EA (service)
| File:EA Store.png Screencap of the EA Store | |
| Developer(s) | Electronic Arts |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows |
| Type | Content delivery |
| Website | http://eastore.ea.com/ |
Origin(formerly EA Store) is a digital distribution, digital rights management system from Electronic Arts that allows users to purchase computer games on the Internet and download them directly to their PC with EA Download Manager (formerly EA Downloader and EA Link). As of the 3rd June 2011, EA Store reports that it is down for maintenance and will be reopened (as Origin) at 9AM PST.
Components
EA Store
EA Store allows users to browse and purchase games from Electronic Arts' catalogs. Instead of receiving a box, disc, or even CD key, purchased software is immediately attached to the user's EA account and is to be downloaded with the corresponding EA Download Manager.
| File:Eadm default.png | |
| Stable release | 8.0.3.427
|
|---|---|
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows |
| Website | www |
EA Download Manager
EA Download Manager is self-updating software that allows users to download games, expansion packs, content booster packs and patches from Electronic Arts. It shows the status of components available. EA Download Manager works in a similar fashion to Steam,[citation needed] many games require the manager to be online before the game functions properly.
History
EA Downloader was launched in late 2005.[1] It was replaced by EA Link in November 2006, adding trailers, demos and special content to the content delivery service. In September 2007, it was once again replaced by the combination of EA Store and EA Download Manager, short termed EADM.[2] Users purchase from the EA Store website and use the downloadable EADM client to download their games.[3]
The digital distribution software was first used to deliver the Battlefield 2: Special Forces expansion pack,[4] and subsequently most EA titles. The biggest product launch on the software is Spore Creature Creator.
Criticism
Download limitations
Users were given one year from the time of purchase to download a game, but this limitation does not exist anymore. There currently is no time limitation for redownloading games through the platform.[5] However according to EA terms of service[6] account may be canceled after 24 month of non-use.
Regional pricing
EA charges a different price depending on the location of the customer. One justification for this is that it allows the game to be sold for a lower price in regions of the world that cannot afford the higher prices in the first world nations. However, as a result of regional differences and economic currency fluctuations, these prices may be dramatically different, as in the case of Medal of Honor: Airborne costs $21.15 AUD in the United States, but costs $99.99 AUD in Australia, as of July 2008.[7] Another instance of this is Spore costing £22.21 GBP (£26.11 after sales tax) in the United States before but it costs £39.99 GBP VAT included, in the United Kingdom. This price is as of September, 2008. A more recent example is Battlefield: Bad Company 2 for PC which costs about 599 RUB ($20) in Russia, $49.99 in USA and $63.50 in Denmark as of February, 2010.
Platform revisions
Users have complained about constant changes in the platform software and branding of the EA store. This is unlike other platforms like Steam, which has been consistent in branding through its lifetime. As of May 2009, EA says games bought via EA Link will continue to be able to be downloaded using the EA Download Manager,[8] although the download limitations may prevent further downloads.
Game Interference
EA Download Manager has caused issues with games such as Battlefield 2 and Spore Creature Creator.[9]
See also
References
- ^ "EA soft-launches Link". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
- ^ "Electronic Arts Closes EA Link Service, Unveils EA Store". GamaSutra. Retrieved 2007-09-24.
- ^ "EA Store". Electronic Arts. Retrieved 2007-07-18.
- ^ "EA Launches PC Digital Delivery Service". GamaSutra. Retrieved 2005-11-11.
- ^ "EA Forums". Electronic Arts EA Forums. Retrieved 2011-02-04.
- ^ "ELECTRONIC ARTS TERMS OF SERVICE". Retrieved 2011-03-08.
- ^ "Aussies paying five times more for software". News Limited. 2008-07-01. Retrieved 2007-07-09. [dead link]
- ^ All your EA Link games will continue to work and can be downloaded again at anytime using the new EA Download Manager, Footnote on EA Link's website
- ^ "Why is Spore Creature Creator Crashing?". Electronic Arts UK Forum. Retrieved 2008-07-01.