New EA scheme lets gamers download FIFA 12 before it hits shelves

Consumers will be able to download FIFA 12 days before the game hits store shelves, EA Sports has confirmed.

It’s a part of EA Sports’ new ‘Season Ticket’ service which charges users an annual fee of 2,000 Microsoft Points or $24.99 in exchange for a range of digital benefits.

As well as early game downloads, users who sign up will also receive a 20 per cent discount on DLC and other free web content such as an updated custom content creation system. Benefits start with Madden NFL 12 and will run for games such as FIFA 12, NHL 12 and the next Tiger Woods PGA Tour game.

Once users download a game, it will expire after three days. If players want to continue they’ll have to purchase the full boxed version of the game from retailers. All in-game achievements earned while playing the downloadable game will carry over into the boxed version.

The Season Ticket is available to access on Xbox 360 from today in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The service is currently only live on PS3 in the US.

EA has struck a deal with GameStop as exclusive retail marketing partner in the US.

EA Sports Season Ticket is an exciting program for our core fans – it lets our biggest fans play earlier, play more and play better than anyone else,” said EA Sports president Peter Moore.

This is an important step in our vision for transforming how deeply fans connect with the sports games they love through digital products and services. We’re excited to continue evolving EA Sports Season Ticket as we listen to what consumers want most in their gaming experiences.”

GameStop president Tony Bartel added: We are excited to be selected as the exclusive retail marketing partner for the roll-out of EA Sports Season Ticket. GameStop is in a unique position to deliver this digital product utilising its multichannel network. We will continue to work with progressive publishers to bring great gaming experiences to our customers.”