E3 2018: 6 Ups & 6 Downs From EA's Conference

3. Origin Access Premier Is A New PC Subscription Service

It's looking increasingly like Netflix-style subscription services are going to become the next big boom in gaming media consumption, as evidenced by EA confirming Origin Access Premier.

OAP (heh) is a Game Pass-like model for PC, which will allow subscribers to play EA's big new AAA games, such as Madden 19, Battlefield V, FIFA 19 and Anthem. What's more, they'll be able to start playing these games roughly a week before they release conventionally.

Though the service certainly won't be for everyone - the lack of Xbox support is disappointing though understandable, and there's no guaranteeing EA will put enough games on it to demonstrate high value - it's definitely nice to have more options. It'll cost $99.99 a year or $14.99 a month, though international pricing options haven't yet been revealed.

The way things are going, don't be surprised if most of your gaming spending goes into maintaining half-a-dozen subscription services a few years from now.