Incognito

/RAGEQUIT

If anyone has been following me long enough to remember my unbridled outpouring of glee upon seeing the trailer for Mass Effect 3, or how mad I was when I found out the release was delayed, you’ll surely understand my love for this series. 

I was so excited for Mass Effect 3. But no longer— and here’s why. 

Mass Effect 3 for PC requires EA’s Origin client. Period.

I went to GameStop and preordered the Collector’s Edition with a bunch of my friends, because I found out that ME3 would not be available through Steam. “That’s fine,” I said. I had a feeling that would happen anyway, since EA’s Origin client is trying to compete with Steam. I figured I’d just get a physical copy of the game, then, to save myself the hassle of using Origin. (As you might already know, I don’t own an Xbox, PS3, or a TV. So I have no choice except PC game.)

Turns out, I’m out of luck. According to Chris Priestly, BioWare’s community coordinator:

“Origin is required for the PC versions of Mass Effect 3, both physical and digital.” [Source]

I understand that EA is trying to compete with Valve, but really? Many PC gamers don’t want Origin on their systems for various reasons. One argument is that since many PC gamers already use Steam, they would rather not have a second digital download client unnecessarily wasting space & resources on their computer. They would just rather buy the game itself and not have to deal with Origin, like me. Even if they don’t use Steam, some players just want the game direct. 

Then there’s the issue of Origin datamining your PC for “specific data related to the game”. When questioned about Origin’s suspected spyware-like activities, a PR Rep from EA stated: 

Origin captures limited information that is necessary to allow users to buy, download, and play games and gaming content. The information is also needed for online connections with other players and so that extra content and software updates can be delivered directly. The data is also used to detect the occurrence of smaller software errors to ensure they are repaired immediately. 

We do not have access to information such as pictures, documents or personal data, which have nothing to do with the execution of the Origin program on the system of the player, neither will they be collected by us. 

All information we collect with Origin and use is to ensure that our customers have the easiest possible access to their games while enjoying the full service and the best gaming experience that EA has to offer. 

[Source]

Apparently C:\ProgramData\Adobe\CameraRaw\LensProfiles and this German gamer’s tax files are considered necessary information. Make of that what you will. Unfortunately, this scan is done automatically by simply installing Origin (unlike Steam which asks you first, giving you the option to decline) and so has caused much uproar. Despite updating their EULA to state that they “would never share this kind of information”, this isn’t the first time EA’s been in trouble with its customer base in regards to Origin and it probably won’t be the last. Their reputation with their customers is less than awesome (for multiple reasons), which is why many users would rather not touch Origin. Many have already cancelled their preorders at BioWare’s expense and unfortunately will be trying finding their ME3 experience elsewhere. Yar har, fiddle dee dee…

(Ironic, isn’t it?)

After all of the hoops I’ve jumped through in preparation for this game’s release, this is seriously a let-down. This, along with EA’s position on the SOPA bill has made up my mind. I’m going to cancel my preorder as well. Even when that happens (as it inevitably will), I’m personally not going anywhere near Origin. Fare thee well, Commander Shepard. It was nice while it lasted.