Origin To Add WB, THQ, Capcom Games

EA has taken some big steps toward making its digital games store Origin a major competitor. Origin will now offer games from three of the largest publishers out there.

"Since launch, we’ve had overwhelming support from both publishers and developers across the gaming industry, recognizing Origin as an opportunity to deliver more of their great content straight to consumers across the globe," said David DeMartini, senior vice president of Origin at EA. "We’re excited to welcome Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, THQ and Capcom as the first publishers to offer their games via Origin."

Origin, formerly known as EA Store, has traditionally been stocked with only Electronic Arts-published games. Opening the retailer up to other publishers will go a long way toward making Origin a "one-stop shop" for gamers.

"We are very pleased to partner with EA and have Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment's key PC titles available on Origin," said Greg Ballard, senior vice president, Digital Games, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "In growing our digital offerings for consumers we want to give fans increased access to critically acclaimed titles such as Batman: Arkham City."

These three publishers' games have yet to hit Origin. The timeline for their release isn't clear. The initial offerings from each company also haven't been revealed. Still, based on the statements from these companies, they'll be bringing their biggest fall titles to Origin.

"THQ is excited to work with Origin and to offer players another new, innovative way to experience the over-the-top fun of Saints Row: The Third,” said Terri Schiek, senior vice president of publishing, Americas at THQ. “We look forward to building our relationship with the Origin team, and to continue to deliver great content for the platform."

"When we met with the EA team and discussed their long-term vision for Origin, we were excited to lend our weight to their efforts,” said Christian Svensson, senior vice president at Capcom Entertainment. “We hope to expand our PC fanbase for our legendary brands on Origin."

Why buy Capcom or THQ games from Origin if you can just get it from Steam? Well, EA hopes to make Origin indispensable through exclusives based on their own products. For example, the N7 Digital Deluxe Edition of Mass Effect 3 can only be purchased through Origin. Ditto for digital versions of Star Wars: The Old Republic.