Origin

Origin (formerly known as EA Download Manager or EADM) is the digital distribution service developed by Electronic Arts. Origin is used to download and install digital versions of purchased games as well as their updates. Origin is the chief competitor to Valve's Steam content distribution service. Origin was a mandatory requirement for all EA titles released from 2011-2022 for Microsoft Windows until the EA app was released to replace it. As of October 2023, it is still a mandatory requirement for all EA titles on macOS.
== History ==
The service was initially launched as EA Downloader in 2005 and was used to distribute Battlefield 2 expansion packs. The service was re-branded as EA Download Manager in 2007 and purchases from the EA Store were downloaded via the EADM client.
The EA Store and EADM client were merged and re-branded as Origin in June 2011.
In 2022, Origin was discontinued for Microsoft Windows and replaced by the EA app. Players could formally purchase new games on Origin, but could not download a fresh installation. In 2023, Origin was made defunct for Microsoft Windows, with players having no choice but to install the EA app in order to continue to play. In September 2023, it was confirmed that Origin would soon be replaced by the EA app on macOS. As of October 2023, Origin is still fully functional on macOS and can be downloaded on any macOS computer running OSX 10.9 or later. 
== Comparisons and differences between Origin and Steam ==
*Both services supply The Sims 3 and all of its expansion packs.
*Both services distribute games from third-party developers.
*Origin supplies exclusive content for EA games which isn't available via Steam or retail.
*thumb|234x234px|Origin's latest Store design. Origin requires a separate download and install for each expansion pack, Steam downloads and installs them all together.
*Some games on Origin can be played while they are being downloaded.
== Relation to The Sims series ==
The Sims 4 is the first title in the series to require Origin for installation, although the game can be played without it afterwards. The Sims 4 General Information - EA Help The service is used for updates and distribution of downloadable content.
==Compatibility==
Origin's final release for Microsoft Windows supported Windows 8 and newer systems. For macOS, OSX 10.9 and newer is required.Origin - Update your operating system to use all of Origin's features There was a legacy client for Windows XP and Vista as well as Mac Lion 10.7 and Mountain Lion 10.8 but on January 14th, 2020, the legacy edition was discontinued, with players having to upgrade to Windows 8 or later for Microsoft Windows or OSX 10.9 for macOS in order to be able to use Origin and the games provided with it.
==External links==
*Origin
== References ==
fr:Origin
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Category:Tools
Category:Official downloads
Category:EA Games