With the shift of video games to digital formats, physical copies have become a thing of the past. To acquire a game, you now need to install a specific application. Today, we’ll delve into the world of the EA App, formerly known as Origin, which is Electronic Arts’ dedicated game store and client.
The EA App is essential for downloading, installing, and playing games you’ve purchased from Electronic Arts. While you can buy games from the store’s website, the client is necessary to access your purchased titles and validate their usage through the platform.
Let’s take a closer look at the EA App:
What is EA App?
The EA App is the official application by Electronic Arts that grants you access to their entire game library. It’s a successor to the previous Origin platform and is available for Windows from Windows 7 onwards. For macOS users, the client retains its original name, Origin.
The updated version of the Origin application features a simpler and more user-friendly interface compared to its predecessor. It is the sole means of accessing your entire game library from Origin, meaning there’s no going back to the old application if you’re not fond of the changes.
How Does it Work?
The EA App comprises four main sections: Home, Browse, Library, and EA Play.
- Home: The default landing page, Home, showcases current promotions, discounts, and campaigns within Electronic Arts’ games. You can also find information about upcoming releases in this section.
- Browse: The Browse tab allows you to explore Electronic Arts’ game catalog, displaying titles along with their respective prices. You can apply various filters to refine your search, including language, EA Play or EA Play Pro subscription availability, genre, and multiplayer support.
- Library: As the name suggests, the Library section houses all the games you’ve purchased through EA Play, including titles from the former Origin platform. It lists both installed and uninstalled games from your collection.
- EA Play: EA Play is a subscription service offered by Electronic Arts, available in two variations. The standard EA Play subscription provides access to a vast library of games. On the other hand, EA Play Pro grants access to all newly released titles, offering exclusive access unavailable to EA Play subscribers.
In the right column, you’ll find your list of friends on the platform, complete with their online status and the games they’re currently playing. Additionally, it displays the number of contacts imported from PlayStation, Steam, or Xbox (if applicable).
Installing Games from EA App
To install games from the EA App, simply navigate to the Library tab. If you haven’t downloaded any games yet, you’ll find them all listed under “My Games.” Click on the specific game you want to install, and then hit the “Download” button.
In addition to downloading the base game, you can also manage and install any associated add-ons or DLC you’ve purchased. These will automatically download alongside the main game.
By default, games will be installed on your primary drive. If you prefer to use a secondary storage unit, internal or external, you can change the installation path. There’s no need to create a directory, as the application handles the installation order. Once the game is installed, you’ll find a shortcut in the left column, ready to launch the game with a single click.
How to Download the App
The EA App, previously known as Origin, is available for free download here. For Mac users, you can download the Origin application from the same link.
While the application itself is free, it’s important to note that not all games are available for free download. Some titles offer a free-to-play mode, but most require a purchase to access the full gaming experience.