EA's Origin app, launched in 2011 as a rival to Steam, is finally being replaced by the EA app. This transition, however, comes with significant caveats. The clunky user experience and frustrating logins that plagued Origin haven't been entirely resolved. More concerning is the potential loss of access to games purchased through Origin if users fail to migrate their accounts to the new platform. This means gamers could lose access to games they've already paid for.
Adding to the frustration, the EA app only supports 64-bit operating systems, leaving users of 32-bit systems in the lurch. While Steam also dropped 32-bit support earlier in 2024, this move highlights the precarious nature of digital game ownership. The vast majority of modern PC users are unlikely to be affected, but those still running older 32-bit systems face a significant hurdle. A simple RAM check (32-bit systems max out at 4GB) can help determine if this is a concern. If a 32-bit system is detected, a complete system wipe and reinstall of a 64-bit operating system will be necessary.
This situation underscores the challenges of digital ownership. Losing access to a game library due to system changes is a frustrating reality, impacting not just EA's platform but also Steam, which has also dropped 32-bit support. The increasing prevalence of invasive DRM solutions, like Denuvo, further complicates matters, often requiring deep system access or imposing arbitrary installation limits despite legitimate purchases.
A potential solution for preserving digital game libraries is to utilize platforms like GOG, which offers DRM-free games. GOG's model ensures that once a game is downloaded, it remains accessible regardless of future hardware changes. While this approach opens the door to piracy, it hasn't deterred new releases, with titles like the upcoming RPG Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 slated for release on the platform.
