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Is an Origin Account Free? Understanding EA’s Gaming Platform

The short answer is yes, creating a basic Origin account is free. However, the landscape of EA’s gaming services, now primarily managed through the EA app on PC (with Origin remaining for Mac users), can be a bit confusing. While the account itself doesn’t cost anything, understanding the nuances of subscriptions, game purchases, and the evolution of the platform is crucial. This article will delve deep into what a free Origin (now EA) account provides, and what additional costs you might encounter.

The Free EA Account: What You Get

Creating an EA account is a straightforward process. You’ll need to visit the EA website or the EA app and provide basic information like your email address, date of birth, and country/region. This free account serves as your gateway to all things EA, including:

Access to EA’s online services: This allows you to connect with friends, track your gaming progress, and participate in online multiplayer (with games that offer this feature).
Game Purchases: You can use your account to purchase and download games from the EA store, be it through the EA app or the Origin platform for Mac.
Free Game Downloads: From time to time, EA offers free games through promotions, which can be accessed via your free EA account. This includes the popular base game for The Sims 4, which is now free to download on all supported platforms.
Cloud Saves: Your game progress is typically saved to the cloud, allowing you to continue playing on different devices without losing progress.

Essentially, the free EA account provides the essential infrastructure for accessing and playing EA games. It’s the foundation upon which all other services are built.

Understanding EA Play Subscriptions

While your core EA account is free, EA offers subscription services that significantly enhance the gaming experience. These subscriptions come with a fee, and it’s important to distinguish them from the free account. Here’s a breakdown:

EA Play

This subscription offers a lower cost entry point into EA’s ecosystem and includes:

Access to a large library of EA games: This includes many popular titles across various genres.
Early access trials to new games: Get to play new titles for a limited time before their official release.
10% discount on EA digital purchases: This applies to full games, expansion packs, and in-game currency.

EA Play costs $4.99 a month or $29.99 for a full year.

EA Play Pro

This premium subscription tier provides even more benefits:

Unlimited access to an expanded library of EA games: This includes new releases.
Full access to deluxe editions of games: Meaning you get extra content and bonuses without purchasing them separately.

EA Play Pro costs $14.99 a month or $99.99 for a full year.

It’s crucial to remember that an EA Play subscription is not required to simply have an EA account and purchase/play your EA games. Subscriptions provide additional benefits but are entirely optional.

The Evolution from Origin to the EA App

Originally, EA’s platform for PC gamers was called Origin. However, EA has now transitioned to a new desktop client known as the EA app. This transition has been gradual, and while the EA app is now the primary platform for Windows users, Origin continues to exist for Mac users.

Key points to note regarding the transition:

EA app has replaced Origin on PC: The EA app is designed to be a more unified platform for EA’s various services.
Origin still serves Mac users: If you play on a Mac, you’ll continue to use Origin.
Content Transfer: All your game content, including purchased games and progress, will transfer seamlessly to the EA app.
You cannot use Origin and the EA app at the same time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having an EA account is absolutely free. This account is your base for accessing EA’s services, buying games, and engaging with their online community. The optional EA Play and EA Play Pro subscriptions enhance the gaming experience by providing access to game libraries, early trials, and discounts. Understanding the difference between a free EA account and these subscription services is key to navigating the EA ecosystem effectively. The transition from Origin to the EA app for PC users is complete, but Origin remains for Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Origin/EA Accounts

1. What do I get with a free EA account?

A free EA account allows you to purchase and download games from the EA store, connect with friends, track your game progress, and access free games offered by EA.

2. Do I need an EA account to play Sims 4?

Yes, you need an EA account and the EA app (or Origin for Mac) to download and install The Sims 4. However, after the installation, you don’t need to be online to play the single-player game.

3. Is The Sims 4 free with an EA account?

The base game of The Sims 4 is now free to download on all supported platforms, including PC and Mac, which you can access with your free EA account.

4. Is Origin multiplayer free?

Online multiplayer is free for games that offer it but note that an EA Play subscription will give you more benefits and game access.

5. Does an EA account expire?

Yes, if your account remains inactive for 24 months or more and you have entitlements, those entitlements may expire and the account may be cancelled for non-use.

6. How do I make an EA account?

Go to the EA website or open the EA app and click the register button to set up your free account. You’ll need to provide your email, country/region, and date of birth and create a password.

7. What happens if I delete my EA account?

You will lose all your game progress, in-game items purchased, access to subscriptions, and the ability to recover progress on new devices.

8. What replaced Origin on PC?

The EA app has replaced Origin as the primary platform for PC users. Origin is still available for Mac users.

9. Can I have both the EA app and Origin installed?

Yes, but you cannot use both at the same time. You must use either one or the other.

10. Will my games and progress transfer from Origin to the EA app?

Yes, all your purchased games, DLCs and progress will automatically transfer to the EA app.

11. Why is the Sims 4 base game free?

EA made The Sims 4 base game free to drive sales of expansion packs, which is where they make the majority of their profit on this game.

12. What is the difference between EA Play and EA Play Pro?

EA Play offers access to a library of games and early trials. EA Play Pro provides access to a larger library, including deluxe editions of games. Both come with a 10% discount on EA digital purchases.

13. Does EA Play offer a free trial?

Yes, EA offers one free trial per EA account. You will be charged if you don’t cancel before the trial period ends.

14. Can I sell my EA account?

No, selling or transferring your EA account is a violation of the Terms of Service and may result in a ban.

15. Do I need an EA subscription to play multiplayer?

No, but an EA Play subscription can enhance the experience by unlocking more games and special features. Multiplayer access is free for titles that offer it.

Is a Origin account free?