"Mass Effect: Andromeda" was recently showcased during the Consumer Electronic Show (CES), where Bioware and EA announced its release date and launched a new gameplay trailer. Producer Michael Gamble follows up on this and announces there will not be a Season Pass but some will be able to play the game early.
Gamble responded to fans on Twitter, revealing only those with an EA Access account or Origin Access account will get early access. He did not further elaborate how early, PC Gamer reported. It is widely speculated early access will launch at least three days before the game's official launch.
@sedaspade Yes, EA Access members get to play Mass Effect: Andromeda early for a limited time.
— Mass Effect (@masseffect) January 7, 2017
Previous EA games like "Battlefield 1" had a 10-hour trial, with limited maps and options, for eight days before launch. The full game became accessible for subscribers three days prior to launch. "Mirror's Edge Catalyst" offered a full 10-hour early access five days before its launch date.
EA Access is available solely for Xbox One and Origin Access is for PC. Both cost $4.99 a month and subscription gives timed trials and early access to new games. Subscription also gives access to several free games.
Gamble also tweeted that there would be no Season Pass for "Mass Effect: Andromeda." He did not rule out DLCs and simply stated that fans should wait for an official announcement, Dual Shockers reported. Gamble did not say when the DLC plans for the game were going to be announced or what kind of DLCs were in development.
The announcement was made following the confirmation that PC gamers can get "Mass Effect 2" if they have an Origin Access account. The game, along with the other entries in the original trilogy, can be played on the Xbox One due to the Backwards Compatibility program.
"Mass Effect: Andromeda" launches for PS4, Xbox One and PC in North America on March 21. The game will launch in Europe a few days after, on March 23. The official gameplay video from the CES event can be viewed below: