EA Officially Presents 'Origin' Digital Distribution Service

After an early leak before the weekend, Electronic Arts has officially presented the Origin digital distribution service, which is practically an evolution of the regular EA Online Store and aims at competing with similar services like Valve's Steam or GameFly's Direct2Drive.

EA has been persistent in its digital efforts, confirming that it wants to increase its influence on the PC digital market with new games, including free-to-play ones, as well as innovative services.

Among the latter, we have the new Origin "direct-to-consumer gaming platform," which has now been detailed by EA.

However, available as a webportal at www.origin.com, as well as through a dedicated desktop application, which is still in beta stage, the service is going to provide a go-to service for existing and upcoming games from EA.

“Origin is a game service with two fundamental features,” said David DeMartini, senior vice president of Global Online at EA. “It’s a download service for the very best content from EA and its partners. It also offers a social function which, over time, will connect a player’s profile with friends lists and a cross-platform feed that shows what your friends are playing and where.”

More than 150 games are now available for purchase and download at the Origin store, while more will be added throughout the months, including upcoming titles like Battlefield 3, FIFA 12 or Star Wars: The Old Republic.

"By visiting Origin today, users can set up an Origin profile, download the Origin beta application, and begin browsing titles available now or pre-order upcoming games. In addition, exclusive game content and trailers for upcoming EA titles will also be available on Origin," EA said.

The company also says that Origin will be the only place where digital exclusive for upcoming EA games are going to be available, while the Origin application allows players to connect with friends, share details about their games as well as play with them.

“This is our first step in the evolution of Origin, and in the weeks and months ahead we will look to enhance the features and services as well as an expanded range of content,” said DeMartini. “From exclusive demos to full-game downloads, Origin is the place consumers will go for the best game experiences.”

Expect more details about Origin later today, when Electronic Arts is going to hold its pre-E3 2011 conference.