The online RPG Anthem has a completely fragmented plan for the launch. This disadvantages players on PS4 and divides buyers into three classes. Even the game’s director, Jonathan Warner, criticizes this plan on Twitter.
This is the problem: Anthem does not have a single launch date, but three. There is a clear “class society.” Apparently, EA is using the launch of Anthem to promote their service “Origin Access” to players.
EA has even created a graphic for the launch to explain the schedule:
- On February 15th, players with Origin Access Premier will enter the full game – but this is only possible on PC.
- On February 15th, others can also start, but only for 10 hours with Origin Access or EA Access – this applies to Xbox One and PC.
- All others will start on February 22nd with the full game – so all players on PS4 and players on PC and Xbox One without Origin Access.
So some have a one-week “head start” over the rest. They are purchasing an advantage through Origin Access.
This is how it was received in September: The launch schedule has been known for a long time. We reported on this back in September. At that time, almost only fans of the game were interested, who did not see it so critically – at least not with us at MeinMMO.
Back then, many said that Origin Access was actually a good deal.
This is how it is received now: But at the moment, many more people are engaging with Anthem than in September. And they are realizing that this class society exists and that they count among the disadvantaged players. Especially PS4 players are angry that they have no way to start earlier, even if they would be willing to pay more.
The anger is expressed in a tweet from EA, which presented the schedule on January 30th.
People like industry critic Jim Sterling say this overloaded mess is completely ridiculous and receive a lot of agreement for it.
Otherwise, the action is receiving a lot of angry reactions.
This is what the head of Anthem says: Even Anthem’s Game Director, Jonathan Warner, has made a statement on Twitter.
He says: “EA Access for PS4 is completely out of our control. Negotiating this is solely up to EA and Sony. If it were up to me, everyone could start on the same day.”
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