Understanding Origin Access and Its Free Game Offerings

Electronic Arts operates a subscription service known as Origin Access for PC users and EA Access for console users. These services provide members with access to a library of games, often referred to as "The Vault," as well as other promotional perks. Over the years, EA has utilized various methods to distribute free games and trials, including a specific program called "On the House," as well as temporary free weeks and incentives for security features. The availability and structure of these freebies have evolved, with the "On the House" program being retired in favor of the subscription model.

The Origin Access Subscription Service

Origin Access is a subscription service available to PC users, while EA Access serves the same function on Xbox One. These services offer a growing library of free games known as "The Vault." According to EA, once a game is added to the Vault, it remains there permanently. Peter Moore stated, "I think one of the key things is that once a game goes into the Vault it stays there, it's not going to be taken out, that's a commitment we've made."

In addition to the library of games, subscribers receive a 10% discount on all digital content purchased through the Origin store. The service also allows members to play certain games ahead of their official launch dates, typically offering a five-day head start for upcoming titles.

Subscription Tiers and Costs

EA has introduced different tiers for its subscription service. In July 2017, Origin Access required a $30 annual fee. By 2018, EA launched "Origin Access Premier," a higher tier that costs $14.99 per month or $99.99 per year. This Premier tier provides unlimited access to imminent-launch games five days before the official release.

Free Trials and Events

EA occasionally offers free access to the Vault for limited periods. During E3 2017, EA announced a free week for both EA Access and Origin Access, allowing users to play select games in their entirety without paying. This event included free trials for PlayStation 4 users as well, covering titles like Madden NFL 17, FIFA 17, Titanfall 2, EA Sports UFC 2, and Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare.

The "On the House" Program

Prior to the full focus on subscription services, EA operated a program called "On the House." This initiative randomly gave away games for free to Origin users. Games were available for a limited time, and users who downloaded them kept them permanently. The program officially started in the spring of 2014 with the giveaway of Dead Space.

Games Offered

Over its four-year lifespan, the On the House program distributed a variety of titles. Confirmed freebies included: * Dead Space * Peggle * Plants vs. Zombies * Dragon Age: Origins * Mass Effect (noted as a freebie in some reports) * Theme Hospital * Medal of Honor: Allied Assault (and Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault, which was given away three times) * DLC for Battlefield 4 and Battlefield Hardline

Retirement of the Program

In July 2018, EA announced the retirement of the On the House program. This decision coincided with the launch of the Origin Access Premier tier. An EA spokesperson confirmed, "Origin On the House will be retired and games will no longer be offered through the program."

Users attempting to access the On the House page were redirected to the Origin Access webpage. While users who had already claimed games were allowed to keep them, the program ceased offering new free titles. EA stated that the platform would instead focus on providing demos and betas.

Security Incentives and Free Access

In October 2019, EA encouraged users to enable two-factor authentication (2FA), which they call "Login Verification," by offering a free month of Origin Access Basic. This promotion was part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Eligibility and Details

Eligibility: Any user who activated Login Verification by October 31st received the free month. This included users who had already been using 2FA.
Subscription Impact:
- New Users: Receive a free month of Origin Access Basic ($6.45/month value).
- Existing Basic Subscribers: Receive one month of free access (no charge in November).
- Premier Subscribers: Receive a free month of Premier service (valued at $19.90/month) to avoid downgrading.
Timing: The free month was applied starting November 1st.

This initiative highlighted EA's strategy of using free service access as an incentive for user security actions.

Platform Availability and Restrictions

The availability of EA's subscription services and free games varies by platform.

PC vs. Console

PC: Origin Access is available.
Xbox One: EA Access is available. Participation in free events (such as the E3 2017 free week) required an Xbox Live Gold subscription.
PlayStation 4: Neither Origin Access nor EA Access is available on PS4. Sony stated that the service did not offer the value PlayStation fans expect, though they remained open to future dialogue regarding its introduction.

Game Removal Policy

A key selling point for the Vault is the permanence of the games library. Unlike some subscription services that rotate titles out, EA has committed to never removing games from the Vault once they are added.

Conclusion

EA's approach to free game distribution has shifted from the random, limited-time "On the House" giveaways to a structured, subscription-based model through Origin Access and EA Access. While the On the House program provided a legacy of free titles for users who claimed them in time, the focus is now on the Vault library, early access perks, and subscription discounts. Incentives such as free months of service for enabling two-factor authentication further integrate the subscription model into the user experience. For U.S. consumers, the primary avenue for accessing free EA games is now through the paid subscription services, which offer a permanent library and additional purchasing benefits.