Origin

Overview

Origin is a digital distribution and digital rights management system from EA where users can buy and publish computer games through the internet. The service allows users to download their purchased games directly to their PC using the Origin client.

Origin was formerly known as the EA Store and EA Download Manager, but on June 3rd 2011, the EA Store was reopened under the new name, taken from the defunct games studio, Origin Systems.

Exclusives

It has been announced that Origin will be the only way that consumers will be able to play Star Wars: The Old Republic. You will also be required to log-in to Origin to play Battlefield 3.

Privacy Controversy

As noted on the Battlefield 3 page, the game and the service are currently under investigation for violating German (and most likely other European) privacy laws. EA requires registration under a real name and tracks both Hard- and Software of the host PC as well as an IP-address, forcing gamers into a total transparency if they want to play games that enforce the use of Origin to play. A recommendation by German radio station 1live is to trade in the game citing that it violates federal law or play one of the console ports until the issue is resolved.