I'm highly disappointed at the lack of Aron Stack trolling/image macros in this thread.

Origin is, as far as I can tell, currently just EA's wannabe Steam platform. The spyware elements have been gone for several versions now, from what I understand.

Here's the thing: I understand that companies do stuff we don't like, but at some point, there needs to be a carrot instead of JUST a stick. If the only interaction consumers have with a company's policies is to leave forever when they do something we don't like, that's not terribly productive. EA did some pretty draconian things with Origin to begin with, but they have since backed off. If consumers come back after they do stuff we like (or back off on stuff we hate), that incentivizes them to keep moving in the right direction. If, on the other hand, those that care just leave forever, it makes it much easier for them to keep being draconian, because there's no hope they'll get their lost customers back anyway, and the ones they have left are willing to put up with it. Coming back is as important as leaving, in other words.

Now, that said, there is a "bridge too far" point, and I get that, but EA is just getting started on digital distribution, and they seem to be be trying (way too hard) to cover their digital ass, rather than just being punitive toward PC gamers for its own sake. (Like Ubisoft, for example.) It's also fairly easy to stay out of EA's gunsights: stay off their forums and just use Origin to launch their games, then kill the process when you're done.

I don't have a problem with Origin. This is the first I've heard of it, actually. I just already have Steam and don't want to have both. I like Steam just fine. Origin is late to the party.

By the way, will the hard copy from the store install Origin on my PC, or is it just the game by itself?

Edit: I wanted to state more clearly that I agree completely with your argument, Spike. People rage-quitting video game companies over personal hang ups is kind of silly.

I haven't quit entire developers before but I have and will continue boycotting specific products. Diablo 3, for example. I have played an excessive amount of Diablo 2 in the last twelve years. I was excited about Diablo 3 until the requirement to have a persistent internet connection for single player was revealed. At that point I decided I would not be playing Diablo 3. If Blizzard changes that in the future, I'll consider playing their Diablo series again.

Ditto this. I am not bothered by Day 1 DLC for the simple reason I understand it is nothing more than a response to the used game market. And I like the used game market. So how could I bitch about the companies reacting to that? I can't. I just make my decision - game by game - on whether the additional content is worth the cost. I don't begrudge a single person who is on the 'wait for GotY version' side of the fence on ME3. I am on Fallout. But I am on the 'picking it up in less than 12 hours, pre-paid for last week, pre-order three months ago' side of the fence on ME3.

I am very, very, very excited.

I pre-ordered through Target but they have yet to charge my PayPal account for it. I wonder what's up with that...

I personally don't trust ES and don't want another client on my pc. I'm not boycotting them at all, but I don't want thief client on my pc. That's why I'm seriously thinking about getting the PS3 version.


Edit: Oh and I too hate single player games requiring internet connection to play.

i have not played any Mass Effect games...dont have the systems

Me too. I pre-ordered the digital deluxe version through Gamestop so I could get the WHOLE N7 arsenal, armor and assault rifle included. I'd have ordered the physical version had I resources in time to do so, but while I missed out on some physical swag, at least I'm getting the "super" version of the game. I have inventory tomorrow (and have to work from 2-10:30pm) so I'm going to bed early tonight so I can get up at 6am tomorrow and start playing.

They're all available on PC - what are you posting from?