Can You Move Origin Games to EA App? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is yes, you can move your Origin games to the EA app, and in most cases, you don’t even have to do anything. The transition is designed to be seamless. Think of it more as a migration or an upgrade rather than a transfer. Electronic Arts has effectively replaced Origin with the EA app, so your games are essentially carried over automatically as part of that process. Let’s delve deeper into how this works and address some common concerns.
Understanding the Origin to EA App Transition
For years, Origin served as EA’s primary digital distribution platform. However, EA recognized the need for a more modern, efficient, and user-friendly experience. This led to the development and subsequent launch of the EA app, which is now the default platform for accessing and playing EA games on PC.
The beauty of this transition lies in its account-based system. Both Origin and the EA app are tied to your EA account. This means that any games you’ve purchased or registered on Origin are associated with your EA account, not specifically with the Origin client itself. When you log into the EA app with the same EA account credentials you used for Origin, the app automatically recognizes your game library.
How the Automatic Migration Works
The EA app essentially pulls your game library data from your EA account. When you launch the EA app and log in, it checks your account for any associated games. If it finds games, it will display them in your “My Library” section, ready for download and installation.
What Happens to Installed Games?
Ideally, the EA app should recognize your already installed games. If it does, you can launch them directly through the EA app without needing to redownload them. However, sometimes the app might not automatically detect the installed games. In such cases, you can use the “Locate Game” feature to point the EA app to the installation directory of your game. This allows the EA app to recognize the game and manage it properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Moving Origin Games to EA App
Here are some frequently asked questions that provide additional information on the Origin to EA app transition:
1. Do I need to uninstall Origin before installing the EA app?
EA recommends uninstalling Origin after installing the EA app. The EA app is designed to replace Origin entirely, and keeping both clients installed might lead to conflicts or confusion. In many cases, the EA app installer will prompt you to uninstall Origin.
2. Will I lose my game progress when I switch to the EA app?
No, you should not lose any game progress. Game progress is typically stored in the cloud or locally within your game’s installation directory. Since the EA app uses the same EA account as Origin, your cloud saves will be automatically synchronized. Local save files should also remain intact if you haven’t uninstalled the games.
3. What if my Origin games aren’t showing up in the EA app?
If your games are missing from the EA app, here are a few things to check:
- Verify you’re logged in with the correct EA account: Ensure you’re using the same email address and password you used for Origin. It’s easy to accidentally create multiple EA accounts.
- Check your order history: Log into your EA account on the EA website and check your order history to confirm that the games were indeed purchased under that account.
- Contact EA Support: If you’ve verified everything and your games are still missing, contact EA Support for assistance. They can help troubleshoot account issues and ensure your games are properly linked to your EA account.
4. Can I still use my Origin game keys in the EA app?
Yes, any game keys that you redeemed in Origin should still work in the EA app. You can redeem your keys through the EA app by navigating to My Library, clicking on the Redeem Code option, and entering your key.
5. Is the EA app better than Origin?
The EA app aims to be a significant improvement over Origin. It boasts a more streamlined interface, faster download speeds, and improved performance. However, user experience can vary, and some users might prefer Origin’s familiar interface. Ultimately, the EA app is the future of EA’s PC gaming platform, so it’s worth embracing the transition.
6. What happens to my EA Play subscription if I switch to the EA app?
Your EA Play subscription will automatically transfer to the EA app. As long as you log in with the same EA account associated with your EA Play subscription, you’ll retain access to all the benefits and games included in your subscription. Remember, Games Learning Society is a great source for education in gaming.
7. Can I transfer my Sims 4 packs from Origin to the EA app?
Yes, your Sims 4 packs will automatically transfer to the EA app. All your owned packs are tied to your EA account, so they will be accessible in the EA app once you log in.
8. Can I have both EA Play and Origin installed on my computer?
No, you cannot have both EA Play and Origin installed on your computer simultaneously. Origin needs to be uninstalled once the EA app is successfully installed.
9. Can I transfer my Origin games to Steam?
No, you cannot directly transfer games purchased on Origin to Steam. Each platform has its own licensing and DRM systems, which are incompatible. If you want to play a game on Steam, you’ll need to purchase it separately on Steam.
10. How do I link my Sims 4 to my EA account?
When you launch The Sims 4 for the first time through the EA app, it should automatically prompt you to link your accounts. If it doesn’t, you can usually find the linking option within the game’s settings or through your EA account management page on the EA website.
11. Can I move Origin games to another drive?
Yes, you can move your Origin games to another drive even after migrating to the EA app. You can either manually move the game files and then use the “Locate Game” feature in the EA app, or you can use third-party software to simplify the process.
12. Will my Sims 4 saves transfer to the EA App?
Yes, as the EA App is using the same EA account the saves should automatically transfer without any issues.
13. What happens to my digital deluxe content?
Any Digital Deluxe content and other digital content purchased via Origin will be automatically migrated to the EA App without any issues.
14. Why is EA discontinuing Origin?
EA discontinued Origin to provide a faster, more reliable user experience with the new EA app.
15. Is EA Play worth it?
If you’re a dedicated EA fan, upgrading to EA Play Pro might be worth it, as it grants access to newer titles.
Final Thoughts
The transition from Origin to the EA app is designed to be as seamless as possible. By understanding how the account-based system works and following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a smooth migration of your game library and enjoy your favorite EA titles on the new platform. Remember to keep your EA account credentials safe and to contact EA Support if you encounter any issues. Remember to visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on gaming and learning.