EA Store

Infobox_Software|name=EA Store
name = EA Store



caption = Screencap of the EA Store
developer = Electronic Arts
operating_system = Microsoft Windows
genre = Content delivery
website = [http://eastore.ea.com/ http://eastore.ea.com/]

EA Store is a digital distribution, digital rights management system from Electronic Arts that allows users to purchase computer games on the Internet and download them directly to their PC with EA Download Manager (formerly EA Downloader and EA Link).

Components

EA Store

EA Store allows users to browse and purchase games from Electronic Arts' catalogs. Instead of receiving a box, disc, or even CD key, purchased software is immediately attached to the user's EA account and is to be downloaded with the corresponding EA Download Manager within 6 months.

Infobox_Software|name=EA Download Manager
name = EA Download Manager


operating_system = Microsoft Windows
latest_release_version = 4.0.0.395

EA Download Manager

EA Download Manager is a self-updating software that allows users to download games, expansion packs, content booster packs and patches from Electronic Arts. It functions as a download manager and shows the status of components available.

History

EA Downloader was launched in late 2005. [cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6160884.html|title=EA soft-launches Link|accessdate=2008-07-01|publisher=GameSpot] It was replaced by EA Link in November 2006, adding trailers, demos and special content to the content delivery service. In September 2007, it was once again replaced by the combination of EA Store and EA Download Manager, short termed EADM.cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=15610|title=Electronic Arts Closes EA Link Service, Unveils EA Store|accessdate=2007-09-24|publisher=GamaSutra] Users purchase from the EA Store website and use the downloadable EADM client to download their games.cite web|url=http://eastore.ea.com/store/ea/ContentTheme/pbPage.welcome/ThemeID.718200|title=EA Store|accessdate=2007-07-18|publisher=Electronic Arts]

The digital distribution software was first used to deliver the expansion pack [cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=7163|title=EA Launches PC Digital Delivery Service|accessdate=2005-11-11|publisher=GamaSutra] , and subsequently most EA titles. The biggest product launch on the software is Spore Creature Creator.

Criticism

Download limitations

Users are given 6 months from the time of purchase to download a game. This period can be extended to two years, via the Extended Download Service, by paying a $6 US fee. [cite web|url=http://eastore.ea.com/servlet/ControllerServlet?Action=DisplayWhatIsEDSPage&Env=BASE&Locale=en_US&SiteID=ea|title=What is the Extended Download Service?|accessdate=2008-07-01|publisher=Electronic Arts Store FAQ] This is unlike most other digital distribution platforms which allow users to re-download their purchases in the future without limitations.

Regional pricing

EA charges a different price depending on the location of the customer. One justification for this is that it allows the game to be sold for a lower price in regions of the world that cannot afford the higher prices in the first world nations. However, as a result of regional differences and economic currency fluctuations, these prices may be dramatically different, as in the case of "" costs $21.15 AUD in the United States, but costs $99.99 AUD in Australia, as of July 2008. [Cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,25642,23945533-5014108,00.html|title=Aussies paying five times more for software|date=2008-07-01|accessdate=2007-07-09|publisher=News Limited] . Another instance of this is Spore (2008 video game) costing £22.21 GBP (£26.11 after sales tax) in the United States before but it costs £39.99 GBP VAT included, in the United Kingdom. This price is as of September, 2008.

Platform revisions

Users have complained about constant changes in the platform software and branding of the EA store. This is unlike other platforms like Steam, which has been consistent in branding through its lifetime. Fortunately, games bought via EA Link will continue to be able delivered using the EA Download Manager [All your EA Link games will continue to work and can be downloaded again at anytime using the new EA Download Manager, [http://www.ea.com/ealink/ Footnote on EA Link's website] ] , although the download limitations may prevent further downloads.

Game Interference

EA Download Manager has caused issues with games like Spore Creature Creator. [cite web|url=http://forums.electronicarts.co.uk/5309880-post1.html|title=Why is Spore Creature Creator Crashing?|accessdate=2008-07-01|publisher=Electronic Arts UK Forum]

ee also

*Digital distribution
*On-demand

References

External links

* [http://eastore.ea.com/ EA Store website]
** [http://www.ea.com/ealink/ EA Link website]