When a playable version of an upcoming game is promoted, it’s usually published as a beta test or a version that’s in early access. EA is doing things differently with Plants Vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. They’re letting diehard fans buy and play the game about a month ahead of its release.

For now, let’s put aside EA’s history of employing scummy business tactics to nickle and dime gamers and focus on what they’re offering here because it seems to be something that fans would truly want.

Plants Vs. Zombies: Battle For Neighborville – Founder’s Edition is basically an early release of the finished game. Apparently, the main reason why this edition exists is to allow the game’s most passionate fans to play it early and give some last minute feedback before the game is officially released.

The Founder’s Edition is being sold for £24.99 (roughly RM130) and those of you subscribed to Origin Access Basic and EA Access will get an additional 10% subscriber discount. Founder’s Edition is only available digitally.

Here’s the biggest catch: Getting the Founder’s Edition doesn’t mean you straight away get the entire game. For the next six weeks leading up to the game’s release, content such as game modes, maps, and events will be progressively unlocked each week.

Of course, all your progress in the Founder’s Edition will be transferable to the Standard Edition once it launches. Those who acquired the exclusively weekly rewards in the Founder’s Edition will get to keep them.

In the community side of things, there will be a Discord server where Founder Edition players will be able to directly give feedback and inputs to the game’s developers. Sharing content and livestreaming the game are also encouraged.

For more information on Plants Vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville and where you can buy it, check out the game’s official website.

Plants Vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville will be released on 18 October 2019 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC (Origin).