Differences between Downloaded Games and Games on DVD.

[Mootilda]

I've been noticing several help questions recently about games downloaded from Origin. It looks like there may be problems playing in Windowed mode, or running Bodyshop. In addition, some programs (like the AnyGameStarter) won't work with downloaded games.

So, I wanted to ask people who have downloaded games from Origin: What kind of differences (if any) have you noticed with your downloaded games? There's an obvious benefit in being able to run the game without the DVD in the drive. Are there other benefits? Have you noticed any problems?

I do understand that some of these problems may not actually relate to the game being downloaded. There are some known issues with the Store Edition and with Collection packs which may appear to be problems with downloaded games. Perhaps we can sort that out if people specify exactly which packs they have (EPs, SPs, and Collections), and whether those packs are on DVD or downloaded from Origin (or some other site).

I can't really start the discussion, since all of my games are on DVD. I'm somewhat wary of Origin and would like to learn more from people who are using it.

[Mew1210]

I've downloaded three games from Origin: AL, Uni collection pack (Uni, Ikea, TSS), and Seasons. My DVD games are Double Deluxe (BG, NL, Celebration SP), Pets Collection (Pets, MG, FFS), Business Collection (OFB, H&M, Kitchen/Bath SP), and BV (old copy that my TS3-playing friend gave to me). I haven't experienced many problems with Origin. However, when I first downloaded the Uni Collection, it couldn't read my neighborhood files. They were still in the folder, but weren't showing up in the game. I'm still not sure why this happened, but that's the only Origin game I've had trouble with.

I have no issues with running the game in windowed mode or loading Bodyshop (although, for Bodyshop, I need to run the latest version as an administrator; otherwise, it won't work).

I think that the Origin versions are patched. When I looked over the issues that were fixed with the Seasons patch, I realized that those were already fixed in my game.

[Mootilda]

Which disk do you need to have in the drive? Or, can you run without any disk? From the EPs and SPs you've listed, it looks like the Mansion and Garden included with your Fun with Pets DVD is your last EP. However, I know that many collections come with the Store Edition, which may be later than Mansion and Garden.

How do you run in Windowed mode?

Having fully patched games is definitely a benefit. My impression is that the collections are also fully patched, whether on DVD or downloaded.

[ac220]

I only have Castaway Stories as a download and didn't really look into differences. But there's supposed to be a DRM code that limits the number of installs like in Spore with all downloadable games, so the executables ought to be different and they might try to access stuff DVD editions probably don't.

[Mootilda]

Right. In fact, I know someone recently who was told to uninstall and reinstall their downloaded EP (to fix a problem) so often that the limit on installs was reached. Definitely a bad thing if you reinstall to try to solve problems.

[Vladora]

I have physical copies of the Base Game & Nightlife (Double Deluxe), Free Time, and Open for Business. I downloaded Apartment Life, Fun with Pets Collection, University Life Collection, and Seasons from Origin.

When I had only Seasons downloaded, I would have to log in to Origin to run the game, but after downloading later expansion packs I haven't had to run Origin or log in to play the game. I can't recall if it puts an icon on the desktop after you install, but you can find the .exe file under Program Files > Origin Games (instead of EA games where the disc versions installed). That's where I had to go to find Bodyshop, as well, which runs fine. To run in windowed mode, I made a shortcut to my desktop manually and followed the same process as usual. Didn't have any problems with it, but I don't like using windowed mode so I haven't played that way extensively.

I've never used AnyGameStarter. I'm just a regular player and not a creator (I have the impression that's who that program is mostly for?). Never had any problems modding the game or adding CC. I don't have to play with any disc in the drive at all.

[Mootilda]

When I had only Seasons downloaded, I would have to log in to Origin to run the game, but after downloading later expansion packs I haven't had to run Origin or log in to play the game.I wonder whether the difference is the Store Edition? Seasons wouldn't come with the Store Edition, but the collection packs do.

[KaiRuh]

How do you run in Windowed mode?

Find the game in your program files (under Origin Games, I guess), make a shortcut for it somewhere, and then it's the same as usual—just add the "-w." I've never actually run Origins to play the game.

I've only downloaded AL. The rest of mine are on discs. It's really nice not needing a disc to play, though.

[omglo]

I downloaded Double Deluxe from Gamer's gate and the rest of the EPs/Collections from Origin. No problems with bodyshop and I don't have to be online or log in anywhere to play the game. It seems to run as well as the CD versions that I had a long time ago did.

[Tracyn]

I got the game and all the expansions through Origin and the only problem I've had is Bodyshop not working at all, but I do play in windowed mode so that isn't an issue. (For me at least.)

[Mew1210]

Which disk do you need to have in the drive? Or, can you run without any disk? From the EPs and SPs you've listed, it looks like the Mansion and Garden included with your Fun with Pets DVD is your last EP. However, I know that many collections come with the Store Edition, which may be later than Mansion and Garden.
I use the Fun with Pets Collection disk to run my game, since it has MG.
As for the Store Edition, I actually think it was uninstalled from my game after I got the Uni Collection. I remember having it when I got Double Deluxe, but now it's not even lit up on my launch screen. I'm still not sure what happened... but hey, I'm not complaining. ;D

It's the last one on the Stuff Pack list:
http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc502/bluberrie3/SimsLauncher.png

[Tracyn]

I use the Fun with Pets Collection disk to run my game, since it has MG.
As for the Store Edition, I actually think it was uninstalled from my game after I got the Uni Collection. I remember having it when I got Double Deluxe, but now it's not even lit up on my launch screen. I'm still not sure what happened... but hey, I'm not complaining. ;D

It's the last one on the Stuff Pack list:
http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc502/bluberrie3/SimsLauncher.png

I don't think it's auto-installed anymore, cus it's the same with mine. Might just be a common bug though.

[Fivey]

I never used Origin.

I only have a physical copy of seasons. The rest...er...I probably should not delve into the details of.

[sushigal007]

But there's supposed to be a DRM code that limits the number of installs like in Spore with all downloadable games.

Oh WOW. What the hell?! No, I'm never ever ever touching a downloaded game now! That's not buying a game, that's RENTING a game. Except you pay full price. What an outrageous scam!

[Mootilda]

According to EA, you aren't buying the games on DVD either. Read your license again.

EA doesn't just want to stop piracy. They also want to stop second-hand games. Having a limit to the number of installs is an attempt to stop people from selling (or giving away) their games once they're done with them.

I, too, hate these draconian DRM schemes. However, as long as people are willing to buy games regardless of the DRM, EA doesn't have much to worry about.

In all fairness, DVDs don't last forever either. We've had lots of people who had to repurchase the game because their DVD was damaged.

[sushigal007]

:| Geez, no wonder they won a Golden Poo.

[ledzepgirl]

I don't think it's auto-installed anymore, cus it's the same with mine. Might just be a common bug though.


On Double Deluxe you have to tick the box to get Store Edition, actually all the boxes are ticked, you have to untick Store Edition or else it installs. Same thing on Fun with Pets, it gives you the choice of what you want to install.