It's inescapable. If you want to play Electronic Arts' "Battlefield 3," you need to have an Origin account.

Gamers have been dodging the question of whether or not the retail version would still be playable without an Origin account. Now gamers will have to get an online account whether they want to or not, as Global Battlefield Community Manager Daniel Matros has confirmed that retail copies of the game will also require an account with EA's Origin.

EA is hoping to funnel all players of the PC console to be able to make use of EA's Battlelog system, which is actually another required service if you want to play the game. The Battlelog system will launch the game from your browser, search for servers, create squads and platoons, and organize games between players.

The service will be free, which makes it a bit better than the paid "Call of Duty Elite" service. The Battlelog is basically a social networking service that acts as a matchmaking system.

Gamers will have to put their complaining aside if they want to get a piece of the "Battlefield 3" action. The game hits all consoles on Oct. 25.

"Battlefield 3" is available for preorder for $59 and is bundled with the "Back to Karkland" expansion that includes maps, weapons, vehicles and unique rewards from "Battlefield 2."