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[KyoZz]

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Electronic Arts is launching a new EA Desktop app, a beta version of its revamped Origin online gaming service that EA calls a next-generation PC gaming platform.
EA says the service will have faster downloads and updates, simpler access to games, and the ability to connect with friends across platforms. Gamers will use the EA Desktop app to access subscriptions such as the newly renamed EA Play ($5 a month) and EA Play Pro ($15 a month).

EA senior vice president Michael Blank: “The EA Desktop app is being designed to deliver a frictionless and socially connected experience that is faster for players to get into their games, we have revealed some of this, but we haven’t revealed all of it.”
The new app promises a faster experience, fewer clicks to jump back into your favorite games, and Playtime Controls to help you keep tabs on how much time you and your family spend playing. You should find it easier to find and install new games or just play via your EA Play membership, Blank said.

EA is also rolling out new benefits for EA Play and EA Play Pro subscription members. Anyone can register for the beta, and EA is sending out download invitations on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re an Origin player, your games, progress, and friends will carry over. You’ll keep full access to all of your Origin content.

About the recently re-branded EA Play: “What subscriptions offer is an ability for people to try games that they may not have ever tried,” Blank said. “In many cases, it reduces the barrier for them to play a game that they might want to play on an ongoing basis for which they might have to pay on a yearly basis at a much higher price point. So they may buy a game one year, but then not buy the new version of that game the next year because it is expensive to keep buying games. We value providing great experiences to players. We value their engagement time, and the more opportunities we can offer them to play the game, it’s a mutually beneficial relationship between them and us.”

More here:

Electronic Arts doubles down on EA Play brand with EA Desktop app

Electronic Arts is launching a new EA Desktop app, a revamped version of its Origin online gaming service. It is also boosting its EA Play brand.

venturebeat.com

 

[Krapalicious]

Never liked the name Origin as their desktop app.

Reminds me of the Richard Garriott company. Always though it was shitty to use the name of the company that EA destroyed.

 

[Bonfires Down]

Ehh, was hoping they would just kill their own client and transfer our games to Steam. Not a big deal though.

 

[eyesabitdull]

Yeah, imagine my surprise logging onto my Origin's account and seeing everything is now called EA Play.

Thankfully EA transitioned the paid accounts well, and even made NFS Heat available for download on the basic version of the subscription - so that was nice.

What they really need is to add more games into the damn thing, that's what I think.

Really wish Xbox Gamepass for PC was readily available in Asia by now.

 

[Cert.in.Death]

Branding wasn't the problem. Its very basis to exist was the issue.

 

[CitizenX]

It was changed when it came to Steam last week i think.

 

[junguler]

yeah, no, i won't bother with any stores other than steam.

 

[Bridges]

Wait, isn't this their third thing they've renamed to EA Play?

So now their E3 conference, EA Access, and EA Origin are all referred to as EA Play?

Seems a bit... much?

 

[Starhowl]

Origin was a bad naming choice to begin with creating long-lasting confusion and trampling on cultural heritage with feets.

 

[EDMIX]

Really? I thought they already did. I"m a bit surprised.

 

[StreetsofBeige]

Never liked the name Origin as their desktop app.

Reminds me of the Richard Garriott company. Always though it was shitty to use the name of the company that EA destroyed.

So true. Rich says hi!

 

[teezzy]

COOL

CAN YOU BRING NHL BACK TO PC NOW YOU DUMB IDIOTS

 

[KuraiShidosha]

I still won't install it or buy any games that require it.

 

[Gamezone]

Branding wasn't the problem. Its very basis to exist was the issue.

This.

 

[The_Mike]

Who would have thought going back the pcs biggest digital store would have a positive effect on sales.

 

[Damien Crowley]

When is this coming? I get an ad-banner in the Origin-app, but that's it... This old shit doesn't even scale good on a 4k monitor...

 

[T-Cake]

When is this coming? I get an ad-banner in the Origin-app, but that's it... This old shit doesn't even scale good on a 4k monitor...

I'm not sure it's going on general release any time soon. I had to fill in a form to try it out as a beta tester yesterday.

 

[Damien Crowley]

I'm not sure it's going on general release any time soon. I had to fill in a form to try it out as a beta tester yesterday.

Thanks, this is the one crucial info missing from every article, I read about it.

 

[Forsythia]

Just got a mail that the beta is available. Installing now.

 

[T-Cake]

Just got a mail that the beta is available. Installing now.

Is it a generic link or unique to you? Could you share if the former?

 

[Forsythia]

Is it a generic link or unique to you? Could you share if the former?

No idea if it's a generic link. Why not sign up for the beta?

 

[T-Cake]

No idea if it's a generic link. Why not sign up for the beta?

I did and got the email. You can’t log in with any old account, it has to be the one signed up to the beta. Thanks anywho.

 

[GymWolf]

COOL

CAN YOU BRING NHL BACK TO PC NOW YOU DUMB IDIOTS

And the UFC game.

 

[T-Cake]

So what do people think of the new client? It seems "nice" so far. The blocky look has gone so it's 4K friendly. I might try out the EA Play sub now, my game library is looking a bit empty as I created a new Origin account ready for next-gen. (The old one only had Dragon Age Origins on it and some trashy freebies.)