Do I need both Origin and EA Desktop?
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You do not necessarily need to use both Origin and EA Desktop as the EA Desktop is designed to be a replacement for Origin, offering a more streamlined and efficient gaming experience with improved performance and reduced bugs and crashes. The decision to use one or both ultimately depends on your specific gaming needs and the type of EA games you play, as some games may still require Origin for launch or third-party DRM.
Understanding the Transition
The transition from Origin to EA Desktop is part of EA’s strategy to enhance user experience and adapt to the evolving gaming landscape, recognizing the limitations of Origin and aiming to provide a better platform for gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Can Origin and EA Desktop be used together?
Yes, you can have both Origin and EA Desktop installed on your computer, but you cannot use them simultaneously for the same functions.
Is EA app and Origin the same account?
Yes, you can use the same account for both EA App (now referred to as EA Desktop) and Origin, ensuring a seamless transition between the two platforms.
Why is Origin switching to EA?
Origin is switching to EA Desktop because EA listened to user feedback and acknowledged the limitations of Origin in today’s quickly evolving entertainment landscape, choosing to replace it rather than fix its limitations.
Functionality and Compatibility
Do I need Origin to run EA games?
You may need Origin to launch some EA games from Steam, as Steam will indicate the need for a third-party DRM and show Origin software installation in the system requirements.
Do EA games on Steam still require Origin?
Yes, some EA games on Steam still require Origin for online activation and may need the Origin client software installed and running in the background.
What is the difference between EA Desktop and Origin?
EA Desktop is essentially the next evolution of Origin, designed to provide a smoother, more reliable gaming experience without the bugs and crashes often associated with Origin.
Installation and Uninstallation
Can I uninstall Origin if I have EA?
Yes, you can uninstall Origin if you have EA Desktop, as EA Desktop is designed to replace Origin and provide all the necessary functionalities for playing EA games.
What happens if I delete Origin?
If you uninstall Origin, you won’t be able to play EA games or access any downloaded content until you reinstall it, but your local save game files and online saves will remain intact.
What happens to my games if I uninstall EA?
Uninstalling EA Desktop will prevent you from playing EA games or using any extra downloaded content until you reinstall it, and you risk removing files necessary for patch updates.
Account and Game Management
Can you have both EA app and Origin?
While you can have both installed, an EA Account can only have one of each platform account linked at a time, limiting simultaneous use for certain functionalities.
Can I reinstall a game after uninstalling it from Origin?
Yes, the game will remain in the ‘My Games’ section of the Origin client, and you can choose to keep or remove game saves when uninstalling.
Will my Sims transfer from Origin to EA?
Your Sims 4 game progress and files will not be affected by switching from Origin to EA Desktop, as the game itself is not altered by the change in platform.
EA Access and Game Ownership
Do I keep my games if I cancel EA access?
If you cancel EA Access, you will keep your game progress, but you won’t be able to play EA Play games unless you purchase them or resubscribe.
Can I delete EA and still play Sims?
Yes, you can cancel EA Play and still play Sims 4 if you have purchased it or have access through another means, as EA Play cancellation does not affect game ownership.
Technical Support and Troubleshooting
How do I disable EA Origin?
You can disable Origin In-Game by going to the Origin menu, selecting Application Settings, then the Origin In-Game tab, and toggling the switch off.
What does unlinking your EA account do?
Unlinking a platform account from your EA Account allows you to link it to another EA Account, but note that your in-game progress will not transfer over.
Why is Origin forcing me to download EA app?
EA has decided to transition users to EA Desktop due to its improved features and performance, which may require downloading the EA App for continued support and access to EA games.
Can I get Sims 4 without Origin?
No, you need Origin (or now EA Desktop) to play The Sims 4, as it requires the client for installation, registration, and potentially for launch, especially for games that use third-party DRM.