EA Origin has launched as a rebranded, rebooted Electronic Arts digital store. “Origin” is the new name of the brand, and has replaced all of the digital storefronts and similar online features including the aforementioned EA Store and EA Download Manager, now both using the Origin name.
So what is Origin?
Origin is EA’s Steam, where you can download and purchase new EA games at your convenience, some of which will be exclusive to the store (such as The Old Republic, which you can only purchase digitally through Origin) and some of which will have exclusive features when purchased via Origin (such as the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3).
Even more than that though, Origin offers a wealth of social networking features, allowing you to set up a profile to connect with your friends, chat, share your game library and see what others are playing, join your friends games and more.
“Origin brings an entire universe of EA games into a single, convenient application. Origin lets you purchase and play your favorite EA games – any time and any place you want. With the in-game overlay, you can chat with your friends and browse the web while playing select games.
Origin’s new social features allow you to create a profile, connect and chat with your friends, share your game library, and effortlessly join your friends’ games. Origin streamlines the download process, for quick, easy installation and use. Direct download of PC games requires the Origin client, and once you have it, you’ll be able to access your game library from virtually anywhere. You can even play your favorite games on other PCs when you’re on the go. For gamers on the go, Origin services are also available on your mobile device! With the world’s leading mobile gaming portfolio, EA offers mobile gamers an unmatched experience through Origin, including the ability to find and connect with your friends to play and share in a leading edge smartphone environment.”
Origins is now live, and as with the Ultima Forever website portal, it looks like EA is trying to really push themselves into their own Steam-style service and digital hub for all their content. Which only makes sense.
Will you be using Origin?