Origin

Origin (formerly known as EA Download Manager or EADM) is the digital distribution service developed by EA. Origin is used to download and install digital versions of purchased games as well as their updates. Origin is the chief competitor to Valve's Steam content distribution service. Origin has been a mandatory requirement for all EA titles released since 2011.

History
The service was initially launched as EA Downloader in 2005 and was used to distribute Battlefield 2 expansion packs. The service was re-branded as EA Download Manager in 2007 and purchases from the EA Store were downloaded via the EADM client.

The EA Store and EADM client were merged and re-branded as Origin in June 2011.

Comparisons and differences between Origin and Steam

 * Both services supply The Sims 3 and all of its expansion packs.
 * Both services distribute games from third-party developers.
 * Origin supplies exclusive content for EA games which isn't available via Steam or retail.
 * 2016origin.PNG Origin requires a separate download and install for each expansion pack, Steam downloads and installs them all together.
 * Some games on Origin can be played while they are being downloaded.

Relation to The Sims series
The Sims 4 is the first title in the series to require Origin for installation, although the game can be played without it afterwards. The service is used for updates and distribution of downloadable content.

Compatibility
Origin supports Windows 7 and newer systems as well as Mac OS X 10.7 and newer. There was a legacy client for Windows XP and Vista as well as Mac Lion 10.7 and Mountain Lion 10.8 but as of January 14th, 2020, the legacy edition is no longer able to be downloaded, with players having to upgrade to Windows 7 or later in order to be able to use Origin and the games provided with it.