Electronic Arts Inc. announced today the launch of the EA SPORTS Season Ticket program. Starting from today for the Xbox 360 console, the program gives gamers four benefits: access to play all participating EA SPORTS games via a full-game digital download three days before consumers have the option to purchase a disc at retail launch; a 20-percent discount on downloadable game content; free premium web content; and membership recognition.

The program, available from today, costs 2000 Microsoft Points for a years subscription and begins with the launch of Madden NFL 12 this month with future support for Madden NFL Football, NHL hockey, EA SPORTS FIFA and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR.

"EA SPORTS Season Ticket is an exciting program for our core fans - it lets our biggest fans play earlier, play more and play better than anyone else," said Peter Moore, President, EA SPORTS. "EA SPORTS Season Ticket is an important step in our vision for transforming how deeply fans connect with the sports games they love through digital products and services. We're excited to continue evolving EA SPORTS Season Ticket as we listen to what consumers want most in their gaming experiences."

The following detail the program benefits:

  • Early Full-Game Digital Access: Three days before a game's scheduled release, fans will be able to download and play the full version of all four participating titles on Xbox 360. After three days, the digitally downloaded game will time out and consumers have the option to purchase the same full game on disc at retail. EA SPORTS Season Ticket subscribers can transfer all achievements earned during the three-day download period to the purchased disc, resulting in an early edge over the competition.

  • Discounted Downloadable Content: Subscribers will get a 20-percent discount on all available downloadable content for participating EA SPORTS titles. Downloadable content, which enhances and refreshes the core game experience, includes such items as Ultimate Team packs, accelerator packs and gear upgrades.

  • Free Premium Web Content: Premium web content extends the game experience beyond the console to a web browser. All participating titles will feature premium web content that will be free to EA SPORTS Season Ticket members beginning with the premium Creation Centre packs for FIFA 12. These packs provide a deeper set of customization tools and abilities within Creation Centre to build your own teams and tournaments, and will be available to the consumer until the membership to the program has expired.

  • Membership Recognition: Subscribers are easily identifiable with an exclusive membership recognition badge displayed both in-game and on their EASPORTS.com profile.