During initial release Mass Effect 3 will be available on Origin and a number of other 3rd party digital retailers, but not on Steam at this time. Steam has adopted a set of restrictive terms of service which limit how developers interact with customers to deliver patches and other downloadable content. We are intent on providing Mass Effect to players with the best possible experience no matter where they purchase or play their game, and are happy to partner with any download service that does not restrict our ability to connect directly with our consumers.
Better yet, he let it be known that Origin is required for any and all copies of Mass Effect 3 on PC in order to be activated:
Origin is required for the PC versions of Mass Effect 3, both physical and digital. Mass Effect 3 will require a one time, single authorization for the single player game. There is no limit to the number of installs. Playing Mass Effect 3 Multiplayer will require a constant connection.
N7 Warfare Gear - Shrug off enemy fire with the N7 Defender Armor and its amplified shields then drop the opposition with high caliber fire from the N7 Valkyrie Assault Rifle.
M55 Argus Assault Rifle - When the enemy has overwhelming numbers bring the M55 Argus Assault Rifle into battle and unleash rapid-fire bursts to even the odds.
Pre-order Ends: 29 Feb 2012 @ 5:00 PM
Release Date: 6 Mar 2012
Full payment must be made before the pre-order deadline to qualify for the pre-order bonus. Pre-order bonus are limited, and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis according to date of payment.