Mass Effect 3 Will Require Origin

By Matt Mann / January 16, 2012

Bioware have confirmed that PC users will be required to go through Origin (EA's digital distribution service) to play Mass Effect 3. This goes for both digital and physical copies of the PC version of Mass Effect 3. For people who only want to play the single player campaign, there will be "a one time, single authorization for the single player game and there is no limit to the number of installs". However, to play Mass Effect 3 multiplayer, a constant connection will be required. In addition, like other recent EA titles Mass Effect 3 will not be released via STEAM (the US largest digital distributor of PC games). Bioware's Chris Priestly made the announcement;

"Steam has adopted a set of restrictive terms of service which limit how developers interact with customers to deliver patches and other downloadable content. We are intent on providing Mass Effect to players with the best possible experience no matter where they purchase or play their game, and are happy to partner with any download service that does not restrict our ability to connect directly with our consumers."

Priestly also confirmed that "users will be allowed to opt-out of Mass Effect 3 data collection from inside the game,". I have actually had a lot of trouble with Origin so I am not thrilled about this news. In addition, going forward I would just assume all EA PC games will require Origin in some capacity.