Electronic Arts has announced plans to officially shut down its Origin platform on April 17. Since its launch in 2011, Origin has been a go-to hub for PC and Mac players to buy, download, and play EA games. Now, EA is moving forward with the EA app, introduced in 2022, as its main platform.

Underperforming Sales for Dragon Age and EA SPORTS FC 25

Underperforming sales for Dragon Age and EA SPORTS FC 25 led EA to shift its focus toward the EA app as its primary platform. Dragon Age underperformed by nearly 50%, with just 1.5 million players during the quarter, while EA’s soccer franchise experienced a slowdown in bookings and live services revenue after two years of growth. CFO Stuart Canfield stated that the company will now focus on its iconic franchises to drive future growth.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Photo: EA)

Making the Switch to the EA App

If gamers have been using Origin, switching to the EA app is straightforward. They can download the app from EA’s official site, log in with their Origin account details, and the app will automatically recognize their games and display them in the library. Cloud saves will transfer over, but some games might require manual steps to move save data or mods. Already installed titles won’t need to be re-downloaded.

System Requirements and Compatibility

The EA app only works on 64-bit systems. Gamers using a 32-bit operating system will need to upgrade their setup, either by updating their current system or investing in a new computer, to avoid losing access to their games.

Exploring Alternatives to the EA App

For those who don’t want to use the EA app, many EA titles, including Dragon Age and EA Sports FC, are available on Steam. Gamers can link their Origin account to their Steam library by adding their Origin games as non-Steam titles, offering an alternative way to continue playing without relying entirely on the EA app.

Preparing for the Transition

As April approaches, gamers should take steps to ensure a smooth transition to the EA app. This includes downloading the app, checking their game library, confirming system compatibility, and ensuring cloud saves are successfully transferred. For games with mods, reaching out to mod creators for migration guidance is recommended.

By planning ahead, gamers can seamlessly transition to the EA app or explore alternatives like Steam to continue enjoying their favorite EA games without interruption.