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 interface and frustrating logins ultimately hindered its widespread adoption. Despite this, EA persevered, only to now replace Origin with the similarly criticized EA app.

This transition comes with significant caveats. Players who only own games through Origin might lose access unless they actively transfer their accounts to the EA app. This means a potential loss of access to purchased games if the switch isn't completed. 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, this still presents a challenge for those on older systems.

It's highly improbable that anyone with a recently purchased or built PC uses a 32-bit OS. However, Microsoft sold 32-bit versions of Windows 10 until 2020. Windows 11 users have nothing to worry about, as 64-bit support dates back to Windows Vista nearly two decades ago. A simple check is to examine your system's RAM; 32-bit systems are limited to 4GB. If you have more RAM and are still using a 32-bit OS, a 64-bit reinstall 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; Steam's similar move leaves some players stranded. The increasing use of invasive DRM solutions, such as Denuvo, further complicates the issue, with some requiring deep system access or imposing arbitrary installation limits.

GOG, run by CD Projekt, offers a solution. Their DRM-free approach ensures that downloaded games remain playable on any compatible hardware, indefinitely. While this opens the door to piracy, it hasn't deterred new releases, with *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* soon to join their catalog.