EA’s Origin launcher replacement for Windows exits beta

Game publisher Electronic Arts is replacing its Origin launcher on Windows with the EA app, which is leaving beta. The app is very similar to Origin, but should work more smoothly. In addition, the EA app supports links to PSN, Xbox Live, and Steam for finding friends.

EA says it makes the transition ‘as simple as possible’ makes for Origin users. “By the time you get an invite to switch, all of your games and content, including what you’ve already installed, will be waiting for you in the EA app.” However, that doesn’t mean that interested users should wait for that invitation. The EA app has been available for download for some time.

It is striking that EA still invests in its own launcher, but at the same time is also moving away from it. In 2019, for example, EA games returned to Steam. Many of these still require Origin, which also starts automatically when you open an EA game from Steam. However, that does not apply to, for example, F1 2021 and also the upcoming Dead Space remake is getting a ‘native Steam version’.

EA’s online store doesn’t just contain the games it develops and publishes itself. Other publishers, such as Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, THQ and Capcom have their games for sale on the platform.