Is it Okay to Download Origin on a Mac?

The short answer is yes – installing and using Electronic Arts‘ Origin platform on a Mac is totally fine and provides access to EA‘s catalogue of games. Read on for a deep dive into the world of Origin for macOS – including security, game compatibility, features and more to help decide if it‘s right for you.

Overview of Origin for Mac

For those unfamiliar, Origin is EA‘s gaming client and storefront allowing you to purchase, download and play PC and Mac games published by Electronic Arts. It offers capabilities like:

• Managing your game library
• Automatic updates and patching
• Playtime tracking and achievement unlocks
• Multiplayer matchmaking
• In-game overlays for chatting with friends
• Cloud saves and syncing across devices

Originally developed solely for Windows, EA later optimized and launched Origin for macOS to support their catalog of games on Mac computers.

Is Origin Safe and Secure on Mac?

Yes – Origin employs encryption standards for traffic and data-at-rest to protect sensitive user information on all platforms, including Apple‘s guidelines for macOS apps.

Specific security practices include:

• Secure HTTPS protocol for all Origin communications
• SQL database encryption
• Password salting and hashing algorithms to protect account credentials
• Email verification requirement for new accounts
• Ability to set up two-factor authentication
• No known malware or virus issues reported

These measures adhere to Apple‘s strict standards and ensure Origin is safe to install and run even for less technical users.

What Games Work with Origin for Mac?

EA offers a growing library of games fully supported and playable on macOS through Origin – over 75 titles as of 2023 spanning popular franchises like:

• The Sims 4 (and all expansion packs)
• Battlefield 4 and Battlefield Hardline
• Star Wars: The Old Republic MMORPG
• Command & Conquer Remastered Collection
• Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered
• FIFA 23 Legacy Edition
• Apex Legends
• Mass Effect Legendary Edition
• Dead Space
• Dragon Age 2

Plus many others – essentially most major EA franchises have native Mac versions available.

Origin also uniquely allows you to download some Windows-only games to play on a Mac via the cloud streaming service GeForce NOW.

So all in all, Origin provides access to a modest yet growing library focused squarely on EA games.

Installing and Setting Up Origin on a Mac

Getting Origin up and running on a Mac takes just minutes:

1. Download the Origin installer DMG file here.
2. Open the DMG and drag the Origin icon into your Applications folder to install.
3. Launch Origin and login with or create an EA account.
4. Browse Origin‘s game catalogue and download titles you own or purchase.
5. Downloads and launches will now be managed through Origin

Once installed, you have full access on Mac to features like:

• The Origin Store
• Game library and playtime tracking
• Cloud storage and cross-platform sync
• Achievement, friend and chat overlays
• Automatic game updating

So in just a few clicks, install Origin and unlock EA‘s portfolio plus productivity features to enhance your gaming experience on Mac.

How Safe and Legal is Downloading Games from Origin?

Downloading and playing games legally purchased on Origin is completely safe and permissible. However, there are a few caveats:

• Pirating or distributing copyrighted game files without permission is illegal
• Installing unsigned games not approved by Apple comes with security risks
• Only download additional game mods and custom content from trusted sites like ModTheSims

My recommendation – stick to playing games legally obtained through Origin to ensure the best security and performance. While the temptation to download "free" games exists, it violates IP rights and opens up the risk of viruses.

For the best experience, use Origin as your trusted source for EA games on Mac.

Origin & EA Desktop – What‘s Next for Mac Gamers

EA recently announced they are transitioning from Origin to an all-new gaming client called "EA Desktop" over the next couple years. EA Desktop offers a faster, streamlined UI while still providing access to your Origin games library, content, and friends list.

It‘s expected EA Desktop will replace Origin on Macs by mid-2024. So far user reception on Windows has been very positive. The shift aims to accelerate new social features, streamline patches and updates, and prepare for cloud-driven services powering the future of EA gaming.

This also ties in nicely with Apple‘s own increased gaming focus – bringing Metal 3 graphics and performance gains in Ventura while expanding Apple Arcade‘s catalogue. Combined with leading hardware in new Macs featuring the M1/M2 chip, Apple is slowly positioning Macs as serious mainstream gaming contenders.

So Should You Download Origin for Mac in 2024?

Absolutely. While Macs still have a way to go challenging Windows‘ gaming dominance, Origin provides a solid, completely legal and secure way to access EA‘s catalogue of games on macOS today.

Installing and using Origin on your Mac is simple and unlocks titles like The Sims 4, Apex Legends, Battlefield and more to enjoy both single + multiplayer for 75+ games. It will only get better over time too as Apple and EA invest in Mac gaming capabilities.

So if you love Iconic franchises from Electronic Arts or want to re-play classic origin-based games on a new Mac, downloading Origin is a gaming no-brainer. Time to catch up on titles you may have missed when stuck using a Mac for work!

Have you tried gaming with Origin on your Mac? What EA titles are you hoping get supported next? Let me know in the comments!