EA Claims Steam is Too "Restrictive" for Mass Effect 3

Shepard's third adventure will require EA's controversial Origin service.

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Bioware's Chris Priestly has revealed on the developer's official forums that EA's controversial Origin service will be required for all versions of Mass Effect 3. Like Battlefield 3, the game won't be released on Valve's popular Steam service. Here's why, according to EA and Bioware:

"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."

EA definitely wants to force people to use Origin, despite all the recent hubbub about players being banned for inane forum offences, not being able to access their old games and more. At this point, purchasing EA's games on consoles is simply easier. Given most companies' concerns about piracy, that may be intentional on their part. At least it won't require a constant internet connection or restrict how many machines it can be installed on. It could be worse, right?

Will this affect your decision to buy Mass Effect 3? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter.

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