Can I Transfer Games Across EA Accounts? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is generally no, you cannot directly transfer games between EA accounts yourself. However, there are nuances and exceptions to this rule, which we’ll explore in depth. While a straightforward transfer process isn’t readily available, there are limited workarounds and considerations to keep in mind. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Understanding EA Account Ownership

EA accounts are designed to be personal and non-transferable. Think of them as your digital identity within the EA ecosystem. Games purchased and content acquired are associated with that specific account, much like tying a physical game library to your personal ID. EA’s policy emphasizes individual ownership and discourages account sharing.

Why Can’t I Directly Transfer Games?

There are several reasons behind this limitation:

• Licensing Agreements: Game licenses are granted to individual accounts. Transferring them would violate the terms of service and licensing agreements EA has with publishers and developers.
• Security Concerns: Allowing easy transfers could create loopholes for fraud and illegal game distribution.
• Account Security: Transfer mechanisms could potentially compromise account security if not implemented with robust safeguards.
• Content Entitlements: Games often come with associated content like DLC, in-game items, and achievements. Untangling these complex entitlements for transfer is a logistical challenge.

Potential Workarounds and Exceptions

While direct transfers are off the table, there are a few scenarios where assistance might be possible, though not guaranteed:

• Account Merging: If you have two separate EA accounts, you might be able to merge them. This requires contacting EA Support and proving ownership of both accounts. However, not all content and progress transfers are guaranteed during a merge. Some cloud saves may not transfer, and certain titles/previous purchases may face limitations.
• Exceptional Circumstances: In rare cases, such as the death of an account holder, EA Support might consider a transfer to a family member. This requires substantial documentation and is handled on a case-by-case basis. Prepare for a potentially lengthy process.
• Sims 4 Specifics: If you’re dealing with The Sims 4, and you want to share packs, you can use the offline mode and have multiple people connecting to the same account, but it will force you to be offline in the game. This will give you access to the packs, without having to purchase them again.

How to Attempt Account Merging

1. Gather Information: Collect the email addresses, usernames, and security question answers for both EA accounts.
2. Contact EA Support: Visit the EA Help website and initiate a live chat or request a callback. Explain that you want to merge your accounts and provide the necessary information. You can access support here: https://help.ea.com/en/
3. Verify Ownership: Be prepared to verify your identity and prove ownership of both accounts.
4. Follow Instructions: Follow the instructions provided by the EA Support representative. Understand that the process might take time, and there’s no guarantee all content will transfer seamlessly.

Important Considerations

• Account Sharing is Prohibited: Sharing your EA account credentials with others is a violation of the terms of service and can lead to account suspension or termination.
• Be Cautious of Third-Party Offers: Avoid websites or individuals claiming to offer game transfer services. These are likely scams and could compromise your account security.
• Platform Restrictions: Game transfers between different platforms (e.g., PlayStation to PC) are generally impossible. If you want to play a game on a different platform, you typically need to purchase it again.

The EA App and Origin: What You Need to Know

EA has transitioned from the Origin client to the EA app. The EA app is a newer platform designed to replace Origin. Any games you’ve downloaded through Origin will generally be ready to launch through the EA app. The migration to the EA app doesn’t affect the underlying restrictions on game transfers between accounts.

Moving Games to a New Computer

If you’re simply moving your games to a new computer, you don’t need to transfer them between accounts. You can follow these steps:

1. Close the EA app.
2. End the “EA Background Service” task in Task Manager.
3. Move your game folder to the desired location.
4. Update the game directory in the Windows Registry (regedit).
5. Launch the EA app.

Is EA Account the same as Origin?

Yes, you can use the same account. However, the new EA app is replacing Origin on PC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional clarity on transferring games across EA accounts:

1. Can I give a game I purchased to a friend?

No, you cannot directly give a game you purchased on your EA account to a friend’s EA account. Game licenses are tied to the purchasing account.

2. What happens to my games if I close my EA account?

If you close your EA account, you will lose access to all games and content associated with that account. There is no option to transfer them to another account before closure.

3. Is it possible to merge two EA accounts if one is banned?

No, you cannot merge a banned EA account with another account. Banned accounts are typically ineligible for any transfer or merging activities.

4. Can I transfer my Sims 4 expansion packs to a new account?

No, you cannot directly transfer Sims 4 expansion packs from one EA account to another. However, merging accounts might be an option, though not all content is guaranteed to transfer.

5. What if I accidentally purchased a game on the wrong EA account?

Contact EA Support immediately. They might be able to assist in transferring the game to the correct account, but this is not guaranteed and depends on the specific circumstances.

6. Can I share my EA Play subscription with my family?

EA Play subscriptions are tied to individual EA accounts and cannot be directly shared with family members. However, they can add more Xbox/PlayStation/PC profiles under one account for a family share option. With each additional profile, you would need to pay a small amount extra for either the monthly or yearly subscription.

7. Can I make a new EA account with the same email address?

If you never played any EA games on a platform with that account, you can create a new account using your current email address. If you want to keep your old account but change the email address on it, you can update it.

8. Does EA ban for account sharing?

Yes, EA can ban accounts for account sharing. “You are responsible for the activity on your EA Account. Your EA Account may be suspended or terminated if someone else uses it to engage in activity that violates this Agreement.” On sharing accounts:”The EA Services are licensed to you, not sold.

9. Can I transfer my EA games from PS4 to PC?

Unfortunately it’s not possible to transfer games between platforms, like from PlayStation to PC (and vice versa). If you own the games on PlayStation and want to play on PC, you’ll have to buy them again for PC.

10. Can I transfer an EA account from PS4 to PC?

On your PC when you log in to the Origin client, just make sure to use the email/password that you would use on your PS3/PS4. If you use the same EA account, the EASCF will carry over across different platforms.

11. I am getting a new computer. Will all my Origin games transfer to EA? Will my Origin games need to be re-downloaded on EA Desktop?

Nope! Any games you’ve downloaded through Origin will be ready to launch through EA Desktop.

12. Can you use the same EA account on two computers?

An EA account can only be used by one person and it is not possible to access the same account on multiple systems at the same time.

13. How do I import games to EA app?

Download games to your Library Launch the EA app. Log in to your EA Account. Go to My Library. Find the game that you want to download and click the arrow in the bottom right corner. Confirm your Install location and Language preferences, then click Next. Read and accept the terms of play. Click Download.

14. Can an EA account only be linked to one account in its lifetime?

Understandable that this is frustrating. Even when you linked it to your son’s account both accounts need to have a unique account linked to their EA account to play the game.

15. How many times can I unlink my EA account?

Once you unlink a platform account (like Steam) from your EA Account and link it to a new EA Account that you own, you can’t unlink it again for six months.

Conclusion

While transferring games between EA accounts isn’t a standard feature, understanding the limitations and potential workarounds can help you navigate various situations. Remember to always prioritize account security and adhere to EA’s terms of service. For those interested in the broader context of games and learning, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.