EA abolishes longstanding prerequisite for Battlefield 6 on Steam, favoring newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike
In a move that's likely to delight gamers, Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that their upcoming title, Battlefield 6, will not require players to launch both Steam and the EA App simultaneously. This decision marks a departure from the norm for EA games, which have traditionally required the EA App for launch.
The news comes as a breath of fresh air for gamers who have long been frustrated by the need to run multiple launchers for different games, a practice that stems from Digital Rights Management (DRM), publisher and developer policies, and platform-specific features.
Battlefield 6 will also buck the industry trend by maintaining the standard $70 price point, rather than opting for the $80 price tag that some publishers have been known to implement.
This shift in strategy by EA is noteworthy, given the company's recent turnaround. In recent times, EA has been making strides towards improving its reputation, and this decision could be seen as part of that effort.
However, it's important to note that this change only applies to players who purchase Battlefield 6 on Steam. An EA account will still be required to play the game, a requirement that has been standard for over two decades.
Interestingly, the decision to bypass the EA App for Battlefield 6 might boost sales, as Steam's vast user base could attract players who have previously been deterred by the need to run multiple launchers.
Meanwhile, Ubisoft has made a similar move with Rainbow Six Siege. Previously, the game required both Steam and Ubisoft Connect to run. However, a user deciding to play Rainbow Six Siege through Ubisoft Connect could potentially lose Steam tracking for their gameplay hours.
Despite these changes, it seems unlikely that EA is moving away from their desktop app entirely. The EA App still lists Battlefield 6 as requiring "The EA app" on its store page.
For users looking for a more unified management system, third-party applications like Lutris can help aggregate games from different stores for easier launching. However, they still launch the game via its original storefront or required launcher.
The author, who expresses a dislike for launchers in general, finds this persistence of separate launchers frustrating, especially given their tedious nature. Nevertheless, the decision to forego the dual launch requirement for Battlefield 6 is a step in the right direction, offering a more streamlined gaming experience for players.
- Gaming enthusiasts may soon appreciate an updated Windows desktop with the arrival of Battlefield 6, as Electronic Arts (EA) announced the game won't necessitate concurrent Steam and EA App launches, shifting from traditional practices.
- Joining EA, Ubisoft has also made strides in the gaming world, relaxing its requirements for Rainbow Six Siege, allowing players to bypass the need for both Steam and Ubisoft Connect launches, demonstrating the industry's gradual move towards improved gaming experiences.
- In the realm of entertainment technology, gadgets like the Xbox and PC hardware serve as gateways to these gaming worlds, but fans continue to express frustration over the need for separate launchers to access their favorite titles.
- With industry giants gradually eliminating the requirement for dual launches, technology enthusiasts have hoped for a more streamlined gaming experience across platforms, overcoming the tedious nature of numerous launchers.
