EA details Demo and Early Access plans for Anthem

EA’s Anthem has quickly become one of the most highly anticipated releases of early 2019, with EA investing heavily in gameplay trailers while presenting the game at almost every major games show. 

With a show of confidence, EA has reconfirmed that gamers will be able to play Anthem before its launch on February 22nd, granting gamers on PS4, Xbox One and PC the ability to play the game up to three weeks before its final release. 

On February 1st, 2019, those who have pre-ordered the game will receive access to a “VIP Demo”, though gamers who have an active EA/Origin Access subscription will also have access to the early VIP demo. Those who subscribe to EA or Origin Access after this date will not gain access to the VIP demo. 

On February 15th, two weeks after the VIP demo, Origin Access Premier members will receive access to the full game, seven days before launch. Standard Origin Access and EA Access subscribers will also gain access to the game’s 10-hour “Play First Trail” on this date, but game progression will be limited. Saves from this version of the game will carry over to the full game. 

In Anthem, teams of up to four players can explore the game’s dangerous world, using Javelin exosuits to combat the many creatures and hostile humans to occupy the landscape. Bioware promises a unique story with Anthem, hopefully overcoming the narrative issues that are often associated with MMO-lite multiplayer RPG-shooters, though this remains to be seen.

Anthem will offer gamers a solo-play option, though the game will remain an online-only title. Anthem is an always-online game and will lack loot boxes when it releases, though EA has confirmed that cosmetic and vanity items will be available for purchase.