What are they replacing Origin with?
Origin, the gaming client developed by Electronic Arts (EA), has been around since 2011, providing gamers with a centralized platform to manage their digital game libraries and connect with the EA community. In recent years, EA announced plans to phase out Origin in favor of a new desktop client, which sparked curiosity among gamers. Here, we’ll explore the reasons behind the transition, the new features of the EA app, and more.
What is EA replacing Origin with?
The answer is the EA app, a redesigned desktop client designed to bring a more modern and simplified gaming experience. The app will gradually replace Origin over time, offering a refreshed interface, new features, and improved performance.
Key Features of the EA App
The EA app boasts several enhancements over the current Origin client:
- Streamlined UI: A cleaner, more intuitive design, making it easier to find and install games.
- Game Library: Access all your EA games, including new releases, from one centralized location.
- Cloud Saves: Transfer game saves between devices effortlessly, ensuring you can resume gameplay on any platform.
- Friends & Chat: Join and interact with friends in-game using the app’s built-in chat feature.
- Notifications: Receive vital updates, news, and announcements from EA and developers.
- New Games: Explore a new games library, featuring fresh titles and EA’s ever-growing catalog.
- Offline Play: While some games require internet to activate, others can be played offline, ensuring flexibility.
Why is EA Replacing Origin?
The decision to phase out Origin stems from several factors:
- Customer Feedback: EA listened to player concerns and criticisms regarding the Origin client’s complex interface and issues with functionality.
- Staying Competitive: In the rapidly evolving gaming landscape, EA aimed to create a more modern and user-friendly experience to remain competitive in the market.
- Simplification and Consolidation: The shift to the EA app facilitates a more streamlined and straightforward approach to managing game collections and interacting with the gaming community.
Is EA App Better than Steam?
While opinions may vary, the EA app seems to have a more concise and intuitive interface compared to Steam. EA Games (1,440 games) currently available for download on the app contrast with Steam’s immense library (over 30,000 games) but both platforms have their unique strengths and weaknesses.
| EA App (Origin) | Steam | |
|---|---|---|
| Available Games | 1,440 (EA only) | 30,000+ |
| User Interface | Modern, streamlined | Complex |
| Offline Play | Some games | Almost all games |
Implications for Existing Origin Accounts
Existing Origin accounts won’t be affected by the transition:
- No Data Loss: Access your game library, purchased games, and progress uninterrupted.
- Auto-Upgrades: The app will automatically upgrade your accounts to the new EA desktop client.
- Cross-Platform Play (for supported games): Continue playing across devices.
Reinstalling the EA App (Without Losing Games)
Don’t worry; reinstalling the app won’t impact your saved games:
- No Data Loss: Previous game saves and progress are preserved.
- Auto-Downloads: Continue downloading and installing new titles without interruption.
In conclusion, EA is replacing Origin with a more modern, user-friendly, and simplified gaming platform, the EA app. While some might lament the loss of a familiar interface, the new app offers improved functionality, enhanced game management, and a more streamlined user experience. With the increasing competition in the gaming market, EA’s decision to revamp their client is a nod to the ever-evolving gaming landscape.