EA's Origin app, launched in 2011, aimed to rival Steam as a digital storefront for EA's PC games. The mandatory Origin requirement for *Mass Effect 3* in 2012 highlighted its ambition, but Origin's clunky user experience and frustrating logins deterred many PC gamers. Despite this, EA persevered, only to now replace Origin with the equally criticized EA app.
This transition comes with significant caveats. Players who only own *Titanfall* on Origin, for instance, risk losing access unless they actively transfer their accounts. Furthermore, the EA app only supports 64-bit operating systems, leaving 32-bit users behind. While Steam also dropped 32-bit support in early 2024, the impact on a dwindling 32-bit user base is still noteworthy.
It's highly improbable that anyone with a relatively new PC (within the last five years) uses a 32-bit OS. However, Microsoft sold 32-bit Windows 10 versions until 2020. Windows 11 users are unaffected, as 64-bit support dates back to Windows Vista nearly two decades ago. A simple RAM check can help determine your system type; 32-bit systems are limited to 4GB of RAM. If you have more, you're likely safe. If you're running a 32-bit version of Windows, a complete system reinstall with a 64-bit version is necessary.
The discontinuation of 32-bit support raises concerns about digital ownership. Losing access to years' worth of purchased games due to hardware changes is frustrating. This isn't unique to EA; Valve's Steam also dropped 32-bit support, leaving some players stranded. The increasing use of invasive DRM solutions like Denuvo, with their kernel-level access and arbitrary installation limits, further exacerbates these issues.
GOG, run by CD Projekt, offers a DRM-free alternative. Their games are yours to keep, playable on any compatible hardware, forever. While this opens the door to potential piracy, it hasn't stopped new releases, with the upcoming *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* soon to join their catalog.
