EA's Origin service... Do you like it?

[Stratus_ss]

I am wondering about EA's Origin service.

Personally I am wary of anything EA does but with Mass Effect 3 out and Simcity possibly around the corner i am wondering how other people find this service.

If you have it, would you subscribe if you could do it over again?
What have you heard or read?
Are there ever any sales?

Thoughts?
Comments?

[Rattle]

If you have it, would you subscribe if you could do it over again? YES
What have you heard or read? Mostly BS
Are there ever any sales? YES

I don't understand the big deal, i never really liked steam either, aside from the sales on SP games.

[Lukee]

It's like Steam. I'm ok with it.

[Janus67]

If you have it, would you subscribe if you could do it over again? Subscribe? not sure what you mean, but I don't have a huge issue with using it if I absolutely have to (still prefer Steam)

What have you heard or read? Mostly just complaints from people not wanting to use another service.

Are there ever any sales? Yes

[RedDragonXXX]

I don't like it strictly because its an EA product, since they are the pioneers of the whole gaming "pay $59.99 for part of the game or $79.99 for uber edition or otherwise known as a full game" movement.

[jd101]

well last week i brought batman ac and the code they gave me is not working. so i emailed them . and they said they know a lot of codes are not working and its down to me to sort it out with warner bros . first and last time i buy from origin. im still waitng for a reply from wb . origin sucks

[RADIO_ACTIVE]

I have had no problems with Origin. Purchased BF3 and SWTOR and have had zero issues. IMO the interface looks more clean than Steams, but both services work for me.

[Owenator]

I've had it since it was EA download manager because that's where the games I wanted were. It's ok. I prefer Steam as it's better integrated. Both are more like leasing games than buying them which I am ok with. I'm tired of CD/DVDs and entering keys.

EDIT: From what I've heard in the industry these "services" are saving PC gaming. They are harder to pirate so the publishers can make money off the PC which motivates them to make more PC games.:thup:

[freakdiablo]

EDIT: From what I've heard in the industry these "services" are saving PC gaming. They are harder to pirate so the publishers can make money off the PC which motivates them to make more PC games.:thup:

Huh, I was under the impression that Steam was usually one of the first DRM types cracked after a game was released. But I suppose total integration (ie Skyrim) would be harder to crack.

Don't use Origin, probably won't despite the fact I really want BF3. I like having all my games in one spot, in this case Steam. Plus, EA "lost" all of my BF2 stats when I re-purchased the game on Steam. Gave me some run around excuse about how an online account is linked to the serial number of a game, and that's got me wondering what it'll be like if something happened to my Origin account.

[Owenator]

Huh, I was under the impression that Steam was usually one of the first DRM types cracked after a game was released. But I suppose total integration (ie Skyrim) would be harder to crack.Hmm maybe they meant that there was less pirating on Steam when I was told that? But I'm no expert just what a game dev told me.

Don't use Origin, probably won't despite the fact I really want BF3. I like having all my games in one spot, in this case Steam. Plus, EA "lost" all of my BF2 stats when I re-purchased the game on Steam. Gave me some run around excuse about how an online account is linked to the serial number of a game, and that's got me wondering what it'll be like if something happened to my Origin account.
That does sound fishy. I bought BF2 on steam to avoid the multi CD shuffle to reload it and all my stats remained. Sorry to hear yours got messed up.

EDIT: Maybe they just mean that steam made it cheaper on their end so less sales meant more money with no physical copies and what not?

[madhatter256]

Not much experience Origin as I have with Steam, which, btw, I wish they allowed you create "tabs" when browsing through games rather than have to start ALL OVER when searching through their library...

But with Origin, I just play BF3, so all I do with origin is click play on that game lol.

[freakdiablo]

That does sound fishy. I bought BF2 on steam to avoid the multi CD shuffle to reload it and all my stats remained. Sorry to hear yours got messed up.

EDIT: Maybe they just mean that steam made it cheaper on their end so less sales meant more money with no physical copies and what not?

I was a little confused at what they were getting at since I talked to two CS reps and they both gave different answers. First one said "they made a switch to a new system" and the reason I couldn't access it was because I made the account before the switch. When I asked if there was any way to get my account transferred, (s)he moved me over to a higher level rep who said I couldn't gain access to the account with a different CD key. At this point I hadn't seen the original CD case in years, but even though I was able to give all the other information asked about the account I was told there was nothing that could be done. At that point I had spent over an hour on it and just said screw it.

[JU571N]

I only have one game on Origin, Battlefield 3, which really isn't even on Origin since you have to launch the game from battlelog, which then launches it from Origin. It's really a step backwards in interface design as far as I'm concerned but it seems to be the design EA is intent on using. At least battlelog isn't near as clumsy and slow as the Battlefield Heroes web launcher.

I do like how Origin connects and loads up almost instantly, whereas steam sits at the connecting screen doing whatever for several minute before launching.

As far as sales go, Origin currently has a 50% off sale that ends today. That's the only reason I even bought Battlefield 3. Getting Battlefield 3 plus Back to Karkand for a little under $40 is a pretty sweet deal.

[BugFreak]

No, I can't stand it...or Steam for that matter. I really hate the way game companies have gone the way of a second program that has to run in the background while I game just to keep tabs on me. I keep my game computers pretty much stripped of all extra apps other than games and testing/benching stuff and Origin type things just clutters them up and use resources. Not to mention I hate all things EA and don't trust them with my worst enemy's computer much less mine.

[SteveLord]

I like Steam better. Only have it for BF3. And my Steam sure as hell doesnt take several minutes.

[Stratus_ss]

If you have it, would you subscribe if you could do it over again? Subscribe? not sure what you mean, but I don't have a huge issue with using it if I absolutely have to (still prefer Steam)


By subscribe I meant would you re-sign up for it. I.E. "subscribe" to a service :thup:

[Ronbert]

Steam and Origin though different clients in their own respect both share something I highly dislike. The need to run in the back ground while playing games. I know there's a way to play some of Steam's single player games offline by using the executable but if you want to play online it's got to be running. Same with Origin for BF3 and the broswer/battlelog system (but this thread's not about that), I just don't like a client that needs to be running in order to run a game you already have all the files for.

[Janus67]

Steam and Origin though different clients in their own respect both share something I highly dislike. The need to run in the back ground while playing games. I know there's a way to play some of Steam's single player games offline by using the executable but if you want to play online it's got to be running. Same with Origin for BF3 and the broswer/battlelog system (but this thread's not about that), I just don't like a client that needs to be running in order to run a game you already have all the files for.

I just don't see what the big deal is. It isn't that resource intensive, especially by today's standards of most (gaming) PCs having at least 4GB of RAM and it doesn't really use any CPU resources really either. At the same time it allows you to mostly seamlessly chat with friends [while in-game], allows for groups, etc.

[Tokae]

Steam.. Origin.. Its all the same! As long as I can play BF3, It doesn't bother me personally. :)

[SteveLord]

I just don't see what the big deal is. It isn't that resource intensive, especially by today's standards of most (gaming) PCs having at least 4GB of RAM and it doesn't really use any CPU resources really either. At the same time it allows you to mostly seamlessly chat with friends [while in-game], allows for groups, etc.

Right on. This is while many gamers are also using TeamSpeak/Vent/Xfire/Browser/Antivirus/whatever else in the background. RAM is cheap and far ahead of the gaming industry. :rolleyes:

[57udl3y]

I wish i didn't have to use another service. That being said I have no complaints, works fine and like previous said looks a little more updated then steam.

[Stratus_ss]

So is it like steam in that you can redownload your games at any time?

Part of why I have never bought from the EA store is because you have to "buy" download insurance to make sure that you could download the game again in 6 months time (or at least thats how it was when I last looked at it)

[57udl3y]

I've dl'd and installed TOR & BF3 on multiple machines without an issue and to my knowledge never purchased any download insurance from them.

As far as I can tell its just a steam copy/competitor

[Tokae]

I've dl'd and installed TOR & BF3 on multiple machines without an issue and to my knowledge never purchased any download insurance from them.

As far as I can tell its just a steam copy/competitor

Same...

I have wiped out this laptop several times.. reinstalled.. The first time I re-downloaded Dead Space 2 and BF3, this past time I just copied the origin games folder and it performed a simple file check, then it was good to go!

[whooping_a_panda]

I don't care for EA or origin, especially after reading many many horror stories regarding customer service and payment problems. But I have a couple of games on it and its caused me no problems so I personally can not complain. That being said, I wont be going out of my way to buy games on origin.

[Ronbert]

I just don't see what the big deal is. It isn't that resource intensive, especially by today's standards of most (gaming) PCs having at least 4GB of RAM and it doesn't really use any CPU resources really either. At the same time it allows you to mostly seamlessly chat with friends [while in-game], allows for groups, etc.

To me it's just the principal of the whole thing. The idea is great but I'd like to be able to say "You know what, I don't want to use this." and I guess in all fairness that's nit picking on my end but I still feel I should have a choice in the matter. One of the things I have the biggest problem with though is if I want to play a game online and steam is down... I can't even play the game, even though I have all the files I need on my pc.

[DumpALump]

I don't like EA in general, but the main reason is I don't want to have a 2nd downloading service installed. Currently I just use steam and the rest are downloaded games that don't require another service to play. It just seems like there are more downloading services that are popping up that require their own background program. I'm choosing to stick with steam, which will help increase the amount of games that are on steam or are steamworks games, while not having any extra DRM.

[turbohans]

I think it is ok, but why copy steam (other than you will make $$$$$) it just aggravates me to have to switch between the two.

[jaymz9350]

I think it is ok, but why copy steam (other than you will make $$$$$) it just aggravates me to have to switch between the two.

The part in parentheses answers the part before it 100%. EA is a very large developer with a large enough library to try it's own system. Honestly why would they give part of their profits to Steam if they can keep it all inhouse. I'm not saying I like the idea of having to use both but I can see why they would do it.

I personally love Steam as I hate keeping track of disks (not to mention keeping them in good enough shape to use) and keys.

I've only used origin for BFBC2 becasue they had a better deal than steam when I bought it, and I also found out when I bought MOA (big waste of money) retail as soon as I registered it with my account it was available for download as well which is nice.

[57udl3y]

Valve and Steam have been disrupting the business model in the video game industry a lot. So ofc everyone is gonna want their own. The same way everyone wants their own iTunes. You suddenly control not just the game, but the distribution, the individual gamer accounts and their linked credit cards. More over it makes it a million times easier to sell them more things. Think about how simple it is to buy DLC for computer game via steam. And the reason they let you import game into steam is because they want to get you stuck there. They then have the power and can better control the experience end to end while cutting out previous middle men like game stop.

[SteveLord]

They then have the power and can better control the experience end to end while cutting out previous middle men like game stop.

Who is now setting up their own digital delivery services.

[JPicasso]

I have tons of games on Steam and only BF3 on Origin. No issues with Origin, and no unresolved issues with Steam. (couple hiccups though)
Really, no biggie. I can still use steam chat when playing BF3 and can cruise on offline mode when playing single player games.

Origin and Steam are much less offensive to me than publishers/developers requiring online connections when playing single player games. (looking at you Blizzard)
AND Steam has given so much exposure to independent developers, it's difficult to NOT like them. Hoping Origin will be as useful and that both will serve up hooks so that a 3rd party will be able to manage the games in both systems. :)

Edit: Good point about steam letting you put shortcuts... gonna have to link to my BF3 game!

[pwnmachine]

I am pretty neutral on Origin, it's just there...

The only issue I have is that I would prefer to have all my games located in one place, which is why I still add all my games to steam :D

[Pvt.Dancer]

I feel that Origin doesn't run and isn't nearly as polished as steam and the way they decided to not let you change a name and that your account name will forever be your name. not a big deal but annoying there are sales some have been pretty good but having to log into yet another service and while it doesn't take up many resources alot of little programs end up equaling quite a bit so adding in origin just so I can play BF3 was annoying but still worth BF3.

Long story short I tolerate Origin but if I could move the games from origin to steam and drop origin all together i would.

[nightelph]

I only have it for BF3, otherwise I don't use it and don't want another game service.

[Metlcub]

It's ok, it's just EA's version of steam without having to pay Steam any money. Do I wish everything could have been on 1 platform like Steam. Yes I do, But you gota deal with it if you want to play BF3, ME3 and any newer EA games. I would not be surprised if other's followed in EA footsteps and released their own version, lowering steams hold on the digital content.

[Janus67]

I feel that Origin doesn't run and isn't nearly as polished as steam and the way they decided to not let you change a name and that your account name will forever be your name. not a big deal but annoying there are sales some have been pretty good but having to log into yet another service and while it doesn't take up many resources alot of little programs end up equaling quite a bit so adding in origin just so I can play BF3 was annoying but still worth BF3.

Long story short I tolerate Origin but if I could move the games from origin to steam and drop origin all together i would.

You can change your name in Origin. I have a link in the BF Platoon thread.

[Pvt.Dancer]

yea but its not as easy as in steam. I have done it and the other problem is that there are no duplicates like in steam i can have 10 friends all named skippy the wonder dog but since i have old accounts with my normal name Pvt.Dancer that i havent been able to retrieve and those accounts dont have my BF3 purchase on them im a little SOL.

just not a great system.

[nightelph]

A few games, like Alice: Madness Returns came out on both services, EA first I think.

[Bigbaddie]

I don't like Origin, but i only have it for bf3

[Convicted1]

I myself... would buy a second copy of BF3 just to have it on Steam instead of Origin... If they'd ever make that a possibility.

[Tumnus]

I finally broke down and got it for ME3.

The program itself is fine.

I would just rather use Steam. Its what I'm used to, and I already have it installed, so its just easier for me. Like I mentioned, the program itself is fine. I don't have a problem with it. But EA is like the mega villain of the video game industry while Valve is like the good guy kinda smaller company thats been fighting the good fight for us all these years. Oh well - I just want them to give me a DA3. A good one.

[SteveLord]

I myself... would buy a second copy of BF3 just to have it on Steam instead of Origin... If they'd ever make that a possibility.

I would do the same. There was rumor a few months ago that it was going to come to Steam. :confused:

[Stratus_ss]

As I understand it, once EA has milked all they can from DLC, game of the year editions will make it onto steam (ala Sims 3 etc).

That is hearsay but makes logical sense

[dfonda]

I think its a pain to have 2 stores. Now that I do, (because of Mass Effect 3), I'll play their sales off of one another.

The competition should be good for us. I'll lean towards Steam first for any new games.

I voted: No. I dislike Origin or the fact that I have to use yet ANOTHER service

[gregers05]

orgin in itself works great. its setup pretty nicely, looks good and works.


i personally like to just have one place to have all my games. but it is what it is.

[Stratus_ss]

Its interesting that the overwhelming majority voted that they didnt like having to use another service

I should have split that to see how many actually disliked origin and how many simply didnt want to use a different service

[rollincoaster]

I'm not much of a fan of Origin myself, unfortunately I have to use it for BF3 and well I guess Sim City 5 will be in it too so I'll have 2 games to use with it. I'm used to steam so I am a bit biased I guess :p

[Stratus_ss]

I am also psyched for the next SimCity.... the reason I posted this was because of SC and Mass Effect 3. I have been holding off on ME3 mostly because I want all 3 on Steam.... i may break down sometime in the future we'll see. But I will definitely be getting SimCity as soon as i can!

[pwnmachine]

I got a big update last night, seems like nothing has changed. Well, I does seem to load up faster but that could just be the placebo :p

[Sammich]

I dislike Origin purely because of the name and logo is a huge slap in the face to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origin_Systems

[pwnmachine]

^ I never realized that, that is a disgrace. Disband one of the greatest studios, make a download service with the same name...

However a lot of those guys went on to do some really great stuff such as Warren Spector, John Romero and Rich Garriot to name a few.

[Niku-Sama]

just a head up about EA games on steam. watch the fine details carefuly because even if BF3 does show up on steam it will probably still have to launch origins service to be able to play at all still....

example:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/102850/

and i voted Goat!

because thats all EA is is one huge goat that doesent stop eating all the good companies turning them to complete crap.....in the form of little balls

[wagex]

i just hate that now i have to use steam, xfire, and origin, its retarded theres several other ones like the one that came with blacklight that i uninstalled immediately

[Lavacon]

Do I like EA's Origin service?

Short answer; No! (http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3qbazk/)

I had bad luck with BF3 :(

[txus.palacios]

I'll be honest, I was tempted to go for Goat.

[JU571N]

Do I like EA's Origin service?

Short answer; No! (http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3qbazk/)

I had bad luck with BF3 :(

I've bought multiple games off Steam that took several days to get working CD keys. I've also bought games during a daily sale only for the purchase to get stuck in "pending" and received the wonderful "An error has occurred blah blah blah contact Steam blah blah blah" error when trying to buy it again and end up missing the sale because it takes forever for a failed transaction to update from "pending" to "failed" and Steam support tickets get answered no sooner than 3 days after you submit one. I don't hold it against them because **** happens when you're dealing with such a large operation.

I really find how much hate Origin gets kind of funny. Everyone seems to think Valve and Steam can do no wrong and forget than when Steam first came out, everyone hated it. There was even a user created WON network to avoid having to use Steam after Valve shut down the official WON servers to try to force everyone to upgrade to Steam for CS 1.6. I guess if you offer enough games for $4 you get people to invest enough into your platform that they forget stuff like that.

One thing I really wish EA would do is allow you to launch BF3 from Origin and use the overlay browser to join servers from Battlelog. It still wouldn't be as nice as the in-game server browser in Source based games but at least then people would stfu about having to launch BF3 from a browser. I don't like it any more than the next guy but having to listen to people constantly complain about it is far worse.

[Lavacon]

No hate here, I just don't care for it. I've been on steam from the beginning and can say other than a slow download or a short wait on a download here and there, I have never had a problem on steam.

I've used Origin a few times. Both instances I had nothing but problems. I realize only two games isn't a whole lot of experience with the service, but it was enough to turn me off from it.

I've had a bad experiences with Origin and that is what I am basing my opinion on. I think that's fair. It's not a matter of blind fanboyism by any stretch. Steam has given me a better , more reliable experience. The summer and Xmas sales don't hurt either ;)

At the end of the day it comes down to personal preference and experience. YMWV

[Izzie]

I don't see why you should have to use it, why can't they just build the game browser into the game like Novalogic did years ago with their Delta Force series it worked a treat. and not only that but why on earth is it needed when you have to sign into Origin and then still go and use the game browser to find a server you wanted. It is still using more resources up on your machine because you have to run your web browser with the plugin and still have to have origin running on top of that... will they ever change it .... not a chance.

[Janus67]

I don't see why you should have to use it, why can't they just build the game browser into the game like Novalogic did years ago with their Delta Force series it worked a treat. and not only that but why on earth is it needed when you have to sign into Origin and then still go and use the game browser to find a server you wanted. It is still using more resources up on your machine because you have to run your web browser with the plugin and still have to have origin running on top of that... will they ever change it .... not a chance.

:shrug: I never sign into origin first. I have the battlelog page bookmarked and when I go to launch a game it auto-loads Origin and signs me in automatically.

[TeknoBug]

There was a German software engineer that said Origin does a computer wide scan, there were screenshots of it scanning calendar and contact files in a private folder and no opt-out option. Steam doesn't do a computer wide scan.

I have also used Steam since 2004.

[EarthDog]

Links.....?

+1 to janus' post from above. Linked un my browser.

[wingman99]

There was a German software engineer that said Origin does a computer wide scan, there were screenshots of it scanning calendar and contact files in a private folder and no opt-out option. Steam doesn't do a computer wide scan.

I have also used Steam since 2004.

I hope you can find the links I would like to see this.:popcorn:

[Tokae]

So far I have had no problems with Origin. I don't see the big deal with having another game store service on my pc. I actually think its a good idea to have more than 2!

[TeknoBug]

I can't find the links but thankfully I saved one of the screenshot when I first saw it.

http://db.tt/n422ycTr

[wingman99]

Wow that screen shot does not look good.:eh?:

A German gaming publication stumbled on an interesting find. I found a article:(

LINK: http://www.cinemablend.com/games/EA-Says-Origin-Isn-t-Spyware-Although-It-Does-Scan-Your-Entire-PC-36690.html

[txus.palacios]

Well, yea, EA goes to my list of "companies I will not buy games from". Right now, it's only EA due to that POS service Origin is and Ubisoft because they think "call home" protection is cool.

[kmo_9000]

I've been using Origin since the BF3 beta. I'm also a long time user of Steam.

Objectively speaking they are both great platforms. Origin is usually fast at loading things, so is steam. However, Steam will freeze and crash sometimes. However, I will generally buy games on steam because Origin charges me sales tax where Steam does not.

If you want to try it out you can make an account and download Battlefield 1942 for free now. EA just made the game free to play this week.

[TeknoBug]

I still have BF1942 installed with the no-CD patch (left my CD's in a box that I stored at my parent's place after moving), I hope the Desert Combat mod picks up again, one of the most epic games, BF3 doesn't even touch that. I was a killer in the chopper, which wasn't easy to fly.

And yes I remember EA changing the EULA on Origin, I laughed about it because they knew they were caught red handed and changed it for the exact reason stated in the above post.

[M33Cat]

no problems for me, found it easy to use and buy games

[Mario1]

So it collects your contacts to deliver you the best gaming experience? :D
Doesn't make any sense whatsoever, not planning on installing Origin anytime soon.
I can't actually afford the Origin game I want anyways (BF3), but if I do ever get it I'm not using Origin to play.
Razor1911 have released a crack that lets you play BF3 without Origin, you still have to own the game, but at least you're not getting all your private info collected.

[kmo_9000]

So it collects your contacts to deliver you the best gaming experience? :D
Doesn't make any sense whatsoever, not planning on installing Origin anytime soon.
I can't actually afford the Origin game I want anyways (BF3), but if I do ever get it I'm not using Origin to play.
Razor1911 have released a crack that lets you play BF3 without Origin, you still have to own the game, but at least you're not getting all your private info collected.

I would not trust that Razer1911 crack one second. EA is very strict about banning people at the slightest hint of any install file being modified.

I also don't see any basis for everyone being paranoid about them collecting personal info. It's EA not some group of Indian hackers trying to get your credit card info. I've never had Origin do a scan of my system and they're not going to do anything malicious with that info anyway.

For the record steam also collects a lot of personal information of the same sort, and you really can't opt out any more than Origin. I would really appreciate some recent source links confirming that EA is spying on you or whatever, it just sounds like paranoid speculation at this point to be completely honest.

[jazon1]

I pretty much boycotted EA after they ruined tons of small companys by buying them and turning them into company's who just turn out fast junk games with no creativity to make a quick buck.

Before EA pulled all there crap there used to actually be alot of good company's who took there time and produced creative quality games. now they are a dieing breed.

[Mario1]

I would not trust that Razer1911 crack one second. EA is very strict about banning people at the slightest hint of any install file being modified.

I also don't see any basis for everyone being paranoid about them collecting personal info. It's EA not some group of Indian hackers trying to get your credit card info. I've never had Origin do a scan of my system and they're not going to do anything malicious with that info anyway.

For the record steam also collects a lot of personal information of the same sort, and you really can't opt out any more than Origin. I would really appreciate some recent source links confirming that EA is spying on you or whatever, it just sounds like paranoid speculation at this point to be completely honest.
The crack doesn't really modify anything. All Origin does is open up a link, which results in the game being started. Crack does practically the same thing, doesn't run in your background and doesn't look up your cellphone's contacts.
Facebook isn't a group of indian hackers either, yet they store your info permanently on their servers even if you delete your account.

[kmo_9000]

The crack doesn't really modify anything. All Origin does is open up a link, which results in the game being started. Crack does practically the same thing, doesn't run in your background and doesn't look up your cellphone's contacts.
Facebook isn't a group of indian hackers either, yet they store your info permanently on their servers even if you delete your account.

I asked for source links showing that Origin does these things. Please prove that Origin looks up cellphone contacts, this is ridiculous. I remember all the rumours back a couple months ago when BF3 was coming out, I didn't buy into them then and I don't now.

You are being paranoid, its nowhere near as bad as you are making it out to be.

[Mario1]

I asked for source links showing that Origin does these things. Please prove that Origin looks up cellphone contacts, this is ridiculous. I remember all the rumours back a couple months ago when BF3 was coming out, I didn't buy into them then and I don't now.

You are being paranoid, its nowhere near as bad as you are making it out to be.
Download the needed software and check it out for yourself, people have linked pictures in previous posts here, yet that doesn't seem to be enough for you. Why not test it yourself?

[kmo_9000]

Download the needed software and check it out for yourself, people have linked pictures in previous posts here, yet that doesn't seem to be enough for you. Why not test it yourself?

I've been using it for over a year now, since the BF3 beta. I've never seen Origin do something like that to my system. That screenshot doesn't prove anything, for all you know it's a glitch. Why would they possibly want to know whats on your calendar or who your are sending text messages too?

And I'm checking my system with process monitor now, I see no origin.exe scanning my system.

It's no different from Steam, you are paranoid if you think otherwise.

[Stratus_ss]

I've been using it for over a year now, since the BF3 beta. I've never seen Origin do something like that to my system. That screenshot doesn't prove anything, for all you know it's a glitch. Why would they possibly want to know whats on your calendar or who your are sending text messages too?


First let me say I am not weighing in about whether Origin does or does not scan your computer/contacts/emails/uncle Joe's warts... But I would address the question 'why'

There are a lot of reasons a company would want this information, and most of the time it is not more nefarious than getting you to buy more crap. The more data they can aggregate about you the better then can market to you.

If they can gather bits of info about you, and then about those people you associate with and their likes/dislikes, this allows them to build reasonable statistical metrics about what your buying habbits are, or what your interests are etc.

There have been cases of companies who knew based on the information they collected when someone was pregnant. Then taking that information they aggregated all they knew about pregnant women in a contemporary setting and observed what the majority bought and during which trimester. This allowed them to actually increase their sales to pregnant women because of targeted advertising, all because they tracked things like whether a woman was pregnant and what they tended to buy.

The same ideology is applied to gamers. They gather your age, the age of your friends, the games you play, whether you are likely to pay for DLC etc etc. Then with that, they target you with specific ads or they may offer you (this is just an extrapolation) a different price on their website than someone else because you are more likely to buy something therefore they have less incentive to "pick you" for random price drops etc.

Your personal information is worth big money, I never understood why people give this info away so readily. Companies like Google make their entire business model off of the ability to gather information about you AND your contacts, and the more angles they generate data from the more reliable it becomes

[kmo_9000]

Stratus_ss I agree with you, our personal information is worth big money. But it's most likely pretty naive to think that Steam does not do the same thing. Steam is in the market of selling us games just as Origin is, of course they are both going to gather certain information.

But I have Origin set not to start up at boot. I only turn it on when I want to play an Origin game, same with Steam. But you are giving away your personal information participating in either platform.

Still, I have never seen any recent proof that Origin still does this. You have to remember that Origin has been in beta up until only very recently. There could be any number of reasons for it scanning files.

[Aynjell]

EA probably laughed at valve when they started the steam project, now they're trying to get their own chunk of the cash... when in reality all their customers want them to do is play ball and let them have their steam games.

EA shoulda' just left well enough alone and realized they missed the bus... because it's not like valve needs competition. They have a hard enough time selling enough games so there is literally always some kind of sale going on.

[kmo_9000]

EA probably laughed at valve when they started the steam project, now they're trying to get their own chunk of the cash... when in reality all their customers want them to do is play ball and let them have their steam games.

EA shoulda' just left well enough alone and realized they missed the bus... because it's not like valve needs competition. They have a hard enough time selling enough games so there is literally always some kind of sale going on.

There is literally always a sale on Steam. EA is not in a bad position, Origin is the only real competitor to steam and they have the intellectual property to back it.

I have both on my computer and I don't mind having two programs at all. Their both lightweight programs, if you can get over being paranoid about Origin it's actually a great alternative.

[Aynjell]

There is literally always a sale on Steam. EA is not in a bad position, Origin is the only real competitor to steam and they have the intellectual property to back it.

I have both on my computer and I don't mind having two programs at all. Their both lightweight programs, if you can get over being paranoid about Origin it's actually a great alternative.

lol, crysis? Star Wars mmo? Battlefield 3 (which personally I think is horrible)?

I don't know of any game I have to get through origin that I genuinely want to play. Even mass effect has been on a terrible decline, and to be frank I haven't even finished Mass Effect 3. They genuinely don't have the IP to back up a push to challenge steam... you know why? Because all they have is theirs and their subsidiaries IP's, valve has all the rest.

this is nothing but a greedy ploy from EA to force people who want to play their games into their service. The problem is, they only come to ea for ea stuff. That doesn't leave a whole lot else for origin to be doing... and EA should even know it. And the games I'd genuinely like to add to origin, like my copy of crysis 1, won't activate... so I have to continue to play them with a CD.

In a nutshell, Origin is horrible because EA is trying to bully their way into the market that nobody wants them in.

[kmo_9000]

lol, crysis? Star Wars mmo? Battlefield 3 (which personally I think is horrible)?

I don't know of any game I have to get through origin that I genuinely want to play. Even mass effect has been on a terrible decline, and to be frank I haven't even finished Mass Effect 3. They genuinely don't have the IP to back up a push to challenge steam... you know why? Because all they have is theirs and their subsidiaries IP's, valve has all the rest.

this is nothing but a greedy ploy from EA to force people who want to play their games into their service. The problem is, they only come to ea for ea stuff. That doesn't leave a whole lot else for origin to be doing... and EA should even know it. And the games I'd genuinely like to add to origin, like my copy of crysis 1, won't activate... so I have to continue to play them with a CD.

In a nutshell, Origin is horrible because EA is trying to bully their way into the market that nobody wants them in.

It's their IP, they can sell it wherever they want. Any other developer that had the resources they do would have done the exact same.

As far as games go I have successfully added Crysis 1, Crysis Warhead, Bad Company 2, Command and Conquer 3, Kains Wrath Expansion, Battlefield 2142 (which was upgraded to the deluxe edition for free). I also got Crysis 2 25% off from a code I got from customer support and I got Deadspace 2 for free as part of pre-ordering BF3.

If you can't get Crysis to activate on Origin, then talk to EA support and have them do it for you. They did it for me every time I had a problem, and even gave me a savings code for my trouble.

Other games big EA games are Sim City 4, Crysis 3 and Mass Effect 3 to name a few.

EA is not trying to bully their way into the market, they are simply trying to sell their own games. And they are going decent job at that so far. Hating EA is not a valid reason to criticize Origin as a competitor to steam.

[Aynjell]

It's a hugely valid reason to criticize origin; who are you to tell me what reasons are valid and what aren't? And furthermore, they are trying to bully their way into the market. Hey, let's bring up a license issue that requires the slightest bit of work from EA... an their response is, screw it, let's make our own steam and force all our customers to use two systems... because clearly we aren't making huge enough amounts of money off the console market with their myriad of sports game reruns... and crappy watered down garbage games (like mass effect 3).

Some of us have been buying ea products for years on steam and to see a huge chunk of the ea catalog suddenly not available because they wanna budge into the market... that just stinks of greed.

Now they're inconveniencing the customer for a few more bucks, and plus origin has several policies that alone make steam superior. Is it still a thing where if you don't login for 6 months it deletes all your games? That used to be a thing if I recall.

Plus the UI stinks. ;)

Also, I'm well aware of IP and what rights it bestows upon the owner. You don't have to tell me like I don't know. Just because it's within their rights doesn't mean it's not what we'd call lawful evil. You and I both know a Lawful good entity wouldn't have even considered origin because customers were already really happy with steam. ;)

Rights to their IP or not, I think they're making a mistake by splitting themselves from the standard market. gamers have steam, it's what we ask for when we make new friends, if not our gmail. Who asks each other for their origin id? Battlefield players? They intentionally fragmented the market, and like any big organization they're hoping to steam roll it to being a true competitor to steam. Personally, I don't care to support that bid for power as I'm content with my benevolent overlord gabe newell. :)

[kmo_9000]

You're being paranoid. Hating EA is not a reason to say Origin as a platform sucks. As a program it is lightweight, well designed and every way comparable to Steam. And the UI does not suck, it works perfectly fine.

Steam is great but you can't honestly expect all developers to just rely on Steam forever. Competition is great for the customer and having two great platforms on your computer only means you get more options.

As far as games being taken off Steam, I don't know what you're talking about. You can still play those games if you paid for them on Steam. My copy of Crysis and Crysis Warhead that I bought on Steam activated on Origin perfectly. Now I have the same licence on two platforms.

And umm... users being happy with Steam doesn't make Origin unlawful or "evil," your argument really falls apart there. Bottom line is that Steam needs competition and Origin is by far a better platform than GFWL or Gamestop since buying Stardocks impulse client. It's not as bad as you're making it out to be, EA is a big corporation but they do make some great games despite all their shortfalls. Boycotting them at this point is pointless.

EDIT: Also, EA was clear that accounts are only deleted after 6 months if no purchases were made on that account. They won't just delete your account after 6 months if it's full of games. It's a measure to reduce unused accounts not cheat customers out of their games.

[Tokae]

It's a hugely valid reason to criticize origin; who are you to tell me what reasons are valid and what aren't? And furthermore, they are trying to bully their way into the market. Hey, let's bring up a license issue that requires the slightest bit of work from EA... an their response is, screw it, let's make our own steam and force all our customers to use two systems... because clearly we aren't making huge enough amounts of money off the console market with their myriad of sports game reruns... and crappy watered down garbage games (like mass effect 3).

Some of us have been buying ea products for years on steam and to see a huge chunk of the ea catalog suddenly not available because they wanna budge into the market... that just stinks of greed.

No its just plain old competition. Going by your opinion, you should be just fine with there being only 1 retail store to buy your groceries from then. No one else should even think about selling groceries! Its greed!

Not everyone likes steam. Granted, Origin doesn't have the gaming variety steam has, but who knows in time it might pick up.

[wingman99]

I hate steam and origin, there model is a pain in the you know what. When you have a problems you have to download steam and origin also games, set it up then try to figure out what is not working correctly. Also there is more ease for hackers to attack your pc because of all the interacting software with the net. If all gaming manufactures fallow the same model as steam and origin the pc will be a mess to work with. Also it's so much faster to download games form DVD instead of steam and origin, I have 16Mbs connection and it never uses all of it.

The thing I hate the most is all the adware advertizing.

[kmo_9000]

I hate steam and origin, there model is a pain in the you know what. When you have a problems you have to download steam and origin also games, set it up then try to figure out what is not working correctly. Also there is more ease for hackers to attack your pc because of all the interacting software with the net. If all gaming manufactures fallow the same model as steam and origin the pc will be a mess to work with. Also it's so much faster to download games form DVD instead of steam and origin, I have 16Mbs connection and it never uses all of it.

The thing I hate the most is all the adware advertizing.

Not every developer has the resources to make a service like Steam or Origin.

And I would like to hear what problems you are having with games. I've never had a problem with any big name game on Steam or Origin. Actually because of the large community finding a fix is a lot easier that otherwise.

I mean it's by far better than going to EB Games or Gamestop to buy games.

[Aynjell]

No its just plain old competition. Going by your opinion, you should be just fine with there being only 1 retail store to buy your groceries from then. No one else should even think about selling groceries! Its greed!

Not everyone likes steam. Granted, Origin doesn't have the gaming variety steam has, but who knows in time it might pick up.

I'm not saying that it's not a smart move for them, but the way it was carried out; and the way they forced it to impact their customers is/was kind of douchey. Let's force it on all our mass effect customers who've been buying our games for years when we release the conclusion... great now I have to have two services to access all three of those games.

It's just annoying, and the way they did it was garbage. Competition would be offering the game companies better publishing rates... but origin still isn't the game catalog power house that steam is.

[Stratus_ss]

I'm not saying that it's not a smart move for them, but the way it was carried out; and the way they forced it to impact their customers is/was kind of douchey. Let's force it on all our mass effect customers who've been buying our games for years when we release the conclusion... great now I have to have two services to access all three of those games.

It's just annoying, and the way they did it was garbage. Competition would be offering the game companies better publishing rates... but origin still isn't the game catalog power house that steam is.

I am actually boycotting ME3 until I don't have to use origin. Same reason I don't play/buy games that require windows live.

I am fine with competition but being forced to use something is totally different and obsurd I think

[Aynjell]

I am actually boycotting ME3 until I don't have to use origin. Same reason I don't play/buy games that require windows live.

I am fine with competition but being forced to use something is totally different and obsurd I think

There are many games that force you to use steam... and that's the key word here... steam doesn't make us feel forced. We have a familiar interface most of us grew up with it seems... that we can work efficiently and easily. Then this other company that's been making this game franchise we all love decides to say, hey kids, if you wanna see the exciting conclusion, you gotta start playing with us instead of steam.

I haven't finished Mass Effect 3 either, but I need to.

It's not that it's a bad service, they just introduced it in the worst possible way ever.

[kmo_9000]

Battlefield 3 is on Origin and not on Steam, Call of Duty is on steam and not on Origin. I don't feel forced to play either game on either platform.

If you truly look at it objectively Origin really is like steam in pretty much every practical way.

Really don't see the problem with having two platforms on your computer. Seems too me like you guys have a touch of ADD.

[Bobnova]

I have not had any problems with Steam.

Origin breaks BF3 every time I have to update it (and you cannot play without updates), requiring me to download 16GB 2-4 times before it gets it right.
I hate origin.

[Stratus_ss]

Battlefield 3 is on Origin and not on Steam, Call of Duty is on steam and not on Origin. I don't feel forced to play either game on either platform.

If you truly look at it objectively Origin really is like steam in pretty much every practical way.

Really don't see the problem with having two platforms on your computer. Seems too me like you guys have a touch of ADD.

Last I looked, Origin does not allow gifting, which has been something I have done a decent amount of.

As for some of the games which are steam exclusives, I haven't found any which I could not buy from another source, however I'll take your word that they do exist

[kmo_9000]

Last I looked, Origin does not allow gifting, which has been something I have done a decent amount of.

As for some of the games which are steam exclusives, I haven't found any which I could not buy from another source, however I'll take your word that they do exist

You can buy them from another source, but a lot still require Steam to play. Pretty sure Skyrim and Call of Duty are two big ones.

You can do the same with Origin and Battlefield 3. I bought BF3 premium from Greenman Gaming for 40$ when it was first released.

[MGF Derp]

Really am not a fan of Origin. It is not as refined as Steam, not that Steam is perfect but it feels less broken.

[Tokae]

Last I looked, Origin does not allow gifting, which has been something I have done a decent amount of.

As for some of the games which are steam exclusives, I haven't found any which I could not buy from another source, however I'll take your word that they do exist

I do admit that the lack of gifting is highly annoying. I wanted a friend to play B2K when it dropped for BF3, and he couldnt' afford it. I thought 'ok I will get it!' so I went and bought it, and then realized, there was no gift option.

BUT, I called EA customer service, told the guy what I did, he checked my account, saw I bought it twice and activated a copy of the pack on my friends account within 10 minutes. Now that is service. I was impressed with the handling of the issue!

[aldincek]

I kinda don't like it steam is mutch better :D