EA's Origin app, launched in 2011 as a rival to Steam, is finally being replaced by the EA app. While intended to streamline EA's PC game distribution, Origin's clunky interface and frustrating logins led to widespread user dissatisfaction. This transition, however, comes with significant drawbacks.
Users who haven't transferred their Origin accounts to the EA app risk losing access to purchased games. Furthermore, the EA app only supports 64-bit operating systems, leaving 32-bit users in the lurch. While Steam also dropped 32-bit support in early 2024, this move highlights concerns about digital ownership and access to purchased content. Most modern PCs already use 64-bit systems, but users with older 32-bit Windows installations (like some Windows 10 versions sold until 2020) will need to reinstall their OS. A simple RAM check (32-bit systems max out at 4GB) can help determine your system type.
This situation underscores the precarious nature of digital game ownership. Losing access to a game library due to OS changes is a frustrating reality, shared by both Origin/EA and Steam users. The increasing prevalence of invasive DRM solutions like Denuvo, with their kernel-level access and arbitrary limitations, further exacerbates this issue.
A potential solution is supporting platforms like GOG, which offers DRM-free games. GOG's model ensures continued access to purchased titles regardless of hardware changes, although this approach does present challenges regarding software piracy. Despite this, GOG continues to attract new releases, with titles like the upcoming RPG Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 slated for release.
