EA finally listens: Battlefield 6 scraps a decade-old requirement on Steam — a major win for new players and veteran fans

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There are far too many launchers these days on Windows PC. Like, way too many to get a real count.

Nowadays, we have a variety of digital distribution platforms leading the way, such as Battle.net and Steam being pioneers. We also have newer ones like the Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, Electronic Arts’ desktop app, GOG, and many more. In fact, there are even launchers specifically designed for individual games, like Minecraft, Escape from Tarkov, Black Desert Online, Warframe, and so on.

In some cases, these launchers need you to open yet another launcher to start playing a game. Previously, nearly all Battlefield games available on Steam necessitated the use of EA Desktop for launching. But that’s not the case now!

If the anticipation for Battlefield 6 wasn’t already sky-high following its multiplayer unveiling, here’s another reason to cheer: Players who purchase the game via Steam won’t require the EA App anymore! Instead, they’ll only need Steam for a smooth gaming experience. Simplified.

According to their latest FAQ, EA clarifies that Battlefield 6 can be played by Steam users without needing the EA App. However, an EA account is required. This revelation has me quite thrilled, to say the least. You see, for the past few weeks, I’ve been intensely engaged in climbing ranks on Rainbow Six Siege X. Interestingly enough, I initially played it via Steam, but then discovered that it was also available on PC Game Pass.

Each of these game launchers needed Ubisoft Connect in order to function with Siege. In contrast, I chose to abandon both platforms and simply play it through Ubisoft Connect instead. This move eliminated Steam’s tracking, but spared me the hassle of operating two launchers simultaneously during gameplay. As a dedicated PC gamer, I prefer closing all other applications when I’m playing for optimal Frame Per Second (FPS) performance in my graphical representations.

As a tech-savvy individual, I can’t help but speculate that the recent changes at EA might indicate a shift towards abandoning their desktop application altogether. However, based on current observations, it appears more reasonable to expect an evolution rather than a complete departure from their existing platform.

On the Battlefield 6 listing within the EA App, it states that “Logins are needed for Accounts” on the product page. This doesn’t strike me as particularly exciting. Keep in mind that you will still need an EA Account to play the game, which has been the norm for more than two decades. In simpler terms, to access Battlefield 6 through the EA App, it requires a user account, a requirement that has been consistent for over two decades.

It’s understandable that there are multiple outlets for a game. However, I can’t help but wonder why it would be more beneficial to distribute your game through another platform, receiving just 70% (as per your agreement with them), instead of selling it directly and potentially keeping a larger share?

Battlefield 6 can be played by Steam users without the need for the EA App, but they will require an EA account. However, if you’ve bought Battlefield 6 through the Epic Games Store, you’ll need both the EA App and an EA account to play.

EA, Battlefield 6 FAQ

It concerns me when games are available on different marketplaces yet necessitate an additional platform to function. I acknowledge the importance of a consistent user experience, but could publishers consider trimming down the excessive extras?

It’s quite common for games to offer cross-platform compatibility. If you want to sell your game on any particular platform, it’s essential that it can actually be played there. Instead of using Steam as a gateway and requiring another application to open before the game starts, which can be bothersome, consider eliminating these launchers altogether. Having multiple launchers for different games is becoming increasingly tedious.

It’s possible that my enthusiasm for playing my game natively on Steam might not resonate with others, and it may simply fade away. However, as a Steam gamer, I can’t contain my excitement about being able to play the game directly on this platform.

In a surprising turn of events, EA seems to be gaining industry acclaim, and they’ve made another move that could solidify this status. They announced their upcoming game, Battlefield, will not be priced at $80 as some might have expected. Instead, it will adhere to the current industry trend, maintaining its price at $70.

Back in the day, Electronic Arts (EA) incorporated special codes within their video games that were essential for online gaming. This meant if a player opted for a second-hand game, they’d still need to purchase an additional online code, priced at around $10. In essence, this practice ensured that EA continued earning money, even in the pre-owned market.

What a turnaround for them as of late.

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2025-08-01 13:09