I gotta say sorry to everyone in the gaming world for not believing EA was so bad…

All these years, I’d see tons of posts, videos, and memes online about EA being super greedy and barely putting in any effort, but I always thought people were exaggerating. I just thought it was a joke or something, you know? Yesterday, though, I found out the hard way that all those memes and articles were actually dead-on.

So I bought Mass Effect Legendary Edition during the Steam Summer Sale for €6 and just left it in my library (same thing I do with a lot of my Steam games if I’m being honest). Last night, I finally decided to play it. The second I clicked ‘play,’ it redirected me to the EA app. I wasn’t thrilled, but figured whatever, I’ll just go with it. The game then turned out to be totally unplayable.

It just kept saying ‘preparing game’ on the EA app, and then it would shut down. I tried everything – restarting Steam, closing EA app, restarting my PC, verifying game files, launching from different places. Nothing worked. After about an hour and a half, I was going nuts.

I went to EA’s forums, but nothing there helped. I even went through their support page and managed to make a case (which was way harder than it should be). When I finally got a response, it was so generic that it felt like they didn’t even read my message. And then my case just got paused – it kept sending me in an endless loop when I tried to resume it. At this point, I still haven’t been able to play the game.

€6 isn’t breaking the bank, but I paid for Mass Effect and can’t even play it! I’m using their app because they force me to, and it’s awful. I apologize for doubting everyone – EA really is as bad as people say.

Yeah. When it says ‘preparing game’ and then quits, just let it sit for like 5 minutes. It eventually works, as if EA is just checking out what’s on your computer.

Oli said:
Yeah. When it says ‘preparing game’ and then quits, just let it sit for like 5 minutes. It eventually works, as if EA is just checking out what’s on your computer.

Lol, I can’t tell if you’re joking or if this is actual advice.

@Ash
It’s real.

Westley said:
@Ash
It’s real.

Can you tell if it’s looking at stuff? I have work-related info on my computer.

Shane said:

Westley said:
@Ash
It’s real.

Can you tell if it’s looking at stuff? I have work-related info on my computer.

Might be smart not to install games on a work computer. Even trusted stuff like Steam can have risks.

@Luca
I just put random crazy images on my desktop, hoping EA sees it.

Kelsey said:
@Luca
I just put random crazy images on my desktop, hoping EA sees it.

Mind sending that collage? Been looking for a good wallpaper.

Tobin said:

Kelsey said:
@Luca
I just put random crazy images on my desktop, hoping EA sees it.

Mind sending that collage? Been looking for a good wallpaper.

Can’t do it. They’re private… because, well, it’s 4K pics I’ve… collected… using cameras in EA’s bathrooms.

@Kelsey
That’s… disturbing. I hope you’re joking.

@Luca
Honestly, don’t mix work and personal stuff. Keep it separate.

Shane said:

Westley said:
@Ash
It’s real.

Can you tell if it’s looking at stuff? I have work-related info on my computer.

Almost sure your work IT advised against that.

@Noah
Definitely – it’s a basic IT rule.

Shane said:

Westley said:
@Ash
It’s real.

Can you tell if it’s looking at stuff? I have work-related info on my computer.

Seriously, any legit company wouldn’t let non-IT folks have admin rights. Work info on a personal computer is also just bad practice.

Shane said:

Westley said:
@Ash
It’s real.

Can you tell if it’s looking at stuff? I have work-related info on my computer.

At my job, installing anything outside of IT’s approval would get you in serious trouble. Even work email on personal phones isn’t allowed.

@Roux
Exactly – keeping work data secure is crucial.

Shane said:

Westley said:
@Ash
It’s real.

Can you tell if it’s looking at stuff? I have work-related info on my computer.

Surprised your company lets you install non-work apps. That’s asking for trouble.

Shane said:

Westley said:
@Ash
It’s real.

Can you tell if it’s looking at stuff? I have work-related info on my computer.

Right? Security should be way tighter.

@Ash
Yep, I’ve had the same issue. After a few hours of playing ME1, ME2 just wouldn’t load. Felt like EA was punishing me for buying it on Steam.

Tan said:
@Ash
Yep, I’ve had the same issue. After a few hours of playing ME1, ME2 just wouldn’t load. Felt like EA was punishing me for buying it on Steam.

It’s punishment for linking anything to EA, I swear.