Electronic Arts, the creator and publisher of Battlefield 3, has announced its Q1 FY13 financial results this week, which reveal that their Battlefield 3 Premium service has sold over 1.3 million subscriptions to date.
In a similar way to the Call of Duty Elite service created by Activision for their games, EA’s Battlefield 3 Premium subscription service offers gamers premium options and features with the opportunity to play all upcoming Battlefield 3 expansion packs two weeks early.
Exclusive In-Game Items and Perks
Together with a variety of exclusive in-game items and perks, all for a one-time fee of $49.99, Battlefield 3 Premium provides access to all five themed expansion packs for Battlefield 3. These expansion packs include “Back to Karkand,” “Close Quarters,” “Armored Kill,” “Aftermath,” and “End Game,” each offering unique maps, weapons, and gameplay modes that enhance the overall gaming experience. Additionally, Premium members have the opportunity to reset all their statistics if they fancy a fresh start with their multiplayer character. This feature is particularly appealing to players who want to improve their performance or try out new strategies without the burden of their past records.
Impact on the Gaming Community
The success of Battlefield 3 Premium highlights the growing trend of subscription-based services in the gaming industry. By offering exclusive content and early access to new features, these services provide added value to dedicated players while generating a steady revenue stream for developers. The model has proven to be a win-win situation, as evidenced by the substantial number of subscribers EA has garnered.
Moreover, the Premium service has fostered a more engaged and loyal community. Players who invest in the subscription are more likely to stay active in the game, participate in community events, and contribute to online discussions. This sense of community is further strengthened by the exclusive items and perks that set Premium members apart from regular players, creating a sense of prestige and accomplishment.
EA also announced that their Star Wars: The Old Republic MMO game, which has seen a drop in subscribers over the past few quarters, will also be changing to a free-to-play model. This shift aims to attract a broader audience and revitalize the game’s player base. The free-to-play model will allow new players to experience the game without an initial financial commitment, while still offering premium content and features for those willing to pay.
The transition to a free-to-play model for Star Wars: The Old Republic is a strategic move that reflects the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. As more games adopt this model, developers are finding innovative ways to monetize their content while keeping players engaged. For instance, free-to-play games often include microtransactions for cosmetic items, experience boosts, and other in-game advantages, providing a flexible revenue stream that caters to both casual and hardcore gamers.
The success of Battlefield 3 Premium and the strategic shift for Star Wars: The Old Republic underscore EA’s adaptability and commitment to meeting the needs of their diverse player base. By offering premium services and exploring new business models, EA continues to shape the future of the gaming industry.
Source: EA : Joystiq
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