Origin (formerly EA Store) is a
digital distribution,
digital rights management system from
Electronic Arts that allows users to purchase games on the internet for
PC and mobile platforms, and download them with the
Origin client (formerly EA Download Manager, EA Downloader and EA Link). It is currently
[when?] in
Beta.
Origin features social features like profile management, networking with friends with chat and direct game joining along with an in-game overlay, sharing of game library and community integration with networking sites like
Facebook,
Xbox Live and
PlayStation Network. Electronic Arts has stated that it wants Origin to match
Valve's Steam service, Origin's leading competitor, by the end of March 2012, by adding cloud game saves, auto-patching, achievements and rewards, and cross-platform releases.
[1]
Since Origin's launch, the service has received criticism over EA's practice of suspending or deleting accounts for disputed infractions, suspected monitoring of users' computer activity, and for requiring users to forfeit their right to sue before using the software. Origin users are identified by their unified Origin account, which supersedes an EA account and may be canceled if left unused after 24 months if there are not any premium games on it.
[dubious – discuss] As of February 2012, Origin has been installed by 9.3 million users.
[2]
