EA's Origin app, launched in 2011, aimed to rival Steam as a digital storefront for EA's PC games. The app's mandatory use for *Mass Effect 3* in 2012 highlighted its ambition, but Origin's clunky interface and frustrating logins deterred many PC gamers. Despite this, EA persevered, only to now replace Origin with the similarly criticized EA app.
This transition comes with significant caveats. Players who only accessed their *Titanfall* game through Origin might lose access unless they actively migrate their accounts to the EA app. This means potentially losing access to purchased games. Furthermore, the EA app only supports 64-bit operating systems, leaving 32-bit users behind. While Steam also dropped 32-bit support in early 2024, this move still raises concerns.
The likelihood of encountering a 32-bit system on a modern PC is low. However, Microsoft sold 32-bit versions of Windows 10 until 2020. Windows 11 users are unaffected, as 64-bit support dates back to Windows Vista almost two decades ago. A simple RAM check can help determine your system type; 32-bit systems are limited to 4GB of RAM. Users with more RAM likely have a 64-bit system. If you have a 32-bit Windows installation, a complete system reinstall with a 64-bit version is necessary.
While phasing out 32-bit support isn't surprising in 2024, it highlights the complexities of digital ownership. Losing access to years' worth of purchased games due to hardware changes is frustrating. This isn't unique to EA; Valve's similar decision on Steam affects users unable to upgrade their systems. The increasing use of invasive DRM solutions like Denuvo, which require deep system access or impose arbitrary installation limits, further exacerbates this issue.
GOG, run by CD Projekt, offers a DRM-free alternative. Their games can be run on any compatible hardware, ensuring long-term access to your purchased library. While this opens the door to piracy, it hasn't stopped new releases, with *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* soon to join their catalog.
