Origin ban policy update allows for single-player gaming

EA has revised its much-criticised Origin policies so that banned users can access single-player content.

"If you find yourself with a disabled account, please note that you can still play EA games in single-player mode," EA announced on its help pages.

"For PC games you will need to enable Origin's offline mode to play games with a disabled account. Go to the settings tab in Origin (the gear icon) and select Go Offline."

The publisher also noted that most bans and suspensions are temporary, and provided a link to information on disputing bans.

Origin has been the centre of much discussion since it replaced the EA ID used previously, as netting a ban from a multiplayer match in one game or even from an EA forum could then block you from all of your paid content. The platform's terms of service allowed for this eventuality, but in response to gamer outrage, EA promised to investigate the policy.

This is at least the second time the publisher has made changes to its policies as a result of user request, axing mandatory data collection early in the service's lifetime.

EA COO Peter Moore has asked gamers to give Origin the same benefit of the doubt as Steam enjoyed, expecting it to grow into its role within two years.

Thanks, Gamespy.