Crysis 2 gone from Steam, appears on Origin
Shooter's relocation could be beginning of larger programme
Recent FPS Crysis 2 has disappeared from the Steam store and has instead become available via EA's own proprietary Origin online outlet, a move which may indicate that other EA games are soon to follow suit.
Whilst the title is still available from other digital download sites such as Direct2Drive and Impulse, new 'Only on Origin' branding attached to Crytek's game, as well as Alice: Madness Returns, seems to indicate that the titles are on their way to becoming Origin exclusives.
Other EA titles are still on sale via Steam, but a distinct lack of promotion for Battlefield 3, due on PC this Autumn, would also seem to support the theory that many of EA's big IPs will become Origin only. Forthcoming MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic has already been confirmed as an Origin download exclusive.
Origin launched recently as a replacement for the EA Store, combining a number of social elements with a download service and stat tracking mechanics. As part of the service, EA is offering free in-depth social and stat tracking services for Battlefield 3, intended to directly undermine Activision's paid-for CoD subscription service, Elite.
Both Valve and Electronic Arts have been contacted for further clarification on the issue.