If you want to take a stand against EA's PC download service Origin and you're looking forward to playing Mass Effect 3, it looks like you'll be playing the game on console. According to a post on BioWare's forums, Origin is required to play the PC game, whether you plan on downloading it or buying it at retail.

BioWare's Chris Priestly explained how it all works in a forum post. The game will require a single online activation for players wishing to experience the game's single-player campaign. You'll have to remain connected if you wish to play the game's multiplayer component.

You'll be able to purchase the game directly from Origin or via a few other third-party digital resellers, but not on Valve's popular Steam site. "Steam has adopted a set of restrictive terms of service which limit how developers interact with customers to deliver patches and other downloadable content," he writes. "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."

Priestly also addresses user concerns about Origin being spyware (surprisingly enough, he says it's not), and says that players will be able to opt out of the game's data-collection services.

What do you think, PC players? Is this a deal-breaker for you, or is it just the cost of doing business on your preferred gaming system?





[Via IGN, by way of a news tip from VolcanicSilver]