The PC gaming landscape just got a shot of nostalgia with the addition of ten Electronic Arts (EA) titles to the Epic Games Store. This strategic move by both giants brings a wave of familiar favorites to a new platform, potentially reigniting competitive scenes and offering a treasure trove for casual players.
The headliners of this digital migration are undoubtedly the entries from the long-running “Battlefield” and “Need for Speed” franchises. Strategy buffs can strategize their way to victory in Battlefield 3, Battlefield 4, and the iconic Battlefield: Bad Company 2. Meanwhile, gearheads can get their adrenaline pumping with Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (2010), Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012), Need for Speed Rivals, Need for Speed (2015), and Need for Speed: Payback.
Beyond Nostalgia: Rekindling Esports and Expanding Reach
For horror fans, the arrival of the first two Dead Space games is a chilling treat. Dead Space and Dead Space 2 offer a unique blend of action and suspense as players battle grotesque necromorphs through claustrophobic corridors. These titles, originally released in 2008 and 2010 respectively, are considered classics of the survival horror genre and could potentially see a resurgence in popularity with this wider availability.
The lone full-priced title in this batch is the Deluxe Edition of Need for Speed Heat. This 2019 release offers an open-world playground for racers, with a day/night cycle altering gameplay and adding an extra layer of challenge.
This strategic move by EA seems to target multiple objectives. It allows them to tap into the vast user base of the Epic Games Store, potentially reaching a new generation of players who may not have experienced these older titles. Additionally, with the surging popularity of esports, some of these games, like the Battlefield entries, could see renewed interest in the competitive scene, especially with the potential for online tournaments hosted on the Epic Games platform.
For the Epic Games Store, this influx of established franchises bolsters their library with high-quality games, further enticing users to choose their platform over competitors like Steam. While some of these titles are older releases, they boast large and dedicated fanbases who will likely be thrilled to revisit these classics or introduce them to a new generation of gamers.
Cross-Play Concerns and Launcher Fatigue: Potential Roadblocks on the Road to Revival
However, a few potential drawbacks exist. The biggest concern for existing fans might be the lack of cross-play functionality. Players who already own these games on Origin, EA’s launcher, won’t be able to team up with friends who purchase them on the Epic Games Store. This could potentially fragment the player base, especially for titles with strong multiplayer components like the Battlefield games.
Furthermore, some gamers might be wary of having to manage multiple launchers for their libraries. While the Epic Games Store has made significant strides in recent years, some users might still prefer the familiarity and features offered by established platforms like Steam.
Overall, the addition of these classic EA titles to the Epic Games Store is a significant development for the PC gaming landscape. It offers a treasure trove of experiences for both seasoned veterans and newcomers, potentially reigniting competitive scenes and offering a diverse selection for casual players. Whether this strategic move by EA pays off in the long run largely depends on factors like the implementation of a potential future cross-play system and the ability to lure players away from established launchers. Regardless, the arrival of these iconic titles on a new platform is sure to spark conversation and potentially lead to a resurgence in their popularity.
