EA kills off Origin with new 'EA Desktop' app
It supports faster downloads and updates, along with more cross-play features.
It’s not just EA Access that EA is renaming to streamline its branding. The publisher is scrubbing the Origin name from its desktop app. It’s testing a beta version of a revamped PC client called, oddly enough, EA Desktop.
In an interview with GamesBeat, EA said the app will offer faster updates and downloads, more straightforward access to games and expanded cross-play features. EA Desktop also has Playtime Controls that’ll give parents oversight over how long their kids can keep playing.
In addition, it’ll act as a gateway to the publisher’s subscription services. It renamed those last month from EA Access and Origin Access Basic to EA Play, and Origin Access Premier to EA Play Pro.
EA has stretched beyond the confines of its Origin digital storefront in recent years. EA Play is available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Steam, and games included in the subscription service will also soon be included in Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.
Signups for the EA Desktop closed beta are now open. EA will send out invitations on a first-come, first-served basis.
Update 9/15 1:35PM ET: Added details about EA Desktop beta registration.
