*Origin* is the new name for the *EA Download Manager*, a simple application
for downloading and playing *games* from Electronic Arts. If you prefer to
buy digital copies of games instead of going out to the shops, for Electronic
Arts games you need to download this application. As well as managing your
premium downloads, Origin also initiates decryption of the games, runs the
installer and launches it. If a game requires a DRM (digital Rights
Management) license, this will be acquired by Origin too. As well as
downloading games, this app also keeps you up to date with patches and
updates for your games, so you'll always be up to date. It is worth noting
you cannot run downloaded games without Origin, as the DRM system requires it
to be running. 2011's Battlefield 3 will be released exclusively through
Origin on PC. *Origin is a perfectly capable download manager, although it is
obviously limited to EA games. Time will tell if it competes with Steam or
not.*Download *Origin 8.2.4.465* in Softonic
