Fresh from the crusade against cheapening IP by making it accessible and affordable, Origin boss David DeMartini is once again weighing in on the relationship between Origin and rival service Steam. The narrative he’s using to frame the issue should be familiar to gamers who have lived through the great FPS war of 2011.
“Battlefield 3 isn’t Call of Duty. Battlefield 3 is great, it’s a shooter, but it’s a great shooter in its own right. I want Origin to be the exact same thing,” according to DeMartini.
“That doesn’t mean Call of Duty is bad. I don’t want to see Steam become bad. They’re a partner of us. They do a lot of good things. What I want is I want Origin to be differentiable and better as a service, which is similar to what Steam does.”
Origin’s Unique Approach
DeMartini’s vision for Origin is to create a platform that stands out in the crowded digital distribution market. Origin aims to offer unique features and services that set it apart from Steam. For instance, Origin has been focusing on exclusive game releases, early access to new titles, and special in-game content that can only be accessed through their platform. This strategy is designed to attract gamers who are looking for something different from what Steam offers.
Moreover, Origin has been working on improving its user interface and customer service. The platform has introduced a more intuitive design, making it easier for users to navigate and find the games they want. Additionally, Origin has been investing in customer support to ensure that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently, enhancing the overall user experience.
Comparing Origin and Steam
While Steam has been the dominant player in the digital distribution market for years, Origin is making strides to carve out its own niche. One of the key differences between the two platforms is their approach to game pricing and sales. Steam is known for its massive sales events, where games can be purchased at significantly reduced prices. Origin, on the other hand, has been more conservative with its discounts, focusing instead on offering value through exclusive content and early access.
Another area where Origin is looking to differentiate itself is through its subscription service, EA Play. This service offers subscribers access to a library of EA games, early trials of new releases, and other perks. While Steam has its own subscription service, Steamworks, it doesn’t offer the same level of exclusive content that EA Play does.
DeMartini also emphasizes the importance of community and social features in making Origin a unique platform. Origin has been integrating more social features, such as friend lists, chat functions, and community events, to foster a sense of community among its users. These features are designed to make Origin not just a place to buy games, but a hub for gamers to connect and share their experiences.
In conclusion, while Steam remains a strong competitor, Origin is making significant efforts to establish its own identity in the digital distribution market. By focusing on exclusive content, improved user experience, and community features, Origin aims to offer a distinct and valuable service to gamers. As DeMartini puts it, “I want Origin to be differentiable and better as a service, which is similar to what Steam does.”
Source Gamasutra
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