EA to retire Origin name in favor of the new EA Desktop App

In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, EA Sr. VP Mike Blank said the Origin client software will soon be called the EA Desktop App. It’s part of the re-branding of EA services along with a whole new look for the client software with modern functionalities.

The purpose of this specific re-branding: “To create a more frictionless, fast, socially-oriented experience for our players, where it becomes the best place for them to connect with the people they want to play with in the games they want to play.”

With the EA Desktop App, players will be able to subscribe to EA services (such as EA Play and EA Play Pro), download games, play games against others who use other platforms, and more.

“And what signals it is this inflection about how EA stands for bringing your players together around the games they want to play on the platforms they want to play on. So yeah, it’s not just a name change. It really signals an ethos that is critically important to us and that we know that’s important to our players.”

EA used the name Origin in 2011 for the creating of its own client and store to rival Steam. The company had acquired the Origin name after purchasing the gaming studio Origin Systems, known for Ultima and Wing Commander.

[Source]: GamesIndustry.biz: EA furthers its strategy for “frictionless,” “democratized” gaming.