Currently, I'm experiencing the exact same problem as you.
Ever since the launch of the EA desktop I've been gravitating towards the use of this app instead of Origins due to my own preference.
However, not long after the app no longer recognized that I owned a copy of the game I tried playing. In my case, that's Fifa 22.
EA Desktop, just like in the case stated by @Brass_Buckles, now claims that I need to log into my Microsoft account to verify my Game pass membership and thus EA Play.
I have never played Fifa with the use of any membership and already owned the game on Origins before ever playing it through the EA desktop.
This problem only occurs on the EA Desktop as the Origin launcher still recognizes my ownership of the game, it still allows me to update and launch Fifa 22 as it should since I own the game directly.
For me, it always shows the game but it simply won't allow me to launch or update the game without logging into my Microsoft account and verifying a membership I do NOT have.
Personally, I'm afraid to do so because I don't wish for the app to think that I'm not subscribed to EA Play and therefore will deny me access to the game altogether despite me owning it.
Due to this I've decided to also stick to Origins until this problem has been solved because I would lie if I said that isn't quite frustrating to deal with.
P.s. I have provided a screenshot to show the launcher recognizing that I own the game but still not allowing me to launch it.
I've noticed that any game that I could access through EA Play isn't listed on EA Desktop, but I can download them as long as they are available in the basic tier.
This may explain my other problem I've had with EA/Origin: that I have no option for downloading a game I bought over a year ago on Origin, and haven't since I got it. Apparently to play that version of the game through EA Play, you need the higher tiered version of EA Play. On EA Desktop it does not show up in my library at all, but I can find it in the store available if I paid for the upgraded EA Play or if I wanted to buy a new copy. I just have basic EA Play. But, since I bought the game, I shouldn't need any subscription at all to play it.
Seems to me like something in EA's systems might "prefer" EA Play subscriptions to purchased copies. Let's be real here, it should be the other way around, with purchased copies taking precedence if they are owned. In the case of a purchased copy of a game, EA Play should only offer any extra content that is available through the subscription service tier you have. It shouldn't be interfering with your purchased game library or your capacity to download a game that you definitely do own. Why would any validation system check your subscription status without also confirming whether you own a given game? And why would it refer to the subscription preferentially over your purchased games in your library of games? I shouldn't have to go on a scavenger hunt to find games I already bought. I shouldn't have to buy them again through subscriptions or otherwise.
Having the exactly same issue in Jan 2023. EA hasn't sorted that issue yet. The app replaces previously owned games and tags them as EA Play titles (despite the fact you own the games ). It requests constant checks to validate your Xbox games pass status in order to play titles that you already own.
it's a big inconvenience and removes the idea of game ownership right from your account. The only options are either authenticate your status or buy it (again! since you already own it). it's a big oversight from developers and needs to be addressed.
