Theme Hospital is EA's Next Free Game

Theme Hospital, the clinical management sim that has amassed a cult following since its 1997 release, is the latest free offering by Electronic Arts.

The iconic Bullfrog-developed game usually costs $4.99 (£3.99), but those who have downloaded the Origin platform can own it for free. As part of EA's ongoing 'On The House' promotion, those who download it will have it in their library permanently.

Electronic Arts launched the 'On the House' promo in May with Visceral Games' 2008 horror title Dead Space. The initiative is part of EA's wider plan to foster a better relationship with the PC gamer community, having been voted Worst Company in America for two years running.

Other free games have included Plants vs. Zombies, Wing Commander III, Peggle, Dragon Age: Origins, and Bejeweled 3, among others.

'On the House' is one of many new digital services hosted by EA. Others include the subscription-based EA Access program, which gives Xbox One owners unlimited access to select EA titles, as well as digital content discounts and early access to upcoming games, for $5/month. Another new initiative is Origin Game Time, which offers up free play for PC games.

Further information on the EA Access deal can be found here.