EA Desktop App for Windows

Games store, launcher and games library

The Electronic Arts Desktop App is the latest version of Electronic Arts' all-in-one gaming service. It features a store, a library of purchased titles, as well as a game launcher. The Desktop App replaces Origin and works with EA Play's game subscription service.

Video games company Valve was the first to launch its own all-in-one store/library/launcher service, Steam, in 2003. Other game companies have since unveiled their versions, ranging from Ubisoft Connect and the Bethesda Launcher.

EA Desktop App is a rebranded version, built from scratch, of Electronic Arts' Origin service. The Desktop App is technically more modern and sleeker than Origin, but it still offers the same experience. The app allows you to buy EA games, install them, launch them, and then update them.

It is fair to wonder what the purpose of the EA Desktop app is. It was developed based on player feedback. It not only allows you to seamlessly move your games library, but it also simplifies the user-experience. It also features a Dark Mode interface, enhanced Playtime Controls, and allows you to keep track of how long you have spent in a particular game.

Origin users will find all their games in the Desktop App. Both applications cannot be used simultaneously. Transactions made by EA Play, an on-demand gaming service, will also be visible in the new app.

The EA Desktop app is functional and welcomes player feedback. EA seems eager to accommodate as many requests as possible. A Trello feature roadmap is also available. This provides a great transparency into the development process. It's a sharp, intuitive improvement over the previous launcher.

Game launchers, whether you love them or not, are an essential part of the modern era in video games. EA has been criticized for its dubious business practices in the past, particularly with regard to microtransactions or game exclusivity agreements. The Desktop App seems like a valuable piece of course-correction - because sometimes, players' opinions do matter.