EA is giving Origin users free, limited-time access to popular games

Titanfall will be free to download and play for 48 hours this weekend as part of Origin’s new Game Time service. Unlike Steam’s Free Weekend program, Origin is making select games free for a set period of time that starts once you begin playing. Just to note, that’s real-time rather than game time, so the free mech-mashing ends after 48 of your Earth hours. EA also says progress during free access is saved, so if you choose to purchase the game afterward you can pick up where you left off. Game Time is the latest of a few recent initiatives to bolster Origin. EA introduced On the House to the portal earlier this year, with the service offering permanent freebies that have included Peggle, Dead Space, Battlefield 3 and Plants vs. Zombies.

Electronic Arts is rolling out a new program that offers a full game playable for free for a set time period called Origin Game Time, the company announced today, beginning with Respawn’s shooter Titanfall on PC. Origin users participating in the initiative will be able to play the full versions of select titles for free for as long as there’s time on their Game Time clock. The Origin Game Time clock begins when a user starts the game for the first time and counts down in real-time, whether or not the player pauses the game. As the first game in the promotion, players can download Titanfall for free and play it for 48 hours. All progress will carry over if users choose to purchase Titanfall. The initiative is currently rolling out to all users and will appear on Origin’s Free Games page when available. Future Origin Game Times will offer a different game and time period. EA’s announcement follows shortly after the launch of Steam’s annual summer sale. Origin’s new program appears similar to Steam’s Free Weekend program where select titles are available to play for free over a weekend-long period.