SWTOR An Exclusive Download for EA's New "Origin"
EA has re-branded its online store as "Origin" and plans to host the digital version of Star Wars: The Old Republic exclusively later this year.
Friday Electronic Arts said that the digital downloads of BioWare's upcoming MMOG Star Wars: The Old Republic will be available later this year exclusively on the publisher's new digital distribution platform Origin, also launched on Friday. EA also said that gamers will eventually be able to purchase and download exclusive limited edition copies of highly-anticipated EA games like Battlefield 3 and FIFA 12.
"Origin is a game service with two fundamental features," said David DeMartini, senior vice president of Global Online at EA. "It's a download service for the very best content from EA and its partners. It also offers a social function which, over time, will connect a player's profile with friends lists and a cross-platform feed that shows what your friends are playing and where."
Essentially EA has re-branded its EA Store as Origin. The EA Download Manager desktop client is also still available, but has now been revamped and renamed Origin. The software basically allows consumers to purchase EA titles "any time and any place you want." Those who already established an EA account prior to the name change can still use the same credentials for Origin.
But what Origin isn't is a Steam killer, and there's currently no indication that EA plans to pull its products out of other digital distribution platforms like Steam or Direct2Drive. But the new client offers an interesting social feature integration which connects Origin to Facebook, Xbox Live and (soon) the PlayStation Network.
"Through the Origin beta application, users will be able to find and connect with friends, see what they are playing, and digitally download and play PC games straight from EA," the company added.
Consumers looking to purchase games straight from EA outside the PC realm – including the Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PSP and DS – can head here to the re-branded store. Unfortunately, what's missing from both the website and desktop client is the ability to download and install demos – a means to try some of EA's 150+ library of games before making the financial plunge. That could change over time however.
"We're committed to offering consumers direct access to great content and community in a way they have never experienced before," said EA CEO John Riccitiello. "Today we're launching Origin.com and the Origin beta application. Over time, Origin will grow with new functionality and unique new content that consumers can't get anywhere else."
During EA's press conference next week at the E3 Expo in Los Angeles, exclusive content for EA titles will be made available on the Origin.com website. EA's E3 press conference is scheduled for 12:30PM PST on June 6, 2011, and a live webcast is available at www.ea.com/e3/press.
Origin, i guess its good that its just one more option for the consumer.
Origin, i guess its good that its just one more option for the consumer.
PC/Windows only
and it is a traditional MMORPG
If WOW and Mass Effect had a love child it would be SWTOR
For MMOs its best to get the box. Itll save you more time and spare you from the hassle.
Sounds like just another direct2drive digital download store.
As for SW:TOR, I find it Highly unlikely that, at launch, Origin will be the only place you will be able buy it digitally. It makes no sense.
You make a game as big (and expensive) as SW:TOR, you want it to be available everywhere. Not just one digital retailer (who is not even one of the top digital retailers).
Here is my prediction: at Launch TOR will be available from at least 3 digital retailers (including directly from the TOR site) and each retailer (physical and digital) will offer different Pre-order/CE swag items.
If I wasn't so wary of EA's money grubbing trends I would be more ok with trying it out. EA has had a tendency lately to try to bleed cash out of its customers by messing with the line that defines what should be DLC and what should be part of the original game purchase.
Message to EA, if you want me to use Origin over Steam and give you the extra revenue then you need to start showing me you can be responsible and not make so many blatant attempts to take DLC to extremes. DLC is not a bad thing, selling me half a game at $60 and then making me pay that again for DLC that should have come with the game is. DLC should always be value added not required to enjoy the game.
/shuts door
However, I guess EA has the capability to reach out to all the CODkiddies and Halobois that know nothing of PC gaming, and we all know that is a market that just loves to be exploited.
I was thinking this exact same thing. This is insulting to those of us who grew up playing and loving Origin Systems video games. Maybe they think they can leverage the name to get more sales, but those of us who would be familiar with the name will just give EA the middle finger.
Though really, I give them the middle finger anyway. Pressure from EA is likely what dumbed-down Mass Effect and Dragon Age, as well as turned Crysis into a ridiculous (and short) console-to-PC port instead of a powerful PC game like its predecessor.
I hold out hope for Battlefield 3 though. EA seems to be letting DICE take the limiters off for the PC version, and that makes me happy. I still fear it will be a short-ass game in the end.
Why would anyone want to put in the time and money to create a game that may or may not revolutionize the MMO game model? When instead you can just remodel the characters to target the fans of your specific target areas. Slap Star trek and Star wars faces on character models and you got the future sci-fi fan gamers upturning their pockets, and Warhammer/LotR for the fantasy sci-fi folks.
We've stopped buying games because they change the way we play, instead we buy games so we can play out the roles of our favorite fantasy characters.
Its not that companies can't create new games. The consumers (us) just keep buying the same game with new faces. Fact is WE support the curret game structures, until that changes companies have no reason to change much of anything. Why fix what isn't broken?
I swear it's like these big gaming companies don't actually employ any gamers. It's all ran by greedy old guys and accountants.