Electronic Arts has announced

Called EA Access, the FIFA 14 Coins service will cost $4.99 per month -- or $29.99 per year -- and allow unlimited access to something EA calls The Vault, its repository for the service's available titles. The Vault will launch with four EA-developed games: FIFA 14, Madden NFL 25, Battlefield 4, and Peggle 2.

The service is a noticeable departure from existing delivery networks in the game industry. Though it is not full-blown game streaming -- meaning no hardware or download required, as Sony is attempting to deliver with its forthcoming PlayStation Now service -- EA Access does mark the first instance of a major industry player taking its titles the route of a subscription service.

It is not unusual for EA, which has grown its digital efforts considerably over the last few years. The company soared past its first-quarter earnings estimates last week partially on the strength of FIFA, yet also thanks to an 80 percent boost in its "ultimate team" fantasy soccer league service, a 50 percent boost in its hockey fantasy league service, and a 350 percent jump in its fantasy RS Gold football offering.