EA Pulls the Plug on Origin, Leaving Users in the Lurch

EA is officially discontinuing its Origin app to replace it with the EA app, which has faced its own set of issues. Launched in 2011, Origin struggled with user experience and cumbersome login processes, leading many PC gamers to bypass it. If users do not transition their accounts from Origin to the EA app, they risk losing access to their purchased games. Furthermore, the EA app will only support 64-bit operating systems, leaving those on 32-bit systems without access to their libraries. This move raises concerns about digital ownership and highlights the challenges gamers face with digital rights management.

If you do not switch your account from Origin to the EA app, you will lose access to any games you have purchased on Origin.

EA's Origin app was a significant entry in the digital storefront landscape, primarily aimed at consolidating EA's game offerings for PC players, especially notable for the strict requirements regarding titles like Mass Effect 3. However, its shortcomings in user interface and functionality prevented it from gaining traction against formidable competitors like Steam. The transition to the EA app reflects a broader trend within the gaming market, as various platforms advance the need for more modern digital distribution solutions.