Origin, Electronic Arts’ gaming platform, will shut down on April 17, 2025, after 14 years of service. While it hosted popular titles like The Sims and Need for Speed, users often faced connectivity and interface issues. Players will need to transition to the EA App to maintain access to their game libraries, ensuring they have a 64-bit version of Windows for a smooth migration. Meanwhile, Electronic Arts is gearing up for future projects related to The Sims franchise.
Origin Platform to Close Its Doors
Initially launched as a hub for Valve’s video games, including iconic titles like Counter-Strike and Half-Life, the Steam platform has evolved into a vital resource for PC gamers. However, as is often the case in the gaming industry, competitors have emerged, attempting to carve out their own niche. One such competitor was Electronic Arts with its platform, **Origin**. After a lengthy 14-year run, **Origin is set to cease operations**.
Important Details About the Shutdown
If you’ve indulged in Electronic Arts’ games over the past decade and a half, chances are you’ve encountered **Origin** on your device. The platform hosted a myriad of beloved titles, including The Sims, *Need for Speed*, *Burnout*, and numerous Star Wars adventures, alongside RPGs like Dragon Age. However, users have often complained about its shortcomings—poor connectivity, a cumbersome store interface, and a cluttered library have left many gamers frustrated.
Therefore, the announcement of Origin’s impending closure on **April 17, 2025**, may be met with relief by some. That said, those who are critical of Electronic Arts should temper their excitement; this shutdown does not signify the end of the publisher’s digital platforms. For some time now, the **EA App** has been in operation, taking over Origin’s functions, and it is this platform that players will need to utilize for accessing EA’s games post-closure.
Ensuring Access to Your Games
With the news of Origin’s discontinuation, many may wonder about the fate of their game libraries. The unfortunate truth is that if no action is taken, access to your games will be lost. However, the silver lining is that **simply downloading the EA App and migrating your account** will allow you to retain access to your game collection. This straightforward solution is not entirely universal, though.
For a smooth migration, it’s crucial to ensure you are running **a 64-bit version of Windows**. If you’re using Windows 11, you’re likely already on a 64-bit system. For those still on Windows 10 or earlier versions, navigate to your computer’s Settings, select “System,” and then click on “About” from the left-hand menu. In the device specifications section, you can find “System type,” which indicates whether you are operating on a 64-bit or 32-bit version. **If you’re among the few still using a 32-bit system, you’ll need to either upgrade to a 64-bit version if your hardware supports it or consider investing in a newer machine.** Fortunately, most users have successfully transitioned to 64-bit systems by now. To safeguard your games from Origin, migrating to the EA App is the recommended course of action.
As we approach the 25th anniversary of The Sims franchise, Electronic Arts has shared exciting updates regarding its future. While there’s no immediate release of Sims 5, information about Project Rene and other developments are on the horizon. Stay tuned for all the latest developments!