Forum Widgets
EA, Stop Ignoring Us: Xbox and PSN Accounts Stuck on Unrecoverable EA Profiles
This is a collective appeal on behalf of the many users who have, over the years, experienced the same recurring issue – and still have no solution. The problem is simple but severe: Players lose access to their EA account, and as a result, they are unable to unlink it from their Xbox or PS profile. Without EA's help, they are permanently locked out of using EA services on Xbox/PS. And EA Support has failed to provide effective assistance. We are not talking about isolated incidents. This is a widespread and years-old problem, affecting hundreds (if not thousands) of players. It continues to appear regularly in EA Forums, Reddit, Microsoft and Playstation support threads, and gaming communities. It’s time to acknowledge that this is not a user mistake – this is a systemic failure in account management and support policy. The Problem Xbox and Playstation profiles often become automatically linked to old EA accounts – sometimes accounts that are no longer accessible, deleted, or tied to an email that no longer exists. Players cannot unlink the Xbox/PS profile from the EA account unless they verify the original EA account. If the user has no access to the email or recovery methods (due to age, lost credentials, or deactivated accounts), EA support refuses to help. Microsoft/Sony confirms they cannot unlink EA accounts on their end. EA's stance is rigid: “No verification, no unlinking.” Even if the account is clearly inactive or the user is verified through Xbox/PS->Origin credentials. Support tickets are often closed without action. Chats end with no resolution. Users are passed between departments, but nothing changes. Recent Example (May 2025) Just yesterday, I posted the following here on EA’s forums, and it summarizes the problem: “I can't unlink my Xbox account from an old EA account that I don't have access to anymore. EA Support told me there’s nothing they can do. I just want to play EA games again, but I’m locked out of all online services because my Xbox is linked to a ghost account.” Full Post Here This is not a one-off. It is one of many. What Players Are Asking For We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for a realistic, user-focused solution to a well-known issue. Specifically: A process for unlinking Xbox or Playstation accounts when the original EA account cannot be recovered. This could involve verifying identity via Xbox Live/PSN data, Xbox/PS account ownership, or linking proof. Better support escalation paths. Not just canned responses and auto-closed tickets. Real human review for unresolved account access cases. Transparency on what can and cannot be done. Many users are told “there’s nothing we can do” – while others manage to get unlinking done after dozens of failed attempts. The policy is inconsistent. The Bigger Picture Many affected users have: Lost access to EA Play/Game Pass benefits despite paying for them. Abandoned EA games completely because the account issues make playing impossible. Created entirely new Xbox/PSN accounts, losing years of progress and purchases. Spent hours or days dealing with EA support without a single result. We are asking EA to take responsibility and implement system-level fixes. This is a trust issue. Players who lose access to their EA account should not be cut off from Xbox/PS games they legally own or subscribe to. Supporting Evidence: Community Reports Date Source & Link Summary May 16, 2025 EA Forum User unable to unlink Xbox from old EA account; EA Support states "nothing we can do". April 2025 Microsoft Community Xbox Gamertag linked to an old/unknown EA account; EA will not unlink it, stating the account is deleted. April 2022 Microsoft Community EA refuses to unlink Xbox from deleted EA account; GDPR request ignored. February 2021 Reddit - r/Xbox EA demands code sent to inactive email; user locked out despite valid Xbox account. Early 2021 Microsoft Community User unable to unlink EA account; Microsoft confirms EA is sole authority. November 2018 Overclockers UK Forum Player locked to 10-year-old EA account; EA support unhelpful after multiple attempts. And many more... Final Call EA, this is a growing trust and accessibility issue. Gamers should not be permanently blocked from their Xbox/Playstation content because of a policy that assumes email access is forever. Technology evolves. People change accounts. But support systems must evolve with that. We urge you to: Recognize this as a longstanding issue. Commit to a workable solution for affected users. Respond to the community with clarity and action. This isn’t just about one player. This is about hundreds of us, waiting for a fair resolution. EA - in the name of all gamers - please fix this! Beruthien EA_AgentX EA_Bogdan Melcious EA_UltraSlide EA_Shrike EA_Cekiel EA_Chimere EA_Kat SimGuruPopcorn
Banned - Stuck in loop - Not showing on help pages
Edit: For all the keyboard warriors that I see around the forum, save yourself some finger-pain and leave this thread. I posted this because I clearly can't appeal, and the ban is invalid. Thanks. Edit 2: For anyone unable to appeal, please scroll to the bottom of this thread. I am at a loss for words. I purchased the game yesterday, to preload it and to play it today. Only to find that I am, just like a tonne of other people, stuck in a bug because of the game content not being recognized. I tried to play one or two games via the community and ended up leaving because I got stuck in a spawn trap. Coming back later in hopes the game would get fixed, and I can play with my friends. About an hour later, I get an e-mail that I am suspended?? Trying to launch the game, I see this; I follow the "ban history" / "Penalty history" link to find out what in the world is going on, and I am brought to a page that says this???: And then when following the "webform" that is linked on their ban appeal page, FAQ and this forum Ban info from this forum, it brings me to a generic FAQ help page where it redirects me back to the ban history tool where it shows no ban! : In other words, I am stuck in a loop, haven't played 1 minute of the actual game and can't appeal. For the love of god, help me! I want to play the game! Edit 2: Hi Guys, User Gripen888 found a way to appeal, even if the ban doesn't show in the penalty-history. Go the the EA help pages and make sure to log-out or clear cookies. Then use the "Continue as a guest" option. https://help.ea.com/en/customer-care/ You can then go through the motions of filling in the form, as usual, appealing the ban. From there, a new option "Contact us via email" will pop up. Press this, and you will get a notification regarding your case being opened.Request to Bring Back the Beloved Game “Village Life”
Dear EA Team, I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing as a long-time fan of Village Life, a game that touched the hearts of many players around the world. As you have acquired Playdemic, the original developer of the game, we believe you now hold the legacy of this beloved title. Like thousands of others, I have incredibly fond memories of building families, growing villages, and watching generations flourish. Village Life stood out with its emotional depth, peaceful gameplay, and unique generational system—something we haven’t quite found in other games since. Even years after its removal, the community remains active—sharing screenshots, nostalgic memories, and hoping for its return. There are countless social media groups and forum threads filled with people who would wholeheartedly support a remaster or revival of the game. We understand that re-releasing a retired title is a major decision. However, the demand is real and the love for this game has only grown stronger with time. Whether it's a refreshed mobile version, a limited-time release, or even a spiritual successor, we’d be thrilled to see Village Life live on in some form. Thank you for taking the time to read this message and for carrying the torch of a game that meant so much to so many of us—not just as a game, but as a cherished part of our lives. Warm regards, Iremnur A lifelong Village Life fan
[GUIDE] - How to Read a DxDiag
Publication Date: 2025-04-02T16:22:15+01:00 Last Edited: 2025-07-23T14:39:37+01:00 For now placing this guide in the EA Community Discussion Subforum as there currently is no Community Resources section. In this guide, I’ll cover the main sections of a DxDiag, focusing on the most important details for troubleshooting, along with tips to keep in mind. Before the switch from AHQ to the new EA Forums, a similar thread existed, but unfortunately, it didn’t carry over. However, I found an archived version of the old thread here: [Internet Archive] - (AHQ Community Resources) How to read a DXDiag The original thread, created in 2014, was maintained until the forum change. In this updated version, I’ve expanded the coverage while omitting outdated info (e.g., SLI/Crossfire, Service Packs). This guide assumes basic knowledge of Windows, software, and hardware. It serves as an introduction to troubleshooting with a DxDiag, though keep in mind that it may not always provide a clear solution. This guide is based on a DxDiag from Windows 10 (DxDiag Version: 10.00.19041.5438 64bit Unicode) and may differ on Windows 11. The guide follows the same order as the sections within a DxDiag. If you notice any missing or incorrect information, or have suggestions for improvements, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll review it when I can. Table of Contents Excluded Sections >> Click here to go back to the Table of Contents << There are several sections in the DxDiag report that will not be covered in this guide. These sections are either outdated, legacy features, or not directly relevant to most troubleshooting scenarios. The table below outlines these sections and the reasons they are excluded: DxDiag Section Reason DirectX Debug Levels Provides debug levels for specific APIs, which are not pertinent to typical user troubleshooting. DirectInput Devices Includes devices like game controllers (potentially steering wheels like the G502). Not universally relevant for all controllers, and unlikely to be needed for most troubleshooting cases. Gameport Devices Likely related to legacy devices connected via the outdated Game Port. Not relevant for modern systems. DirectShow Filters DirectShow is a Legacy feature, not really used anymore. Preferred DirectShow Filters DirectShow is a Legacy feature, not really used anymore. Media Foundation File Versions DirectShow is a Legacy feature, not really used anymore. Media Foundation Transforms DirectShow is a Legacy feature, not really used anymore. Media Foundation Enabled Hardware Categories DirectShow is a Legacy feature, not really used anymore. Media Foundation Byte Stream Handlers DirectShow is a Legacy feature, not really used anymore. Media Foundation Scheme Handlers DirectShow is a Legacy feature, not really used anymore. Preferred Media Foundation Transforms DirectShow is a Legacy feature, not really used anymore. Disabled Media Foundation Transforms DirectShow is a Legacy feature, not really used anymore. Disabled Media Sources Related to Media Foundation, therefore not relevant. EVR Power Information Enhanced Video Renderer, related to Media Foundation, therefore not relevant. Figure 1 (Overview of DxDiag Sections and Their Relevance for Troubleshooting) System Information >> Click here to go back to the Table of Contents << This section provides various details about your computer that can be useful for troubleshooting. Key information includes: Operating System: Specifies the OS and its version. System Model: Information about the motherboard and overall system. BIOS: Displays the BIOS version. Processor: Details about the CPU. Memory: The total installed RAM. Page File: More on this below. Windows Directory: The location where Windows is installed. DirectX Version: The highest version of DirectX supported. DPI Settings: Details about screen scaling. These entries are often the most relevant when diagnosing issues. To troubleshoot effectively: Compare System Specs with Game Requirements: Check the system specifications against the minimum and recommended specs for the game you're troubleshooting. If the system falls short of these specs, it could explain the issues being experienced. BIOS Version: Ensure that the BIOS is up to date for your specific motherboard model. BIOS updates are typically released only when necessary, such as for system stability improvements, addressing hardware compatibility, or fixing issues like incorrect voltage delivery. Page File: A correctly configured page file is critical, especially for systems with limited RAM. The page file acts as virtual memory, storing inactive data from RAM onto your storage device (e.g., HDD or SSD) to free up more RAM. Proper configuration is especially important if your system has a small amount of physical RAM. For guidance on the appropriate page file size, refer to this article: [Learn.Microsoft] - How to determine the appropriate page file size for 64-bit versions of Windows. DirectX Version: The version of DirectX is crucial for gaming performance. Newer games may require DirectX 12 instead of DirectX 11. For example, Apex Legends has begun phasing out DirectX 11 in favor of DirectX 12. However, the version of DirectX is just one factor—some games require specific DirectX feature levels, which we will cover in the Display Devices section. DPI Settings: DPI settings control how your screen content scales. A setting other than 96 DPI (100%) can cause text to appear misaligned or even prevent some games from launching properly. For more information on DPI scaling, refer to [Learn.Microsoft] - DPI and device-independent pixels. DxDiag Notes >> Click here to go back to the Table of Contents << One of the key features of DxDiag is its ability to flag issues such as unsigned drivers. These flags indicate that the drivers may be unstable, potentially due to being in beta or corrupted. Here’s an example of how such issues might appear in the DxDiag report: DirectX Files Tab: No problems found. Display Tab 1: The file ialmrnt5.dll is not digitally signed, which means that it has not been tested by Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL). You may be able to get a WHQL logo'd driver from the hardware manufacturer. Sound Tab 1: The file RtkHDAud.sys is not digitally signed, which means that it has not been tested by Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL). You may be able to get a WHQL logo'd driver from the hardware manufacturer. Music Tab: No problems found. Input Tab: No problems found. Network Tab: No problems found. Source: https://forum.multitheftauto.com/topic/60173-mta-crash-dxdiag-included/ In addition to identifying unsigned drivers, DxDiag can also detect other types of issues. Below are a few examples of how this may appear: I am not aware of an exhaustive list of all items that will be caught under the DxDiag Notes section, though any problems detected under this section will typically be detailed enough to guide you through further troubleshooting steps. Display Devices >> Click here to go back to the Table of Contents << This section provides details about the monitors connected to your system and the associated display settings. Key information includes: Monitor Name Monitor Model Current Mode: The current resolution and refresh rate being supplied by the GPU to the monitor. Native Mode: The native resolution and refresh rate that the monitor supports. Driver Version: The version number of the GPU driver being used. Driver Date/Size: The release date and file size of the installed driver. WHQL Logo'd: Indicates whether the driver has passed WHQL testing. Display Memory: The total memory available for the display, including both dedicated and shared memory. Dedicated Memory: The VRAM (Video RAM) physically available on the GPU itself. Shared Memory: The portion of system RAM allocated for use by the GPU. Output Type: The type of display connection in use (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort). DDI Version: The DirectX Device Interface version supported by the GPU. Feature Levels: The DirectX feature levels supported by the GPU. This is important as some games may require specific feature levels to run properly. If you have multiple monitors, then there will be a separate entry with all the corresponding information. Key Checks Current Mode vs. Native Mode: Ensure the monitor is running at its native resolution and refresh rate. For example, if a 1440p monitor is running at 1080p, it may be due to the user forgetting to change their resolution. Similarly, check if the refresh rate is lower than what the monitor supports natively. Driver Version: It's important to check that the GPU driver is up to date. You can verify the driver version and check the Driver Date for the release date. Staying on the latest stable driver version is recommended, but it's important to be cautious of any issues with the most recent updates. Note: Nvidia driver versions are usually shortened to the last 5 digits of the version with 2 decimal points. (This: 32.0.15.7242 Becomes: 572.42) This means that if you want to look up a Nvidia driver, you should look it up in that format. Looking up a GPU Driver and checking if it needs updating First off we’ll need to check the card to see if it’s from Nvidia, AMD or Intel. This can be found under the Manufacturer section for each entry under Display Devices. Once you've figured it out, navigate to the corresponding section below. Nvidia 1. Go to this site: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/drivers/ 2. Under Manual Driver Search, fill in the required specifications according to the information that is present in the DxDiag 3. Press “Find 4. Compare the Game Ready Driver version with the driver version present in the DxDiag, if it’s newer, then the driver should be updated AMD 1. Go to this site: https://www.amd.com/en/support/download/drivers.html 2. Fill in the specifications from the DxDiag inside of the "Search or Browse Drivers and Support by Product” section 3. Press "Submit” 4. Select the correct Operating System 5. Compare the driver version with the driver version present in the DxDiag, if it’s newer, then the driver should be updated Intel (You might not be able to find the corrrect Intel drivers via the steps below, you can find all Intel Graphics Drivers on this page: [Intel] - Driver Search (Graphics) but do keep in mind that it also includes drivers for integrated chipsets) Go to this site: [Intel] - Intel® Arc™ & Iris® Xe Graphics - Windows* Compare the driver version with the driver version present in the DxDiag, if it’s newer, then the driver should be updated Sound Devices >> Click here to go back to the Table of Contents << The Sound Devices section lists all the devices used for audio playback, including headsets, speakers, or any other audio output devices. This list corresponds to the devices found in Windows Settings > System > Sound > Sound Control Panel > Playback. It will also display Virtual Playback Devices. If you use software that creates virtual audio devices (e.g., Voicemod, Virtual Cable), these will appear in the list as well. Each sound device contains several pieces of detailed information, but the following key details are most relevant: Description (The name of the sound device) Driver Name Driver Version Date and Size (The release date and file size of the driver) WHQL Logo’d (Indicates whether the driver has passed WHQL Testing and is certified by Microsoft) Default Sound Playback (Shows whether the device is set as the default audio output for Windows) One of the key things to check here is whether your driver is up to date. Outdated drivers can mess with your audio, so keeping them current is a good way to avoid problems and make sure everything’s running smoothly. If you're not hearing sound from the device you want, check the Default Sound Playback setting. If it says "Yes," that device should be the one Windows uses for audio. If it’s not working right, you can change it here, or sometimes in the settings of the app you’re using to play audio. Sound Capture Devices >> Click here to go back to the Table of Contents << The Sound Capture Devices section lists all devices used for capturing audio, such as microphones. This list corresponds to the devices found in Windows Settings > System > Sound > Sound Control Panel > Recording. It will also include Virtual Microphones. If you use software that creates virtual audio devices (e.g., Voicemod, Virtual Cable), these virtual microphones will also appear in the list. For each sound capture device, the following key details are provided: Description (The name of the sound capture device) Driver Name Driver Version Date and Size (The release date and file size of the driver) Default Voice Capture (Indicates whether the device is set as the default audio input device for Windows) It’s important to check that the driver for the sound capture device is up to date, as outdated drivers can lead to performance issues or limited functionality. Additionally, verify that the Default Voice Capture is set to ‘yes’ for the correct device. This ensures that Windows will use the intended device for audio input. However, some applications may allow you to select a specific microphone within the app itself, overriding the default Windows setting. If audio capture isn't working as expected, this could be the cause. Video Capturing Devices >> Click here to go back to the Table of Contents << The Video Capture Devices section lists any device used for capturing video, including webcams and capture cards. Key information to focus on includes: FriendlyName (The name of the Video Capture Device) Manufacturer DriverVersion DriverDateEnglish Service (The service used to interact with the Video Capture Device) When reviewing this section, it's crucial to check if the driver is up to date. Outdated drivers can lead to issues with video capture functionality. USB Devices >> Click here to go back to the Table of Contents << The USB Devices section provides a hierarchical view of all USB devices connected to the system, similar to what you’d see in Device Manager. For each USB device, the following information is displayed: Vendor/Product ID (These IDs can be used to identify the USB device, which can be looked up in the USB ID Database - [the sz development] Matching Device ID (This ID is used by the Plug and Play (PnP) manager to locate a driver package that matches the device. For more information, refer to [Learn.Microsoft] - Device Identification Strings Service (The service used by Windows to interface with the device) Driver (This includes the driver file name, the date and time of the driver, and the file size of the driver) (Some will also include a “Location:” tag, this will not be covered in this guide) This list can be valuable for troubleshooting, especially when identifying hardware-related issues. In some cases, anti-cheat systems may flag Removable Storage devices, preventing the game from booting up. This is why it may be good to check this list if you are aware of certain USB Hardware causing issues within a game PS/2 Devices >> Click here to go back to the Table of Contents << Note: This is considered legacy technology. While it’s generally not relevant for most users today, it may still be important in certain troubleshooting scenarios, which is why it is included here. In some cases, PS/2 Devices may appear in a DxDiag report even when no PS/2 device is physically connected. This could be due to hardware or software quirks during the DxDiag capture process, so don’t assume that a device listed in this section is actually connected. If you do need to troubleshoot PS/2 devices, make sure to confirm that the user has a device actually connected via the PS/2 port. PS/2 devices typically refer to input devices like keyboards and mice connected via the PS/2 port, as shown below: While PS/2 used to be more common, USB has largely replaced it for these devices. As such, PS/2 should be considered legacy technology. If a user is still relying on PS/2 devices, it’s generally recommended to switch to USB unless they have a specific reason for using PS/2. NOTE (2025-07-2025): With some laptops you will see integrated keyboards and touchpads listed as PS/2 devices for design-reasons. I personally believe this can be ignored, as it shouldn't really cause any issues depending on how the manufacturer has implemented it. If it were to be causing issues, I'd personally consider it out of scope for technical support. Here are some important considerations: PS/2 devices are not hot-pluggable: These devices need to be connected before booting up the computer. They will not work if plugged in after the system has already started. Potential instability: PS/2 communication with Windows can sometimes cause generic instability, particularly if there are compatibility issues. BIOS/UEFI support: Not all BIOS or UEFI firmware versions support PS/2 devices. It’s important to verify that the system’s firmware can recognize PS/2 if troubleshooting these devices. Given these limitations, if PS/2 devices are malfunctioning, it’s often better to recommend switching to USB devices to avoid dealing with potential hardware or compatibility issues. Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives >> Click here to go back to the Table of Contents << & DVD/CD-ROM Drives) In addition to providing details on your system’s storage, the DxDiag tool will also display information about your DVD/CD-ROM drives and their associated drivers. For each drive, the following information is provided: Free Space Total Space File System Model The most critical piece of information to focus on is the Free Space of the drive where Windows is installed. If this drive doesn’t have enough available space, it can significantly impact system performance and lead to instability. To maintain optimal performance, I would recommended to keep at least 15-20% of free space on the drive where Windows is installed. Additionally, it's worth checking the model of the drive used for both your Windows installation and game storage. If you notice that the storage device is outdated and has exceeded its typical life expectancy or its read/write capacity, this could lead to performance degradation or potential failure For a more thorough analysis of your drives, you might consider using [Crystalmark] - CrystalDiskInfo. This tool provides detailed health information about your storage devices, helping you identify potential issues like failing drives before they cause significant problems. System Devices >> Click here to go back to the Table of Contents << This section lists all devices connected to the motherboard. These devices can include: Controllers (e.g., Audio Controller, SATA Controller, Ethernet Controller) PCIe Devices (e.g., GPU, Wi-Fi Card, Ethernet Card, Sound Card, USB Card, etc.) And many other hardware components (Note: A full list of every possible device type would be too extensive for this guide.) Each entry will include the following information: Name: The device's name or description. Device ID: A unique identifier that can help you locate more details about the device, especially if the name proves insufficient. Driver: Details about the device's driver, including its location, version, release date, and size. Locating Information Using the Device ID The Device ID is a key piece of information. If the device name doesn’t provide enough detail, you can use the Device ID to look it up. To search the Device ID: Copy the Device ID (e.g., `PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_24C9&SUBSYS_88AE1043&REV_A1\4&8BD6E8D&0&0008`). Identify the Vendor ID and Device ID: Vendor ID: `VEN_10DE` Device ID: `DEV_24C9` Visit the following website and search with the PCI type: [DeviceHunt] - Search by PCI A repository of all PCI ID’s can also be found here for those interested: https://pci-ids.ucw.cz/ Diagnostics >> Click here to go back to the Table of Contents << The Diagnostics section in the DxDiag lists the 10 most recent application errors reported through Windows Error Reporting (WER). To view older WER entries, you'll need to check the Event Viewer. Important: An entry in this list does not necessarily indicate a direct cause for the issue you're troubleshooting. Especially with unrelated applications, the error might have occurred at a different time or may not be relevant at all. Each WER entry includes the following data: Fault bucket: A unique identifier generated by Windows based on the error's context. Fault bucket Type: A type differentiator (more information here). Event Name: The type of crash (I have yet to find a exhaustive list of event names). Response: Not covered in this guide. Cab ID: Not covered in this guide. Problem Signature: More details below. The Problem Signature section contains various columns (denoted as "P" + numbers 1-10) that provide specifics about the crash. Though there’s no official mapping standard for these columns, here's a breakdown of what you might encounter: AppName: The application's EXE filename (e.g., "Explorer.exe"). AppVer: The version number of the application or assembly. AppStamp: The timestamp of the executable. AsmAndModName: The name of the assembly/module if it’s part of a multi-module assembly. AsmVer: The version of the faulting managed assembly. ModStamp: The timestamp of the faulting module. MethodDef: The token for the faulting method. Offset: The IL offset for the faulting instruction. ExceptionType: The name of the exception type, with "Exception" removed (e.g., "System.AccessViolation"). Sourced from: [Learn.Microsoft] - Windows Error Reporting and CLR Integration Note: The specific information in WER entries may vary depending on how the application integrates with WER. Not all WER data will be visible in the DxDiag. For more comprehensive details, including crash dump files, check the Event Viewer or the full WER report. I may create a more in-depth guide on Event Viewer and WER in the future for more in-depth troubleshooting.
EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 1/ 2026
Welcome to the first edition of EA Forums Online Security Newsletter in 2026! We’ve refreshed the visuals of our newsletter. What do you think? We’re excited to introduce a new way to interact with the newsletter. But first, let’s talk about what hasn’t changed. Over the next 12 months, you can expect the same high-value educational content, covering the most important security topics for us gamers. Each month, you’ll have a chance to test yourself with a quiz, and just like in previous years (yes, we’re officially kicking off year 3 of the newsletter series!), we’re looking forward to hearing your tips and experiences related to online security. What’s new? A new home for the newsletter The newsletter will now live in a different part of the forum: EA Community Discussion. This space better highlights the newsletter's community-driven nature and invites everyone to jump into the conversation. New badges! We’re introducing a more engaging and achievement-focused participation system. The 12 newsletter editions are now grouped into 4 Seasons. Throughout each season, you’ll work your way toward earning the coolest badge while tracking your progress on a leaderboard. Season 1 starts now! To learn more about how to participate, check out this article. Not into leaderboards? No problem! If ranked challenges aren’t your thing, that’s totally fine. You can continue engaging with the newsletter as usual and earn the Level 1 badge at the end of the season. Each season, the same badge will be awarded to all participants who choose the non-ranked path. Just complete at least one quiz during the season to receive your participation token. Whew, that was a lot of information! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment in the newsletter thread or in the EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Badge Handbook. Now, without further ado, let’s get to the heart of our newsletter - Security Focus. We’re kicking off the year with a crucial topic: password hygiene. Stay safe! Use strong and unique passwords for every account This is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your online security. Creating a strong password is the first step, but if that password is ever leaked (for example, through a breach) and you reuse it across multiple accounts, all of those accounts could be at risk. What makes a password strong? A strong password should be: At least 16 characters long A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters Include numbers and special characters This combination makes your password significantly harder to crack using automated password-cracking tools. You can test your password strength using tools like passwordmonster.com but please never post your password publicly on forums to ask if it’s strong enough. An alternative: passphrases Passphrases can be a great alternative to traditional passwords as long as the words you choose are truly random. Avoid using personal information or anything that could be publicly available. Don’t combine words that are naturally related (such as colors, cities, or animals). The more random the words, the stronger the passphrase. For extra strength, mix uppercase and lowercase letters and add numbers or symbols. Your digital keychain Managing many strong passwords can feel overwhelming. To make this easier, consider using a password manager (password vault). These tools securely store your passwords and help you generate strong, unique ones for every account so you don’t have to remember them all yourself. How to keep your EA Account secure How secure is your password? What is this place? Community Spotlight is a special space in the newsletter dedicated to highlighting the contributions of our forum community. At the end of each edition, we’ll select one standout tip, comment, or other contribution related to community security and feature it right here. Your contributions help decide what gets spotlighted through comments, likes, or simply by being an active and helpful member of the forum community (yes, we have eyes everywhere 😉). EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Quiz - Volume 1/ 2026Saudi Arabia EA acquisition?
Surprised that since the news broke yesterday no one here has mentioned it, is EA banning it? I'm an avid Sims 4 player and was shocked to learn that the Saudi Arabia government (along with two other investment groups) is poised to acquire and privatize EA as soon as next week. Is anyone else concerned about what this could mean for the game?? Specifically cc, which I could see being banned from the game to force players to buy packs instead. Thoughts?EAFC 26 Companion App Features “Disabled”
I used the new companion app for a while yesterday and when I went back today every feature except my team has been “disabled”. I checked to see if I got banned and on the EA website is doesn’t say that I did so I’m wondering why these features are suddenly disabled after using the app yesterday
FAQ - EA Games on Steam
Having trouble linking your EA account? Use this FAQ to help troubleshoot issues you may have with your EA games on Steam. WHAT EA GAMES ARE ON STEAM? We’re frequently updating our Steam catalog. Check out our Steam store page for the most up-to-date list. LINKING YOUR ACCOUNTS You only need to link your accounts the first time you play an EA game on Steam. Sign into Steam. Launch an EA game from Steam by clicking Play. Install Origin if you haven’t already. Origin will launch and ask you to link your Steam account and your EA Account. Log in to Origin using your EA Account info or create a new EA Account. Steam will install your game and let you know when it’s ready to play. Note: You can only link one Steam account to one EA Account, so make sure you choose the right EA Account to link to. Unlinking accounts Want to unlink your Steam account? Contact us for help. INSTALLING EA GAMES THROUGH STEAM Once you’ve linked your accounts and installed your first EA game through Steam, installing future games gets a lot easier: Sign into Steam. Go to your Library. Select the game. Click Install. Click Next on the pop-up window to install the game. HOW DO I PLAY WITH MY FRIENDS? Origin-required games You can tell if a game is Origin-required if it says it “Incorporates 3rd-party DRM: EA on-line activation and Origin client software installation and background use required.” For games that need Origin but you bought them on Steam, you’ll need to add your friends on Origin to play with them. You won’t be able to add friends on Steam. Steam-native games Native games on Steam don’t need Origin to launch, but you can only play with friends on the same platform as you. For example, if your friend is playing on Steam, you’ll need to play the game on Steam too. Add friends on Origin Adding friends on Steam Cross-play games Cross-play games can be played on Steam or Origin, and you can play with both Steam and Origin friends at the same time! To invite friends, you’ll need to add them in-game. What about game invites? You can only send game invites between Origin accounts. GOT QUESTIONS? Do I always need Origin to play EA games in my Steam library? You may need Origin to launch some EA games from Steam. When you do, Steam will tell you the game needs to be launched using a third-party DRM and will show Origin software installation in the system requirements. If I buy a game on Steam, can I buy DLC for that game on Origin? Yep! You can buy DLC both on Origin and Steam. If I buy a game on Origin, can I buy DLC for that game on Steam? For Origin-purchased base games, you’ll need to buy all DLC in Origin. I'm an Origin Access subscriber. Do I get my 10% subscriber discount on Steam? No, the Origin Access subscriber discount only applies to purchases made through the Origin platform, and to in-game purchases through games originally purchased through Origin. Can I earn Steam Achievements and Trading Cards with EA Games? You won’t earn Steam Achievements for our games, but you can still build out your Trading Card collection. Learn more about Trading cards on Steam. Can I use Cloud saves? You can’t use Cloud saves for EA Games on Steam. More questions? Full details are available via EA Help.
EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 10/ 2026
EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 10/ 2026 Hello everyone, and welcome to another edition of the EA Forums Online Security Newsletter! Last month, we looked at home network security and how the network behind your gaming setup can play an important role in keeping your online activity secure. If you missed that edition, or have more tips to share, you can still jump back into the discussion. This month, we are moving one step closer to the devices themselves. Whether you play on a PC, console, laptop, or mobile device, keeping that device secure is an important part of protecting your accounts, personal information, and gaming experience. This becomes even more important when a device is shared with family members, friends, or other users. Device Security When we think about gaming security, passwords and account protection often come to mind first. But an account is only one part of the picture. The device you use to sign in can hold saved passwords, active browser sessions, email access, payment information, screenshots, personal files, and access to multiple gaming platforms. Protecting the account while ignoring the device can therefore leave an important gap in your security. One of the simplest ways to reduce that risk is to keep your operating system, applications, browsers, drivers, and other software up to date. Updates are not only about new features or performance improvements. They can also contain security fixes for vulnerabilities discovered after software was released. Delaying updates for long periods can leave a device exposed to issues that have already been identified and fixed. The software you install matters too. Gaming PCs in particular can accumulate launchers, mods, utilities, overlays, performance tools, browser extensions, and other applications over time. Before installing something, consider where it came from and whether you actually trust the source. Be particularly cautious when a download asks you to disable security protections or create exclusions before it will work. The fewer unnecessary or untrusted applications running on a device, the smaller the opportunity for something unwanted to gain access to it. Modern devices also include security features designed to provide protection in the background. Antivirus or anti-malware protection is one example, but device security is not about installing as many security programs as possible. Built-in protections, firewalls, browser security features, device encryption, screen locks, and secure sign-in methods can all form different parts of the same defence. The important part is making sure useful protections are actually enabled and not disabling them simply because they occasionally add an extra step. Shared devices introduce another challenge. If several people use the same gaming PC, sharing one Windows account can also mean sharing browser sessions, saved credentials, downloads, files, and permissions. Where possible, separate user profiles can help keep each person's activity and information separated. Locking your session when you step away is another small habit that becomes particularly valuable on a shared device. Physical access matters as well. Someone who can freely use an unlocked device may not need to know your gaming account password if you are already signed in. A screen lock, PIN, password, biometric sign-in, or similar protection helps create another barrier between physical access to the device and access to the accounts and information stored on it. This is particularly worth remembering for laptops, phones, handheld gaming devices, and anything else you regularly take outside your home. Finally, device security and account security work best together. Two-factor authentication can add another layer of protection when a new device attempts to access your EA Account, while backup codes can help you retain access if your usual verification method becomes unavailable. Keeping the device itself secure, using trusted software, installing updates, and protecting your accounts with additional authentication creates several layers an attacker would need to overcome rather than relying on a single defence. How to enable two-factor authentication on your EA Account How to secure your EA Account Device Security Guidance EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Badge Handbook Spotting the Silent Signs of Network Intrusion rosemow Some warning signs that an unknown or unauthorised device has connected to your home network are : slow internet speeds that are persistent, particularly when there is not any other factors that could be causing it, such as a lot of other devices attached all working at the same time or bad weather conditions, or a busy time when a lot of people are downloading at the same time. Another sign is a big surge in the data allowance used, which does not reflect how much data is usually used or the amount of downloading that has been done that day, week or month. Also there may be unauthorised changes to your router password that are stopping you from accessing the network. Highlighted for: Demystifying the physical and behavioral signs of network compromises in a clear, jargon-free manner. Infrastructure Reality Checks and Global Gaming Telemetry @ORANGE-EXPRESS The clear structural and cultural comparison of connectivity baselines—such as the standard wired Ethernet setups here in Japan versus the massive, multi-floor Wi-Fi dependency common in larger overseas homes—perfectly illustrates how real-world infrastructure directly shapes gaming telemetry and those silent, packet-loss synchronization deadlocks. My goal is to help casual players understand that matchmaking lag or routine network glitches should never be confused with security breaches, so they can avoid messing up their router settings with unverified shortcuts. Recognized for: Offering an outstanding cultural and technical comparison of how physical home layouts shape our network telemetry. EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 10/ 2026Someone made an account under the email I'm using for said account?
So I got an email saying someone had made, and verified, this account using my current email address, naturally I made sure to change the password to this account and all its information, but... I don't understand the motive? Were they waiting for me to log in so they could get my details on the off chance I didn't change the password? To be clear, I did not make this account, it was made using my email and I'm just trying to stay logged in till I know what's going on. I'm not sure what to do about it, are there any other security measures I should be taking here? It's not like they had access to my payment methods or anything, I'm really baffled and concerned. I also changed the password for my email of course, it did scare me that they managed to verify the account somehow, but there's no new logins detected on gmail so I have no idea what's going on. Also if it matters, the email address I received all this info from was mailto:[email protected], I wasn't sure if it was legit so I made sure to only log into the website itself, wasn't gonna risk falling for a phishing scam. So yeah, any advice? Should I be worried, should I be doing something else? I appreciate any and all help.EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 7/ 2026
Hello everyone, and welcome to Season 3 of the EA Forums Online Security Newsletter! In our previous edition, we explored account recovery and the steps players can take when they lose access to an account. You can revisit that discussion at any time, especially if you would like to share additional advice or experiences with the community. This month, we are looking at malware, malicious software that can steal information, damage files, interfere with your computer, or give someone else access to your device. For gamers, an infection can put much more than the computer itself at risk. Saved passwords, email accounts, gaming accounts, payment information, and valuable in-game content may all be exposed. The new season marks the point where you pick a new class for Season 3. Head over to the Season Registration Form and pick one of the remaining classes you have not yet picked in the previous season. If you can't remember which ones you've picked already, you can check them on the Leaderboard. Remember that the class you pick dictates the tasks you need to perform to claim points for the newsletter ranked version. Malware is a broad term for harmful software, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, information stealers, and other unwanted programs. Different types of malware behave differently, but they share one purpose: performing actions on your device that you did not knowingly approve. Some infections are obvious, while others are specifically designed to remain hidden for as long as possible. Gamers can be attractive targets because their computers may contain stored account credentials, payment details, browser sessions, and access to inventories or accounts with real-world value. An information-stealing infection may search browsers and applications for passwords, cookies, and other data that can help an attacker bypass the normal sign-in process. This means an account can sometimes be compromised even when its password was not directly guessed. One of the biggest warning signs is unexpected behaviour. Your computer may become noticeably slower, fans may run at high speed even when no demanding programs are open, unfamiliar applications may appear, or browser settings may change without your permission. You might also see repeated security warnings, unexplained pop-ups, disabled protection settings, unexpected account sign-ins, or messages sent from your accounts that you did not write. However, malware does not always create visible symptoms, so the absence of unusual behaviour does not guarantee that a device is clean. Cracked games, unofficial activators, cheats, key generators, and pirated software are particularly dangerous download categories. These files usually require players to ignore browser warnings, disable antivirus protection, add security exclusions, or run programs with administrator access. Those instructions should be treated as major warning signs. Cybercriminals can exploit the promise of a free game or a paid feature to convince someone to disable the very protections that would normally prevent infection. Microsoft has documented malware campaigns involving deceptive download pages and has warned that non-genuine software can expose users to serious security risks. The safest approach is simple: download games, updates, launchers, mods, and utilities only from official or trusted sources. Do not download cracked versions of games, repacks, unofficial activation tools, or files claiming to bypass licences or anti-cheat protections. A download being popular, highly rated, or recommended in a video does not prove that it is safe. Malicious files can be repackaged, renamed, or promoted through compromised accounts and misleading search results. If you believe your computer may be infected, stop signing in to important services from that device until it has been checked. Update your security software, run a full system scan, and review any items detected or quarantined. Windows Security provides quick, full, custom, and Microsoft Defender Offline scan options. The offline scan restarts the computer and checks it before Windows fully loads, making it more difficult for persistent malware to hide or defend itself. Remove suspicious programs and browser extensions, install available operating-system and application updates, and restart the computer when instructed by the security tool. If malware continues to return, security tools cannot complete their scans, or important system settings remain disabled, seek assistance from a trusted computer professional. In serious cases, completely reinstalling the operating system may be safer than assuming every part of a deeply infected system has been repaired. Cleaning the computer is only part of the recovery process. Once you are confident that you are using a clean device, change the password for your email account first, followed by your gaming, social, shopping, and financial accounts. Use unique passwords, review recent sign-ins, sign out of unfamiliar sessions, remove unknown connected applications, and enable app-based two-factor authentication wherever available. Otherwise, an attacker may continue using information or active sessions stolen before the malware was removed. Security features built into the operating system also provide an important layer of defence. For example, Secure Boot helps ensure that a Windows PC loads trusted software during startup. Some EA games require it to support EA Javelin Anticheat and help create a safer playing environment. Secure Boot is not a replacement for antivirus software or careful download habits, but it forms part of a wider approach in which the operating system, security tools, account protections, and player decisions work together. The most effective defence begins before anything is downloaded. Pause when a website asks you to disable security software, ignore warnings, execute an unfamiliar file, or grant administrator permission. A free game, cheat, or crack is never worth losing access to your accounts—or giving a stranger control of your computer. How to use Secure Boot on your PC https://help.ea.com/en/articles/technical-issues/secure-boot/ Virus and threat protection in Windows Security https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows/Security/threat-malware-protection/virus-and-threat-protection-in-the-windows-security-app Microsoft guidance for detecting and removing malware https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/defender/troubleshoot-problems-with-detecting-and-removing-malware Getting started with anti-malware in Microsoft Defender https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/defender/getting-started-with-anti-malware-in-microsoft-defender EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Badge Handbook https://forums.ea.com/discussions/ea-forums-general-discussion-en/ea-forums-online-security-newsletter-badge-handbook/13148877 In the previous edition, we asked you to share why account recovery can fail and what players should do before contacting support. This month’s highlighted contributions were selected for their practical value, personal insight, and ability to help other players prepare before an account problem occurs. Preparing Before an Emergency Author: ORANGE-EXPRESS “Losing access to a primary email address is indeed one of the biggest infrastructure barriers to smooth account recovery. This newsletter serves as a great checklist for all players to audit their settings—such as updating recovery phone numbers, checking trusted devices, and safely storing backup codes—before any trouble happens.” Recognized for: Emphasizing prevention rather than waiting for an account lockout Encouraging players to review trusted devices and backup codes Lessons From a Difficult Recovery Author: Ellupelluellu “Of course the email I had created it with was old and not active. Old phone numbers were not valid anymore, and the secondary email I had used for recovery was long gone too.” Ellupelluellu also reminded players to try official recovery options first, check whether a linked account can be used to sign in, prepare detailed information before contacting support, and use only official support channels. Highlighted for: Sharing a relatable example of how recovery details become outdated over time Showing how several small oversights can combine into a serious problem Preparing the Information Support Needs Author: NoikaSims “Check the state of the account. Prepare all the information that support can ask you for the recovery. Contact official support. Give them the information required to recover your account.” Recognized for: Presenting the recovery process in a simple and logical order Reminding players to gather information before opening a support case Thank you to everyone who read the previous edition and shared advice, personal experiences, and encouragement with the community. Your contributions help turn each newsletter into a practical resource for other players. EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 7 / 2026EA Forums Online Security Newsletter - Volume 2/ 2026
Welcome to the second edition of EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Hey everyone, and welcome to the second edition of the EA Forums Online Security Newsletter! We’re kicking off this edition with a quick reminder: there’s still time to join the leaderboard and earn a Level 2 or Level 3 badge by the end of the season. If you’re not familiar with the updates we’ve introduced in this year’s newsletter series, be sure to check out the previous edition or explore the Newsletter Badge Handbook. And of course, if anything is unclear, just ask in the thread! Last month, we discussed the foundation of your online presence passwords. The community shared some fantastic insights and practical advice. If you missed it, head back to the previous edition or take a look at this month’s Community Highlights section for a recap. This month, we’re shifting our focus toward the awareness side of online security as we dive into phishing. It’s a topic that has evolved significantly with the rise of AI. Today, we’re constantly exposed to videos, voice recordings, and images created or altered by artificial intelligence, making scams more convincing than ever. Whenever you encounter a potential phishing attempt, pause and reflect on what made the interaction seem believable. Even more importantly, share those observations with others. Raising awareness is one of the most effective tools we have to combat evolving threats. Stay safe and stay alert. Skepticism Is Key Be skeptical of any “free” items you’re asked to claim outside official channels or outside the game itself. In 99% of cases, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Make it a habit to verify promotions and rewards through official websites, verified social media accounts, or in-game announcements before taking any action. Triple-Check the Links Phishing links often imitate legitimate URLs by swapping letters, adding hyphens, or using characters that look nearly identical to the real ones. If you have even the slightest doubt about a link you’re about to click, don’t. Trust your instincts. Your “spider-sense” might be right 😉 Head over to this month's quiz, you can test yourself on the fake or legitimate links there. Social Media Messages Be cautious when interacting with people you’ve met online via Discord, console messaging systems, or other social platforms. The same rule applies to customer support. Legitimate support agents will never contact you directly outside official support channels (for example, through random Discord messages or console DMs). If someone does that’s a major red flag. Invitations to Events You Didn’t Sign Up For Phishing scams often rely on urgency and scarcity. For example, after watching a stream from your favorite competitive player, you receive a message inviting you to attend an exclusive in-person event but you must act fast because there are only a few spots left. If you didn’t sign up, it’s almost certainly a scam. And even if you did sign up for something, always verify the source before clicking any links or sharing personal information. Creator Impersonation Even if you’re part of a creator’s community, be extremely careful if someone contacts you claiming to be that creator. Verify their identity through official, verified accounts. Double-check their intentions before engaging, clicking links, or sharing any details. Phishing in Mobile Games Many mobile games allow direct communication between players. While this platform is often overlooked, phishing still happens there. Treat links and messages in mobile games with the same level of caution you would anywhere else. Now Add AI to the Mix With rapid advancements in AI, scammers can now create highly convincing video calls, voice messages, and realistic-looking content. This adds another layer of sophistication to phishing attempts. Always stay cautious. Always verify. Always question anything that feels off. If something sounds or looks suspicious, pause before you act. How to avoid phishing Community Spotlight Volume 1: Password Hygiene In this month’s Community Spotlight, we’re highlighting outstanding replies from Volume 1 – Password Hygiene. The featured comments were selected based on the following criteria: Relevance to password hygiene Depth of insight Educational value Originality Potential impact on the community High-Value Educational Contribution As a particularly strong educational contribution, I’d like to highlight ElliotLH post: I've been having a little think about some risky habits people might commonly do when signing up to gaming platforms or communities like this one. While I'm certain that there are a great many pitfalls, I keep coming back to the most basic: wherever possible, don't use the same details for multiple signups. Of course, using a different email address for each platform or site may not be feasible, since not everyone has multiple email addresses, but at the very least, one should ensure that a different password is being used. If the same password is used on multiple platforms, the chances of all accounts being compromised increase, especially if the same email address has been used as well. In a similar vein, I would also recommend avoiding using a social media profile, such as Facebook, for signing up to things, as if the social media profile is compromised, then people can quickly gain access to any site that has been linked (E.G. Facebook lists Apps and websites that have been linked in the past); not to mention being able to access a treasure trove of personal information and possibly even financial information which can be used neferiously in the future. This post stood out because it: Directly addressing password reuse is a core password hygiene issue Clearly explained risk amplification (using the same email and password combination across platforms) Added nuance by mentioning social login risks Maintained a reflective, educational tone Encouraged meaningful behavioral change It’s a great example of how to turn security awareness into practical improvement. Behavioral Insight Spotlight The second highlighted contribution this month comes from Bafanc : The reason I didn't claim the rewards is part of my previous comment/advice: read carefully before clicking. It's an easy thing to recommend, but difficult to do... for people like me! In fact, that's what I DIDN'T do: 1) I took the test first and then read the instructions; 2) I took the test without carefully reading the questions. The result was making mistakes (one) for not having read that the answer could be multiple and not having memorized the final code (but, knowing how lazy I am, I blocked its copy in the keyboard memory, hehe). In my defense, I can say that not working on texts in my native language helps my proverbial laziness win over security. MORAL: security is never enough if you're lazy enough to ignore every alert! This reply was selected because it demonstrated: Honest self-reflection (“not reading carefully”) A clear link between complacency and security failure Reinforcement of the human factor in password hygiene A memorable closing line: “Security is never enough if you're lazy enough to ignore every alert!” Security is often less about technical limitations and more about habits, and this comment captured that perfectly. Technical Depth Recognition Lastly, Asmodeus566 delivered multiple strong technical contributions, including: A clear warning about password reuse Reinforcement of 2FA as a critical security layer Advice on using a dedicated email for sensitive accounts Highlighting the risks of “free content” baiting tactics These insights combine technical understanding with practical application, exactly the type of knowledge-sharing that strengthens the entire community. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Thoughtful discussions like these elevate the newsletter from information-sharing to real security awareness. Let’s keep raising the bar. EA Forums Online Security Newsletter Quiz - Volume 2/ 2026
Workarounds for FPS counters? Please allow external FPS counters in EA games!
Hi everyone, I’ve noticed that in EA Sports FC 26 (and also in other current EA titles) it’s currently not possible to use any external FPS counters such as MSI Afterburner/RTSS, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, or the Windows Game Bar. It seems that EA AntiCheat is blocking all of them. This is a real problem for PC players, especially in games that don’t have a built-in FPS counter. Being able to monitor FPS is one of the most basic and essential features on PC – whether for performance troubleshooting, benchmarking, or simply making sure the game is running smoothly. I’d like to ask EA to please consider: Allowing safe and widely used FPS counters like RTSS and NVIDIA’s overlay to work with EA AntiCheat. Or at least providing a reliable, built-in FPS display in every EA title by default. This would make a big difference for the PC community. I’d also love to hear if anyone has found any other working alternatives. Thanks!
Community Highlights
- EA_Pythia1 year ago
EA Staff (Retired)
- EA_David2 years ago
Community Admin