EA to Shut Down Origin Platform in 2025: What It Means for Gamers

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced the upcoming closure of its Origin platform, set for April 17, 2025. While Origin was never a top choice for most gamers, its shutdown marks the end of an era for those who still use the platform—particularly gamers reliant on older 32-bit computers, as the newer EA App requires 64-bit compatibility.

A Look Back at Origin

Launched in 2011, Origin was EA’s first-party digital distribution platform for PC, offering exclusive access to EA’s biggest titles for nearly a decade. Between 2011 and 2018, players could only find games like Battlefield, Mass Effect, and The Sims on Origin, which helped the platform gain traction despite its general unpopularity.

This approach began to shift in 2019, when EA released Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order on Steam, signaling the company’s move away from exclusivity. By 2022, EA introduced the EA App as Origin’s successor, offering a modernized experience but requiring 64-bit systems. Origin remained available as an option for players using older 32-bit PCs—until now.

Why Is Origin Shutting Down?

EA has attributed the decision to Microsoft's discontinuation of support for 32-bit software. As a result, the company is urging gamers to transition to the EA App, which requires a 64-bit operating system like Windows 10 or 11.

For players making the switch, EA has confirmed:

• Game Libraries: All previously purchased games will transfer seamlessly to the EA App when using the same login credentials.
• Cloud Saves: Saved data will automatically migrate for users who enabled cloud saves on Origin.
• Mods: EA warns that some mods may no longer function after the transition.

Impact on Gamers

The shutdown of Origin will have minimal impact on most players, as the majority have already upgraded to modern hardware. However, those still using older 32-bit computers will lose access to their games via the EA App, with no known workaround for the system requirements.

For some relief, EA has been expanding its library on Steam in recent years, allowing players to access their purchased games on 32-bit systems through the platform.

Other EA Shutdowns in 2025

The closure of Origin is not EA’s only significant change this year. Earlier in January, EA announced the shutdown of servers for at least 13 games, including popular titles like:

• Madden NFL 21 (June 30, 2025)
• The Simpsons: Tapped Out
• Blood and Glory: Immortals
• Contract Killer: Sniper
• Deer Hunter Classic
• Dino Hunter: Deadly Shores
• Eternity Warriors 4
• Frontline Commando 2
• Frontline Commando: D-Day

Most of these server closures will occur on January 29, 2025, signaling a broader shift in EA’s strategy toward focusing on newer games and platforms.

Conclusion

The shutdown of Origin marks another step in EA’s move to modernize its services and streamline its ecosystem under the EA App. While this transition will leave some gamers behind—particularly those using 32-bit systems—it aligns with the industry's broader push toward newer technologies.

For players affected by the change, upgrading to 64-bit hardware will be necessary to continue enjoying EA’s latest offerings. Meanwhile, those seeking alternatives can look to platforms like Steam, where EA’s catalog continues to expand.

With the gaming landscape evolving rapidly, EA’s decision to retire Origin underscores the importance of adapting to new technologies to stay connected to modern gaming experiences.