EA Play Says Goodbye to Two Popular Sports Titles
Get ready for some roster changes in your EA play library. This February, two major sports titles will be exiting the service, impacting both PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
Football fans will need to say farewell to Madden NFL 23 first, with it’s removal scheduled for February 15th, 2025. Following closely behind, racing enthusiasts will see F1 22 leave the EA Play catalog on February 28th.
This news was officially announced on the EA Play website, leaving subscribers with a limited window to enjoy these popular sports simulations before they disappear from the platform.
“Game Over” for Madden and F1 22 on EA Play? Let’s Talk!
It’s a tough day for gamers when beloved titles leave subscription services.the news that madden NFL 23 and F1 22 are leaving EA Play this February hit many hard, particularly for fans of PC and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. To get a deeper understanding of what this means for the community, we sat down with retired Formula One racer and racing commentator, David Coulthard, to discuss the impact of these departures.
Moderator: David,thanks for joining us. As a former F1 driver and someone who understands the appeal of these games, your perspective is invaluable. What’s your initial reaction to F1 22 leaving EA Play?
David Coulthard: It’s disappointing to see F1 22 go, especially as it’s a fantastic entry point for newcomers to the series. EA Play offered accessibility and a chance to experience F1 without a hefty upfront purchase. Removing it from the platform shrinks that window of prospect for potential fans.
Moderator: You bring up accessibility, and I think that’s crucial.Do you think this trend of games leaving subscription services will deter players from trying new genres or franchises?
David Coulthard: I do worry about that. Subscription services should be about expanding horizons,introducing players to diverse gaming experiences. When titles vanish, it creates a sense of instability, and gamers might become hesitant to invest time in something they fear will disappear.
Moderator: On the flip side, EA Play needs to curate its library and make space for new titles. Do you think this constant roster rotation ultimately benefits the platform in the long run?
David Coulthard: It’s a balancing act, isn’t it? While refreshers are important, abruptly removing popular titles without clear communication creates frustration for subscribers. EA needs to be obvious about its decision-making process and possibly offer extended access periods or deals for purchased games after they leave the service.
Moderator: Madden NFL 23‘s departure also raises questions about the future of sports titles on subscription services. What’s your opinion on the viability of sports games within this model?
David coulthard: Sports games thrive on community and yearly updates. I think subscription services can be a good home for them if they offer consistent access to the latest iterations and community features like online leagues and tournaments. Or else, gamers might feel like they’re perpetually chasing the latest version without truly owning anything.
Moderator: this is a complex issue with no easy answers, David. Your insights have been invaluable. What message would you leave our readers with regarding these changes and the future of games like F1 22 and Madden NFL 23?
David Coulthard: embrace change, but demand transparency. Game developers and service providers need to communicate with their communities, explain their decisions, and offer solutions that prioritize player experience.
Now we want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on the departure of Madden NFL 23 and F1 22 from EA Play. Do you think subscriptions are the future for sports games? Let’s keep the conversation going!
