EA app vs Epic Games Store

EA app is Electronic Arts’ game platform for Windows and Mac, replacing Origin on those systems. It lets users collect games, see what friends are playing, and find new EA releases. Linking an EA Account with supported platforms can import friends lists and help users play together. The app is required to play EA games on PC launched through Steam or Epic, and logging in requires an EA Account ID and password. It updates automatically at login unless an update launches while the app is already running. Windows requires a 64-bit PC with Windows 10 or 11; Mac requires macOS 10.15.8 or later. Other operating systems are not supported. The app has a free plan; EA Play costs $5.99 a month and EA Play Pro costs $16.99 a month. EA Play includes a game collection, select new-release trials of up to 10 hours, monthly rewards, and a 10% digital-purchase discount. Pro includes premium editions of select new games on day 1, a premium-edition game collection, and the same discount.

Epic Games Store is a digital game store available through Android, iOS, macOS, web browsers, and Windows. It uses a freemium model with a free plan, so visitors can access the store without a listed purchase requirement. Cloud saves keep supported game data available across sessions, while offline mode allows supported use without an internet connection. A subscription catalog provides another way to access games. The store does not import games from third-party libraries and does not integrate mods. Epic Games, the company behind the store, was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, United States. Its combination of mobile, desktop, and browser platforms gives users several ways to reach the catalog. People choosing it should weigh the free access, cloud saves, offline mode, and subscription catalog against the stated limits on importing third-party games and adding mods.