Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that it will shut down its popular gaming platform, Origin, on April 17, 2025. The move is a result of Microsoft’s decision to end support for 32-bit systems in Windows, which was announced five years ago.
To continue using Origin, users must upgrade to the EA App, which requires a 64-bit version of Windows. However, this means that older gaming laptops and desktops with 32-bit systems will no longer be able to run newer EA titles. Users are advised to upgrade to a 64-bit operating system or use a newer computer.
While the decision may not affect most users, it has significant implications for those who still rely on their older hardware. There are some workarounds available, such as Microsoft’s compatibility mode, but these do not apply to Origin.
Origin had a 14-year run and was once considered a popular alternative to the EA App. However, its limitations became apparent when Microsoft announced it would no longer support 32-bit systems. As a result, older 32-bit software will be phased out, leaving many users without access to their games on the platform.
This decision serves as a reminder that in today’s digital age, older hardware is increasingly vulnerable to being cut off from parts of the ecosystem. With Microsoft’s end-of-life for 32-bit systems, gamers who rely on their older machines may face significant challenges in the future.
Source: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/ea-announces-the-guillotine-will-finally-fall-on-origin-this-april-thanks-to-microsofts-abandonment-of-32-bit-windows-and-if-you-dont-like-it-use-a-newer-computer