Are the battlelines being drawn ahead of BF3?

[Thermal Ions]

Crysis 2 Pulled From Steam – Now ‘Exclusive’ To Origin | Kotaku Australia

Begun the Digital Distribution wars have. Now that EA has its own online ‘Steam’-style store, it’s gone and pulled Crysis 2 from Steam, and is selling the game ‘exclusively’ via their own ‘Origin’ service.

But a quick check of other downloadable services shows that Crysis 2 is still available on other sites, such as Direct 2 Drive and Gamersgate – is this a sign that EA’s exclusivity is simply an attempt to out-muscle Steam and define their own online store in the process?


Other EA properties are still available on Steam, but its worth noting that Battlefield 3 and Mass Effect 3 may end up being the dual Trojan horse EA needs to truly solidify the Origin service. It’s a stark possibility that PC gamers will have to buy these games exclusively on EA’s store as it attempts to solidify the Origin service. Ultimately, we could be looking at a future where EA sells their own properties exclusively on Origin.


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Given EA Australia's historical rip-off pricing on their web store (and lack of decent specials) this isn't news I'm that keen to hear.

[QuestorNZ]

I despise EA with a passion, which is a shame considering how much I ant to play Alice Madness Returns, so I know I won't be using their Steam-like rubbish...!

[rubicon]

To give credit where it is due, EA are one of the few publishers on steam who have something approaching price parity with the US. I've picked up ME2, Crysis2 and DA2 off steam for about $50-60, IIRC.

I guess past performance is never a guarantee of future earnings though...

[Reoh]

I'm really looking forward to ME3.

But if its rip-off priced I will NOT be buying it.

[Reoh]

EA is saying that Steam pulled Crysis 2 and it was not an EA decision.

Originally Posted by EA

“Steam has imposed a set of business terms for developers hoping to sell content on that service – many of which are not imposed by other online game services. Unfortunately, Crytek has an agreement with another download service which violates the new rules from Steam and resulted in its expulsion of Crysis II from Steam. ”

Source: EA Says It Was Valve Who ‘Expelled’ Crysis 2 From Steam | Kotaku Australia

[Ulric]

Regardless of who was at fault there will be an impact to consumers from this.

My experience with EA and its support (or lack thereof) and the patching service has been far from good. My purchase of 2142 at close to retail when it was no longer available in store so I could play with TOGgers was further frustrated by the fact that I could not re-install on a new system after my HDD failed and I rebuilt.

My purchase of Spore for my son and the mess that caused not to mention the many GB of downloads caused by the re-installation of patches in a fruitless attempt to get the product to work on two different machines.

I know from my own personal perspective that these issues have significantly impacted my view of EA in a negative manner. I have not had any similar issues with Steam supported games, quite the contrary.

[Reoh]

@Ulric,

You can't re-install games from Origin?!

[edit]

Makes another amazing sale purchase off Steam. You know unless Origin is offering these awesome deals, I don't see Origin ever luring me away.

[NackaJeem]

Interesting development. A lot of people will be tracking this I'm sure.

For me, the bottom line is whether or not Origin's pricing will be competitive. It's been a long time since I paid full price for a game and if I can get it cheaper somewhere else...

[Ulric]

I am not sure about Origin re-installation, but I do know my experience with BF2142 with the old EA download service, needles to say it was not an experience I wish to experience again.

Support, and how EA manage individuals issues will be the make or break for this service. There will be problems (there always are) and how those problems are solved will be critical.

It is this aspect that I believe there may be issues (going from my own personal experiences in the past) and unless the leopard has indeed changed its spots, then I think that the gaming world will be in for an interesting ride.

But these are my personal views, and others may have different views.

[Leevers]

EA = FAIL

They can re-name their store 100 times, but at the end of the day steam's simplicity and ease of use will always be superior as it's what people want - Hassle free gaming!