EA CEO Andrew Wilson: We're not a 'corporate beast'

EA's CEO Andrew Wilson has taken on the notion that the video game giant is a "corporate beast" during a speech at the BC Tech Summit in Canada. He also discussed EA Access and how attitudes to buying games have changed.

"If you understand the video game business, EA – the branding is this corporate beast that just wants to take money from them while people play our games," said Wilson, referring to how many gamers brand the company. "That's not actually what we're trying to do."

If Wilson went on to explain what they do actually do, then Vancouver 24 Hrs failed to report what he discussed. Regarding EA Access, he said: "For the longest time in civilisation, we would spend money as human beings, then we would spend time where we spent our money. That's reversed now. You come in, and play a bunch of games, and ultimately you invest after that."

EA Access offers Xbox One users (and soon PC users as well) access to a back catalogue of games that includes Battlefield Hardline and Dragon Age Inquisition for a monthly fee. It also offers timed early access upcoming games shortly before their retail release and discounts on all EA games.

Until 24 January, Xbox One users are able to use the service (but not its early access feature) for free. It typically costs £3.99 a month or £19.99 for a 12-month subscription. Access is expected to come to PS4 eventually, though there are no current plans.

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