Topic: Origin: EA's Download Manager

[Xessive]

For the few of us that actually have it installed, you will have noticed that as of version 8, the EA Download Manager has adopted a new moniker and install directory. Dubbed "Origin" the new download manager is more than just a download manager, it incorporates social networking (Facebook, XBLive, PSN), a more refined friend list, and it retains direct access to the EA online store; it's practically a Steam rival with a white finish and EA branding.

The store still doesn't work for me, just like before it gives me a "Network Error (tcp_error)" and loads nothing.

[idolminds]

I think we'll see more of this from the big publishers. Why give other DD stores a 30% cut when you can just as easily sell it yourself?

[Xessive]

I think we'll see more of this from the big publishers. Why give other DD stores a 30% cut when you can just as easily sell it yourself?

Yep. Ubisoft have been hinting at it since they started the U-Play program.

[MysterD]

Origin has NOT changed much such its last iteration of EADM. Looks like a re-branding...at least for now. EADM/Origin is LOTS better than it used to be.

I really like w/ EADM that my game folder IS the back-up, if you want it to be - since the INSTALLER folder is w/in the game directory. So, copy the entire folder yourself to HDD, DVD, BR, whatever, etc. MORE programs should to this. No need for keep double the space open for having installed game folder and INSTALLERS. There's no need for using in-client tools or anything to back it up to some archived special format - i.e. Steam or Impulse. No need for compressing or uncompressing - it is what it is.

For reinstalls - the installer folder is actually within the game folder. So, just run that, for a reinstall.

[idolminds]

[idolminds]

EA is getting serious.

They pulled Crysis 2 from Steam, which I will agree is a strange move. Upcoming games not being on Steam at all? Ok, but pulling the game just seems odd.

I think this comment summed things up for me nicely:

I was going to say "I don't like the idea of publishers making their games exclusive to their own Digital Download site". Then I realize: can you buy Portal 2 (digitally) anywhere else other than Steam? Its hard to view Valve as "The good guys" if they use the same anti-competitive practices.

On the other hand, I'm quite willing to buy indie games direct, to help support the developer. So why can't the AAA guys ask for the same?

[idolminds]

This story is getting more interesting.

It wasn't EAs decision to pull Crysis 2 from Steam.

[MysterD]

I'm betting on two things here could be the problem w/ Valve here:

1. Most recent NEW EA game keys bought from anywhere - yes, including Steam - can be registered also on Origin.
2. DLC not being offered to be sold on Steam or could be a exclusive to somewhere that is NOT to Steam - i.e. Crysis 2: Devastator Map Pack DLC.

[sirean_syan]

This was pretty much expected, right?

[MysterD]

GamePro -> Starting in November, more 3rd party games to join Origin.
THQ, Warner Bros, and Capcom are joining the Origin club.

[Cobra951]

This was pretty much expected, right?

Update: It appears that EA has responded, at least passively, by updating their EULA. Read about it here:

http://www.reddit.com/r/battlefield3/comments/jx06l/ea_changes_origin_eula_need_a_new_reason_to/ http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/battlefield-3/news/6331203/ea-changes-origin-eula

It looks pretty good. Although we don't know if they'll include an opt-out feature, it does appear that they changed the EULA to reassure that they won't be spying on literally anything on your computer.

That now appears at the same link, and the article it links in is from August 26.  Good move on their part.

I see the concept of Origin as a very good thing.  It has a chance of competing with Steam, and forcing Valve to be less dickish in the future.  Monopolies are never good.  That being said, I still hate EA in general.  Time will tell if the cure is worse than the disease.

[idolminds]

EA starts adding other publishers to Origin.

Trion Worlds, Robot Entertainment, CD PROJEKT RED, Freebird Games, Recoil Games, Autumn Games, 1C Company, inXile entertainment, Paradox Interactive, Core Learning Ltd. and N3V Games are the first 11.

[MysterD]

EA -> Crowd-sourced games [i.e. like those found on Kickstarter] that will be distributed on Origin will have the first 90 days of their Origin distribution fees waived.