EA Download Manager Wiki

	EA Download Manager wiki
Category Network & Internet Download Managers

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EA Store
Screencap of the EA Store
Developed by	Electronic Arts
Operating system	Microsoft Windows
Type	Content delivery
Website	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).

1 EA Store
2 EA Download Manager
3 History
4 See also
5 References

[edit] 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.

EA Download Manager

Latest release	5.0.0.203
Operating system	Microsoft Windows

[edit] 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 shows the status of components available. Much like Steam, many games require the manager to be online before the game functions properly.

[edit] History

EA Downloader was launched in late 2005.^[1] 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.^[2] Users purchase from the EA Store website and use the downloadable EADM client to download their games.^[3] The digital distribution software was first used to deliver the Battlefield 2: Special Forces expansion pack^[4], and subsequently most EA titles. The biggest product launch on the software is Spore Creature Creator.

[edit] 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.^[5] This is unlike most other digital distribution platforms which allow users to re-download their purchases in the future without limitations. There currently is no option for you to make a personal backup of the downloaded software. This means after six months that if you need to reinstall the software/game that you must repay the full price. This practice of requiring a user to re-pay for an already licensed software with no recourse is probably illegal and ripe for a class-action suit.Category:Articles that may contain original research since April 2009^{[original research?]}

[edit] 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.^[6]. Another instance of this is Spore 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.

[edit] 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^[7], although the download limitations may prevent further downloads.