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Is the EA App Connected to Steam? Understanding the EA and Steam Ecosystem

Yes, the EA app can be connected to Steam. This connection allows you to launch games purchased on Steam through the EA app and vice versa, streamlining your gaming experience. However, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of this connection to avoid confusion regarding subscriptions, game ownership, and platform-specific benefits. Let’s delve into the details.

Understanding the Interplay between EA App and Steam

The relationship between the EA app (formerly Origin) and Steam is complex and requires a clear understanding of their individual roles and how they interact. Both are digital distribution platforms for PC games, but they operate independently despite allowing certain levels of connectivity. Connecting your accounts essentially enables a pathway for games to be launched across platforms and verifies your game ownership. However, it does not merge your libraries or subscription benefits.

The EA app is Electronic Arts’ platform for downloading and launching its games, having replaced Origin. Steam, developed by Valve, is a much larger and more diverse platform hosting titles from countless developers and publishers.

How to Link Your EA Account to Steam

Linking your EA account to Steam is a straightforward process:

Install the EA app: If you haven’t already, download and install the EA app on your PC.
Launch a Steam game that requires EA: When you launch a game on Steam that requires an EA account, the EA app will automatically launch.
Link Accounts: The EA app will prompt you to link your Steam account to your EA Account.
Log In or Create Account: Log in using your existing EA Account credentials. If you don’t have an account, you can create one.
Follow Prompts: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the linking process.

Once linked, launching the game from Steam will automatically open the EA app and initiate the game.

Why Link Your EA Account to Steam?

Linking your EA account to Steam provides several benefits:

Streamlined Game Launching: Launching games purchased on Steam becomes easier as the EA app automatically handles the necessary authentication and game launch procedures.
Verification of Ownership: Linking accounts helps verify your ownership of EA games across both platforms.
Cross-Platform Play (where supported): In some cases, linking accounts can enable cross-platform play for specific games that support this feature.

Important Considerations

While linking your accounts offers convenience, remember these crucial points:

Separate Libraries: Linking accounts does not merge your game libraries. Games purchased on Steam remain in your Steam library, and games purchased on the EA app remain in your EA app library.
Subscription Differences: EA Play and EA Play Pro subscriptions are platform-specific. An EA Play subscription purchased on Steam only grants access to benefits on Steam, and vice versa. EA Play Pro is an Origin Exclusive subscription.
No Game Transfers: You cannot transfer games purchased on Origin (now the EA app) to Steam or vice versa.
EA Games on Steam: EA has made its games available on Steam again after a period of exclusivity on Origin. However, managing these games often requires both platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between the EA app and Steam:

Is the EA app the same as Origin?

No. The EA app has replaced Origin as EA’s primary platform for downloading and launching PC games. Origin is now obsolete.
Does my Origin account transfer to the EA app?

Yes. When you install the EA app, you can log in using your existing Origin account information. All games previously registered to your library should still be accessible.
Can I get EA Play Pro on Steam?

No. EA Play Pro is an Origin exclusive subscription (now exclusive to the EA app). You must purchase and access it through the EA app. Steam only offers the standard EA Play subscription.
Is EA Play on Steam different from EA Play on the EA app?

Yes. EA Play (Steam) and EA Play (EA app) are separate subscriptions. Purchasing one does not grant access to the games or benefits of the other.
Why is Steam not recognizing my EA Play subscription?

EA Play memberships do not cross platforms. If you purchased your membership on the EA app, you cannot access your benefits or games on Steam, and vice versa.
Can I transfer my EA games to Steam?

No, it is not possible to transfer games from the EA app (formerly Origin) to Steam. They are separate platforms, and purchases are tied to the platform on which they were made.
How do I unlink my EA account from Steam?

You can unlink your accounts by going to the EA Account settings portal, clicking on Connections, finding the Steam account, and clicking the Unlink button. Be aware of the potential consequences before doing so.
If I buy a game on Steam that requires the EA app, do I need to buy it again on the EA app?

No. If you purchase a game on Steam that requires the EA app, you do not need to purchase it again on the EA app. Linking your accounts allows the game to launch through the EA app.
Will Steam refund my EA Play subscription if I’m not happy with it?

EA Play for PC memberships are generally not refundable through Steam. Check Steam’s refund policy for specific details.
Does downloading the EA app delete Origin?

Yes, the EA app is designed to uninstall Origin. During the installation process, Origin will be removed from your system.
Do I need to uninstall Origin before installing the EA app?

The EA app installation process should automatically uninstall Origin. If you want Origin for testing purposes, install it after installing the EA App. The EA App is designed to uninstall Origin.
Is FIFA 23 free with EA Play?

Access to FIFA 23 through EA Play depends on the subscription tier. With the standard EA Play subscription, you might get a trial period. With EA Play Pro, you get full access to the game as long as you are subscribed.
Why did the EA app replace Origin?

EA replaced Origin with the EA app to address the limitations of Origin in the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. The EA app is designed to be a more modern and user-friendly platform.
How do I link Origin to EA?

Now that Origin has been replaced by the EA App, this question is not relevant anymore.
Can I play my EA games on Steam Deck?

Yes, but it requires a bit of setup. The EA App is not directly supported on Steam Deck, so you’ll need to install it via desktop mode using a compatibility layer like Proton. Once installed, you can launch your EA games through Steam.

The Future of EA and Steam Integration

The integration between the EA app and Steam represents a shift in the PC gaming landscape. While initially operating as rivals, the two platforms now coexist, allowing gamers to choose where they prefer to purchase and manage their games. It will be interesting to see how Games Learning Society and the gaming community explore the educational aspects of these games.

The future may bring even closer integration, potentially allowing for easier game transfers or unified subscription benefits. However, for now, understanding the current setup is key to a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

Is EA app connected to Steam?