As it features all the games EA has ever released and many more, there are a lot of questions surrounding the Origin overlay. Here we will answer the most common
Created by EA, Origin is one of the most popular video game distribution platforms. As it features all the games EA has ever released and many more, there are a lot of questions surrounding the Origin overlay. Here we will answer the most common:
How to install Origin
Original download for Windows and Mac here. After getting it, follow the instructions to install the platform.
Having trouble with the Origin overlay? Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Make sure your PC meets platform requirements. You will need at least 4 GB of RAM (we recommend 8 GB), a 64-bit 1.6 GHz processor, and 2 GB of hard disk space for help files and program installation.
For Mac users, open Microsoft Window in Boot Camp to run Origin. Another option is to use virtual machine software to run OS X.
2nd step: Make sure Origin is running as administrator. If you have antivirus software, add OriginClientService.exe and Origin.exe to its whitelists.
Step 3: Check your internet connection, make sure your PC has internet access. Try to reset your router.
If any errors occur in the installation process, the only way to fix them is to start over. However, please note that you will need to delete all the files that did this on your computer.
Under Windows:
Step 1: locate the Origin installation folder. You should look for it in C: Program Files (x86) Origin.
2nd step: Now delete the Origin folder.
Step 3: Repeat the download process for PC.
Step 4: Follow the instructions to install the platform.
On Mac:
Step 1: Find Origin.dmg and delete it.
2nd step: Find the Origin launcher in Applications and remove it as well.
Step 3: In the recycle bin, right click and choose to empty it.
Step 4: Download Origin for Mac again and follow the installation instructions.
How to activate the original overlay
Here’s how to activate Origin:
Step 1: Launch the Origin client and sign in to your EA Account.
2nd step: Go to the Origin menu and choose App Settings.
Step 3: Click on the Origin tab in-game.
Step 4: Turn on the switch. If you’re wondering how to turn off the original overlay, it’s here.
List of original keyboard shortcuts
EA doesn’t have a lot of shortcuts, but Origin’s overlay has two very handy ones you should be aware of:
- Shift + F1: keyboard shortcut for Origin In-Game.
- Shift + F2: pinning the window.
Broadcast in Origin
With the Origin overlay, you can easily broadcast your gameplay to other players around the world. Here’s how to do it on Steam and Twitch:
On Twitch
You will need to modify Twitch’s security features to ensure that the Origin and Twitch overlay work in harmony with each other.
Step 1: On twitch.tv, log into your account.
2nd step: Access the settings by clicking on your account icon.
Step 3: Choose the Channel and Videos tab.
Step 4: Enable two-factor authentication in the Stream Key & Preferences section.
Step 5: Follow the instructions to get your broadcast key.
Here’s how to stream on Twitch with the Origin overlay:
Step 1: Start the game.
2nd step: Press the combination of Shift + F1 to open Origin In-Game. If you have reconfigured the shortcut settings, use the combination you assigned for Origin In-Game.
Step 3: Choose Stream Gameplay.
Step 4: Create a new Twitch account or log in to your own.
Once connected, you can change the frame rate, streaming resolution, volume levels, and picture quality.
A bar will appear on the Origin overlay to let you know you’re live and streaming. It also lets you know how many people are watching at that time.
If you don’t want to know how many people are watching your game, you can hide the number of views in the advanced settings.
On Steam
Here’s how to stream your Steam games:
Step 1: Open the Origin overlay and go to Add game, then Add games manually.
2nd step: Choose the Steam directory and click on ‘Open’.
Step 3: In Application settings, click on the In-game tab.
Step 4: Check again to make sure Enable In-Game Origin has been selected.
Once your default settings have been set, here are the steps to stream your games every time you start a Steam game:
Step 1: If you are not launching the game from Origin, quit Steam.
2nd step: From Origin, open Steam.
Step 3: Open the game from Steam.
The Origin In-Game pop-up should now appear on the screen. Press the combination for Origin In-Game (Shift + F1 or whatever combination you assigned). Click the Broadcast button and start the broadcast.
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