Electronic Arts says that PC gamers who want to play the upcoming SimCity game will not be required to pick it up through their Origin service, meaning there's a good chance it'll land on Steam and other digital distribution platforms.
However, the game will require an internet connection due to its multiplayer features and the game's use of a global economy. SimCity will require an Origin installation because of how these features are built in, but you won't have to buy it from there.
SimCity comes out in 2013 and is exclusive to the PC.
Despite Origin's negative reputation, it's really not all that bad—especially since you won't have to purchase the game from EA as a point of sale.
Source: Joystiq