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Do You Still Need Origin? The Lowdown on EA’s Platform Shift

The short answer is no, you likely don’t need Origin anymore, especially if you’re a PC gamer. EA has been actively pushing users toward its new EA App, effectively phasing out Origin as its primary PC platform. However, as with any major software transition, there are nuances and exceptions. Let’s dive into the details to help you determine whether you can finally bid farewell to Origin.

The Rise of the EA App and the Sunset of Origin

For years, Origin served as EA’s answer to Steam, providing a platform for purchasing, downloading, and playing EA titles on PC and Mac. However, EA recognized the need for a more modern and efficient client, leading to the development and rollout of the EA App. The EA App is designed to be faster, more user-friendly, and better integrated with EA’s subscription services like EA Play and EA Play Pro.

The transition from Origin to the EA App has been gradual, with EA inviting users to migrate their accounts and libraries. In many cases, the EA App automatically uninstalls Origin during the installation process, signaling its intention to fully replace the older platform. This migration process aims to be seamless, transferring your games, save data (both local and cloud-based), and friend lists to the new platform. However, some users have reported hiccups, which we’ll address in the FAQs.

Who Still Might Need Origin?

While the EA App is the future, there are a few scenarios where Origin might still be relevant, although these are becoming increasingly rare:

Mac Users: While the EA App is available for PC, Origin for Mac remains the primary platform for Mac users to access and play EA games.
Beta Issues and Unsupported Games: The EA App is still relatively new and undergoes constant development. As such, there might be certain older games or specific features that aren’t fully supported on the EA App yet. In these rare cases, Origin might be necessary, although this is becoming increasingly less likely as EA continues to update the EA App and expand its compatibility. If you find that a game you want to play is not fully supported on the EA App, you may need to temporarily revert to using Origin.
Preference and Familiarity: Some users simply prefer the Origin interface and are hesitant to switch to a new platform. However, this reason is becoming less and less sustainable as EA continues to prioritize and update the EA App.

Migrating to the EA App: A (Hopefully) Smooth Transition

EA has designed the migration process from Origin to the EA App to be as straightforward as possible. When you download and install the EA App, it should automatically detect your existing Origin installation and prompt you to migrate your account and library.

Here’s a general outline of the steps involved:

Download and install the EA App from the official EA website.
Log in using your existing EA account credentials (the same ones you used for Origin).
The EA App should automatically detect your games and library and begin the migration process.
Follow any on-screen prompts or instructions to complete the migration.

Once the migration is complete, your games should be available in your EA App library, and you should be able to download and play them as usual. Remember that your save data (both local and cloud-based) should also transfer over, so you shouldn’t lose any progress.

Troubleshooting Common Migration Issues

While EA aims for a seamless transition, some users have reported encountering issues during the migration process. Here are some common problems and potential solutions:

Games missing from the EA App library: First, double-check that you’re logged in with the correct EA account. It’s surprisingly common for people to have multiple accounts. If that’s not the issue, try restarting the EA App or clearing its cache. If the problem persists, contact EA support.
Save data not transferring: Ensure that cloud saves are enabled in Origin before migrating. If your save data is stored locally, manually back it up before uninstalling Origin and then transfer it to the corresponding folder in the EA App after installation. Check the EA website or relevant game forums for specific instructions on save data locations.
Error messages during installation or migration: These can be caused by a variety of factors, such as corrupted files or conflicts with other software. Try restarting your computer, temporarily disabling your antivirus software, and running the EA App installer as an administrator. If none of these solutions work, contact EA support.
The EA App doesn’t work with many games: Ensure that the games are compatible with the EA app.

GamesLearningSociety.org and the Future of Gaming Platforms

The shift from Origin to the EA App reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry: the constant evolution of platforms and distribution methods. As technology advances and player expectations change, companies are continually striving to provide better, more seamless, and more integrated experiences. This is where organizations such as the Games Learning Society come in. They help us understand the impact of these changes on how we learn and engage with games. The Games Learning Society is a place to learn about games and education: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the transition from Origin to the EA App:

1. Can I use the same account for Origin and the EA App?

Yes, you can and should use the same EA account for both Origin and the EA App. This ensures that your games, progress, and subscription status are properly transferred.

2. Will my games transfer from Origin to the EA App?

Yes, all games registered to your EA account on Origin should automatically transfer to the EA App once you log in.

3. What happens to my Origin friends list?

Your Origin friends list will also migrate to the EA App.

4. What happens if I uninstall Origin before migrating?

It’s generally recommended to migrate your account before uninstalling Origin. However, if you’ve already uninstalled Origin, you should still be able to download and install the EA App and log in with your EA account to access your games.

5. Will I lose my Sims 4 progress if I switch to the EA App?

No, your Sims 4 progress (and progress in other games) should be safe as long as you’re using the same EA account and have cloud saves enabled.

6. Do I need Origin to play Sims 4?

No, you do not need Origin to play Sims 4 if you’re using the EA App on PC. The EA App has replaced Origin as the primary platform for Sims 4.

7. Can I move games from Origin to Steam?

No, it is not possible to transfer games from Origin to Steam. These are separate platforms with their own licensing agreements.

8. Is the EA App better than Origin?

The EA App generally improves upon Origin in terms of speed, user-friendliness, and integration with EA’s services. However, some users may prefer the Origin interface or encounter issues with the EA App that make them temporarily revert.

9. What happens if I delete my Origin account?

Deleting your Origin account will result in the loss of all your games, progress, and in-game purchases associated with that account. This is a permanent action and should be avoided unless you’re absolutely certain you no longer want to access your EA games.

10. Why is EA replacing Origin?

EA is replacing Origin to provide a more modern, efficient, and integrated platform for its games and services.

11. How to play Sims 4 offline in 2024?

Similar to steps in the article, you’ll likely need to:

Open the EA App in online mode
Launch The Sims 4 from the EA App
Then, switch the EA App to offline mode via settings.
If you are using Steam, you’ll need to put the game on the EA App into offline mode.

12. Is Sims 4 free through the EA App?

The base game of Sims 4 is free to download and play on the EA App. However, expansion packs, game packs, and stuff packs are still available for purchase.

13. Why did Sims 4 disappear from my library?

Ensure you’re logged in with the correct EA account. Games are tied to specific accounts, so using the wrong one will result in a missing library.

14. Will the EA App work on macOS?

Currently, the EA App is only available for Windows PCs. Origin remains the primary platform for Mac users.

15. Can I bypass the EA App to play Sims 4?

No, you generally cannot bypass the EA App to play Sims 4 if you’re on PC. The game requires the platform to be running for account verification and entitlement purposes.

In conclusion, while Origin has served its purpose for many years, it’s time to embrace the EA App as the primary platform for EA games on PC. The transition should be relatively smooth for most users, and the EA App offers a more modern and efficient experience. While some edge cases might require temporary reliance on Origin, these are becoming increasingly rare as EA continues to develop and improve its new platform. So, say goodbye to Origin and hello to the future of EA gaming!

Do you need Origin anymore?