Does Origin belong to EA?

Does Origin belong to EA?

Origin is a digital distribution platform that has been associated with Electronic Arts (EA) for many years. The platform was initially created as a digital storefront for EA’s games, and it has since evolved to include games from other publishers and developers. But does Origin belong to EA?

Yes, Origin was founded by Electronic Arts

The short answer is yes, Origin was founded by Electronic Arts. In 1992, EA acquired the video game development company Origin Systems, which was known for its role-playing games such as Ultima and Wing Commander. The acquisition included the Origin Systems’ assets, including its digital distribution platform, which would later become the Origin platform we know today.

The Birth of Origin

The Origins platform was first launched in 1992, just a few months after EA’s acquisition of Origin Systems. At the time, the platform was called EA Online and was used primarily to distribute EA’s own games. Over the years, the platform evolved and was rebranded as Origin, with the release of Origin 8.0 in 2011.

What happened to Origin Systems?

Origin Systems continued to operate as a subsidiary of EA, but in 1998, EA decided to phase out the Origin Systems brand and focus on its own label. The company’s developers and staff were integrated into EA’s internal studios, and the Origin Systems name was retired.

Today’s Origin

Today, Origin is a popular digital distribution platform that offers a wide range of games from various publishers and developers. The platform has undergone significant changes and updates over the years, including the addition of new features such as cloud saves, online multiplayer, and social features.

Why does Origin matter to EA?

Origin matters to EA for several reasons:

• Distribution channel: Origin provides a platform for EA to distribute its games directly to customers, cutting out the middlemen and giving the company more control over the distribution process.
• Revenue stream: Origin generates revenue for EA through the sale of games and in-game items.
• Customer data: Origin allows EA to collect data on customer preferences, buying habits, and other important metrics, which can be used to inform future game development and marketing decisions.
• Community building: Origin provides a platform for EA to engage with its customers, build communities around its games, and offer exclusive content and rewards.

What does the future hold for Origin?

The future of Origin is uncertain, as EA has announced plans to phase out the platform in favor of a new desktop client called the EA App. The EA App will offer many of the same features and functions as Origin, but with a new and improved interface and more features. However, it’s unclear what will happen to Origin Systems, which was once an important part of EA’s game development and publishing business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Origin was founded by Electronic Arts and has been a key part of the company’s game development and publishing business for many years. While the future of Origin is uncertain, the platform has played an important role in the development and distribution of EA’s games, and it continues to be an important revenue stream for the company.

References

• EA. (2020). About EA. Retrieved from https://www.ea.com/about
• Wikipedia. (2020). Origin (video game store). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origin_(video_game_store)
• Origin. (2020). FAQ. Retrieved from https://www.origin.com/origin/faq