Origin Shutting Down: EA Deals Final Blow

EA's Origin platform, launched in 2011 as a competitor to Steam, is finally being replaced by the EA app. This transition, however, comes with significant drawbacks. The notoriously clunky user experience and frustrating login processes of Origin haven't been entirely resolved. In fact, the switch presents a potential loss of access for some users.

Gamers who own titles on Origin but haven't migrated their accounts to the EA app risk losing access to their purchased games. This transition also leaves behind users of 32-bit operating systems, as the EA app only supports 64-bit systems. While Steam also dropped 32-bit support in early 2024, this move highlights concerns about digital ownership and access.

The vast majority of modern PC users are unlikely to be affected by the 32-bit limitation. However, users with older systems running 32-bit Windows (versions sold until 2020) will need to upgrade their operating system to retain access to their games. A simple RAM check can determine if your system is 32-bit (maximum 4GB RAM).

This situation underscores the precarious nature of digital game ownership. Losing access to a purchased library due to hardware or software changes is frustrating, a problem not unique to EA, as Valve's Steam also dropped 32-bit support. Further complicating matters are increasingly prevalent intrusive DRM solutions like Denuvo, which often require deep system access and impose arbitrary installation limits.

A viable alternative for preserving digital game libraries is GOG, a DRM-free platform. Games purchased on GOG can be played on any compatible hardware, ensuring long-term ownership. While this model opens the door to potential piracy, it hasn't hindered the platform's growth, with titles like the upcoming Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 slated for release.