EA Shuts Down Origin, Impacts Users

In 2011, EA introduced the Origin App, a platform designed to let gamers browse and purchase EA's PC games directly, bypassing giants like Steam. A significant moment for Origin was the exclusive launch of Mass Effect 3 in 2012, which required the use of Origin. Despite this, Origin never truly gained the traction EA hoped for, largely due to its clunky user experience and cumbersome login processes. Many PC gamers actively avoided using Origin, yet EA continued to push forward until recently announcing a replacement with the equally challenging EA app.

The transition to the EA app comes with its own set of challenges. For instance, if you own Titanfall on Origin and fail to switch your account to the EA platform, you risk losing access to your purchased games. Additionally, the EA app is exclusively compatible with 64-bit operating systems, leaving users with 32-bit systems behind. This move aligns with industry trends, as Steam also discontinued support for 32-bit OS in early 2024, impacting a small number of users still using older systems.

It's highly unlikely that anyone with a PC or laptop purchased or custom-built in the last five years would be running a 32-bit OS. However, Microsoft did offer 32-bit versions of Windows 10 until 2020. Users on Windows 11 won’t face this issue, as 64-bit support has been standard since Windows Vista, introduced nearly two decades ago.

To determine if you're on a 32-bit system, check your RAM usage. A 32-bit OS can only utilize up to 4GB of RAM, so if your system has more, you're probably safe. If you've mistakenly installed a 32-bit OS, you'll need to perform a full system wipe and reinstall a 64-bit version.

While dropping support for 32-bit systems in 2024 isn't unexpected, it raises concerns about digital ownership. Losing access to a game library due to hardware changes is frustrating, and this issue isn't unique to EA, as Valve has also discontinued 32-bit support, leaving some players unable to upgrade their systems.

The rise of invasive digital DRM solutions like Denuvo adds another layer of complexity. These solutions often require deep system access and may impose arbitrary installation limits, complicating the gaming experience despite a legitimate purchase.

One solution to preserve a digital library is to support platforms like GOG, operated by CD Projekt. GOG's DRM-free approach ensures that once you download a game, you can play it on any supported hardware indefinitely. This model, while potentially opening up avenues for piracy, hasn't deterred developers, as evidenced by the upcoming RPG "Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2" slated for release on GOG.