For Xbox Game Pass subscribers to really get the most bang for their buck, they'll want to sign up for the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier. The highest-priced Xbox Game Pass subscription tier offers gamers not only access to all the games that a vanilla Xbox Game Pass subscription does, but it also adds the PC Game Pass library, special perks, and all the EA Play titles. Unfortunately, it seems Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will soon have two fewer reasons to check out the EA Play offerings, as two games are getting removed from the service in the near future.
EA has confirmed that it is removing both Dirt 4 and Dirt Rally from EA Play beginning October 3. Both Dirt 4 and Dirt Rally received strong reviews from critics, and so it's definitely sad to see them go. No reason has been given for why they're being removed, but usually when racing/sports games are removed from subscription services like this, it's because of expired licenses. In any case, those interested in playing Dirt 4 and Dirt Rally through their Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or EA Play subscriptions have a limited time to do so.
EA Play on PC is set to lose 10 games total on October 3. Besides Dirt 4 and Dirt Rally, EA Play is also losing Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, Overlord, Overlord: Fellowship of Evil, Overlord: Raising Hell, Overlord 2, Project Cars, Rise of Argonauts, and Toybox Turbos. Again, EA has not offered any explanation as to why these games are being removed from the EA Play lineup, but with racing titles like Project Cars, it can be assumed that expired licenses are playing a role. The reason for removing the other titles is less clear.
List of Games Leaving EA Play in October 2022
- Dirt 4
- Dirt Rally
- Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising
- Overlord
- Overlord: Fellowship of Evil
- Overlord: Raising Hell
- Overlord 2
- Project Cars
- Rise of Argonauts
- Toybox Turbos
October 3 is going to be a bad day for EA Play subscribers, but it should be pointed out that it's a relatively rare occasion for games to leave EA Play, especially compared to similar services. Not only that, but fans can count on new games being added to the EA Play lineup over time as well. The big EA Sports titles usually make it to EA Play within six months or so after launch, so by this time next year, fans should have access to the latest FIFA and Madden NFL titles.
This should apply to upcoming EA-published racing titles as well that might go a long way in filling the void left by Dirt and Dirt 4. As a matter of fact, it's been confirmed that Dirt developer Codemasters is partnering with Criterion to make a new Need for Speed game, though it has yet to be officially revealed.
Source: EA (via True Achievements)