Electronic Arts revealed today the first third-party publishers that will offer their games via its Origin digital distribution platform. The company will offer select games from THQ, Capcom, and Warner Bros. beginning in November. While EA has always maintained that its platform was never meant to compete with Steam, it sure seems like this move to carry third-party titles could be considered slightly competitive...
Beginning in November, Origin will feature Batman: Arkham City, Saints Row: The Third and more, ready for purchase and download. Additional titles from each publisher will be offered on Origin in the coming months,
"Since launch, we've had overwhelming support from both publishers and developers across the gaming industry, recognizing Origin as an opportunity to deliver more of their great content straight to consumers across the globe," said David DeMartini, senior vice president of Origin at EA. "We're excited to welcome Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, THQ and Capcom as the first publishers to offer their games via Origin."
Comments
Re: EA Adding Third-Party Titles to Origin in November
I'll say this about Origin, whether or not they really do mean it to compete with Steam (and lets be honest here, it OBVIOUSLY is) it sure does not compete with Steam. Not at all.
Re: EA Adding Third-Party Titles to Origin in November
Been using Origin for BF3. It's not working out to well right now and I think Origin game activation is actually down (broken) at the moment.
If I were an aspiring company wanting to distribute digital sales via a download client I'd look to Steam right now. Origin is struggling just with BF3 traffic alone. Not a good start.
Re: EA Adding Third-Party Titles to Origin in November
This is great news! All the money-grubbers who use retarded online passes in one spot. Now I know where not to spend my money.
I dunno why Capcom would want to be in the boat, though. Only thing they did wrong was cancel MML 3, and that technically wasn't their fault.
Atlanta Video Games Examiner for examiner.com
Re: EA Adding Third-Party Titles to Origin in November
That's fine, as long as they don't pull exclusivity shenanigans like EA has done with yanking their own titles off Steam. If you guys (WB, THQ, etc.) want to swim in EA's pond too, go for it. Just keep in mind that if it's not on Steam, I'm not buying.
Re: EA Adding Third-Party Titles to Origin in November
That is exactly what they are going to do. They ONLY reason they pulled the Origin exclusive BS with BF3 was to get an instant large install base for Origin so they could start competing with Steam. I think what they will find is that they won't move many units and that thrid party will not be willing to give up Steam's large and active user base with Origin exclusives.