * Apex Legends Viking Arms Weapon Charm (available until 30th December) * Battlefield 2042 MCS-880 skin: Deliverance (available until 24th December) * EA Sports F1 24 5000 XP Boost (available until 31st December) * EA Sports College Football 25 Loyalist Ultimate Team Pack (available until 31st December) * Madden NFL 25 MUT Pack (available until 31st December) * EA Sports FC 25 Winter Champions Left Arm Reindeer Tattoo & Clubs Coins (available until 26th December) * EA Sports FC 25 Football Ultimate Team Draft Token (available until 14th January) * EA Sports NHL 25 3000 CHEL Coins (available until 30th January) * EA Sports NHL 25 WOC Battle Pass XP Modifier Tokens (available until 30th January)
The source data frames these offers as "gifts" to celebrate the holiday season for existing subscribers.
Specific Game Trials and Access
The source material references two specific game access opportunities for subscribers. The first is a trial for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which is described as a 5-hour exclusive trial for EA Play members. This is presented as a chance to preview the game before its full release.
The second is a free weekend offer for NHL 25 via the Xbox Free Play Days promotion. This offer required an Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription and was limited to the Xbox platform. The source notes that for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, NHL 25 is already included with their subscription through the EA Play benefit, making the free weekend offer more relevant for Xbox Game Pass Core subscribers who do not have automatic access to the EA Play library.
Eligibility and Subscription Requirements
A consistent theme across the source data is that the free games, DLC, and trials are not available to the general public. They are exclusively for subscribers of specific services. The primary services mentioned are: * EA Play: A subscription service that provides access to a library of EA games, trials, and member rewards. * Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: A subscription that includes Xbox Game Pass for console and PC, online multiplayer, and additional perks like EA Play.
The promotional offers, such as the holiday countdown gifts, are specifically tied to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. The standard free-to-play games are available without a subscription, but they are a separate offering from the promotional free games.
The source data does not provide information on pricing, how to subscribe, or whether these offers are available in specific regions like the UK. It also does not clarify if there are any age restrictions or other eligibility criteria beyond holding an active subscription.
Conclusion
The provided source material outlines a series of digital game offers and content available to subscribers of EA Play and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The information is primarily focused on a limited-time holiday promotion in December, during which subscribers could claim free games like Battlefield 1: Revolution and The Sims 4 Home Chef Hustle Stuff Pack, alongside various in-game rewards. The sources also mention the permanent availability of free-to-play games such as Apex Legends and specific game trials for titles like Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
It is important to note that the information is derived from third-party news reports summarising official announcements. The exact claiming process, detailed eligibility terms, and regional availability (including for the UK) are not specified in the provided chunks. Consumers interested in these offers should verify the current status and terms directly through official EA or Xbox channels, as promotional offers are often time-sensitive and subject to change.