Battlefield Hardline to Be Released Early on Xbox One Via EA Access

Electronic Arts is giving Xbox One owners the chance to play the full version of Battlefield Hardline days before its official release date, the publisher has confirmed.

Those who subscribe to EA Access, a $5/month subscription service that offers benefits such as discounts and free games, will be able to trial the Visceral Games-developed shooter at no cost, with no commitment, days before its March 17 released date.

Specific details of the early access process have yet to be announced, but the official Battlefield Hardline Twitter account confirmed the offer would soon be made to EA Access subscribers. "Yes, you will be able to get early access to Battlefield Hardline through EA Access," the account wrote.

If the previous offer of early access to FIFA 15 is any indication, players should expect to sample Battlefield Hardline one week ahead of release and, should they go on to purchase the full game, their save details could potentially be carried over. These benefits are not yet guaranteed, however, until EA formally announces the offer.

Battlefield Hardline goes on general release from March 17in North America on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. The game will arrive in the UK three days later.

EA Access is a new $5/month games subscription service that, as well as granting users with early admission to its major releases, also features a growing list of games to play for free.

Free games on EA Access include Battlefield 4, Madden NFL 25, and Peggle 2. Customers have unlimited ownership of these titles for as long as their membership lasts.

Electronic Arts originally wanted the service to appear on both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, but Sony rejected the membership deal.