No one expected EA’s Origin to overtake Steam in a matter of months. Indeed, given Valve’s and EA’s vastly different histories within the industry, not a lot of people wanted it to. And it hasn’t. But although it’s doing a decent job by all accounts, Valve’s Gabe Newell, a man who probably knows more about digital game distribution than most other people on the planet will ever learn, offered a word of warning.
“They have a bunch of smart people working on it but I think they’re still playing catch up to a lot of people who have been working in the space for a while. I think they’re recognising what the challenges are with building and scaling out this kind of system. That’s not to say they won’t build stuff in the future that is useful to software developers or to gamers but they haven’t done that yet,” he explained.
The Challenges of Competing with Steam
Steam, launched by Valve in 2003, has had nearly two decades to refine its platform, build a loyal user base, and establish itself as the go-to digital distribution service for PC gamers. Origin, on the other hand, was launched by EA in 2011, giving it a much shorter time frame to catch up. The challenges Origin faces are multifaceted.
Firstly, Steam’s extensive library of games, including exclusive titles and indie games, provides a significant competitive edge. Steam’s community features, such as user reviews, forums, and the Steam Workshop, create a robust ecosystem that keeps users engaged. Origin has made strides in these areas but still lags behind in terms of user engagement and community features.
Secondly, Steam’s frequent sales and discounts have become a hallmark of the platform, drawing in millions of users during events like the Steam Summer Sale. Origin has attempted to replicate this with its own sales, but it has yet to achieve the same level of anticipation and excitement among gamers.
Future Prospects for Origin
Despite these challenges, Origin has shown potential for growth and innovation. EA has been leveraging its strong portfolio of popular franchises, such as FIFA, Battlefield, and The Sims, to attract users to Origin. Exclusive content and early access to new releases are strategies that have helped Origin carve out a niche for itself.
Moreover, Origin has been focusing on improving its user experience. Recent updates have streamlined the interface, making it more user-friendly. The addition of features like cloud saves and cross-platform play are steps in the right direction. EA’s subscription service, EA Play, which offers access to a library of games for a monthly fee, has also been integrated into Origin, providing added value for users.
Gabe Newell’s comments highlight the importance of continuous improvement and innovation in the digital distribution space. As he mentioned, “As we learn about this stuff we’re all going to be making things better for other gamers.” This sentiment underscores the collaborative nature of the industry, where advancements by one platform can benefit the entire gaming community.
For instance, Epic Games’ entry into the digital distribution market with the Epic Games Store has introduced new competition, leading to better revenue shares for developers and free game giveaways for users. This competitive pressure has pushed both Steam and Origin to innovate and improve their services.
In conclusion, while Origin may not have overtaken Steam, it has made significant strides in establishing itself as a viable alternative. The road ahead is challenging, but with continued focus on user experience, exclusive content, and innovative features, Origin has the potential to grow and thrive in the competitive landscape of digital game distribution.
Source Seven Day Cooldown
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