Liveblog from E3: The EA “Download” press conference

Join us in ten short minutes as we liveblog from the EA “Download” press event!

• 10 great developers on hand to show off their games. [1.04 pm Los Angeles time]

Dead Space 3

• “This isn’t just some random planet, Isaac…they found the source!”
• Ellie lost out the back of Isaac’s ship. It looks like you’re off to find here whilst also dealing with the Necropmorphs.
• We see the secondary character, highlighted in the motion comic from last week.
• Visceral Games on hand. [1.05 pm]
• Live co-op demo taking place in Act 2.
• Definitely has a Resident Evil 5 co-op vibe to it.
• Statis in use on environmental objects and enemies. One uses stasis, the other mows down enemies. It looks tense and engaging.
• Your gun’s got an ammo counter for primary and secondary fire now. Useful!
• A GIANT freaking monster just popped out of the earth. Looks like the stakes have been upped! [1.10 pm]
• Isaac is LITERALLY in the belly of the beast now. Amazing visuals being presented. Vibrant, and in direct contrast of the icy planet’s bleak exteriors.
• Dead Space 3 coming in February 2013.

Madden 13

• Madden 13 is up first! [1.12 pm]
• Like all other EA Sports titles, we’re promised game-changing new features.
• Infinity Engine – delivers runtime physics “for the most authentic gameplay we’ve ever delivered.”
• No two plays will ever actually be the same. Physics controls balance, and that’ll affect collisions, etc.
• In the past, the start of a tackle animation meant the play ended. Now, with Infinity, you’re still in control. You have the ability to fight to regain balance, and in turn, more yardage. [1.14 pm]
• Careers Mode – You can play as a current player, a legend, your own creation, as a coach, etc.
• You build XP in order to improve your character.
• The game as a virtual Twitter feed that allows you track progress of your character’s accomplishments from the viewpoint of the general public. [1.18 pm]

SimCity Social

• Maxis is up next, and they lead off with SimCity Social for Facebook.
• “More City, less Ville,” the trailer touts! Cheeky!
• To be released in just a few weeks.

SimCity

• GlassBox similation engine promises to deliver a rich sim experience.
• Co-op play highlighted — multiplayer challenges will be present. As an example, you and a friend are charged with building an airport. Who’ll be able to build one faster?
• SimCity’s first burger joint to be named by the public. Americans can text 4444 with suggestions! [1.23 pm]
• Awesome animations present when placing buildings, when fire breaks out, and — of course — when monsters attack!

Battlefield 3

• Well, “Premium” is now official.
• All leaked details have proven to be true. Access to DLC, specialised items, etc… [1.26 pm]
• “That’s hundreds of hours of new Battlefield 3 coming in the next few months,” says Peter Moore.
• “Close Quarters” DLC available today on PS3. [1.28 pm]

Star Wars: The Old Republic

• EA highlighting SW:TOR’s accomplishments.
• A new planet, Maceb (sp?), will soon be added alongside other new content.
• Starting in July, SW:TOR will be free-to-play up until your character hits level 15. [1.32 pm]

Medal of Honor: Warfighter

• “This year, we’re going global!”
• Gameplay shown, set near Somalia.
• The game links every level to a real-world event. That’s a nice touch.
• The Frostbite 2 engine makes the game look gooooooood.
• Immersive sound design, rivaling Battlefield 3. [1.35 pm]
• A breach was shown; cool little menu sits at the bottom of the screen showing enemy numbers, whether or not you’ve killed them, delivered headshots, or missed entirely.
• Being treated to some gorgeous environmental effects; smoke, dust and ashes.
• Remote sentry being used now. The camera effect is neat, and the vehicle moves very realistically over the rubble of the battlefield. [1.39 pm]
• You’ll also be able to play as one of ten international units (including Canada and Australia!).
• Expect to play Medal of Honor: Warfighter on 23 October.

Madden 13 Social

• Start on Facebook, carry the game over to your phone.
• The game comes out in Q3. [1.43 pm]

FIFA series

• EA Sports Football Club will link FIFA 13, FIFA Street, FIFA 13, etc…
• Any players from FIFA 12 will carry over their stats into FIFA 13.
• New iPhone app will connect you to your players, your friends, and other goodies. [1.47 pm]
• Messi’s the cover staf FIFA 13.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

• Well, wow — there’s a UFC game! [1.51 pm]
• Multi-year, multi-product partnership.
• Sucks to be THQ, I guess.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted

• Man, this looks AMAZING.
• Criterion’s back with Need for Speed: Most Wanted!
• “We loved the premise: become the most wanted.”
• Second generation AutoLog technology promises more integration then ever before.
• Every thing you do earns speed points, which drive you up the “Most Wanted” list. [1.55 pm]
• Spectacular collisions, aggressive cops…it’s time to forget about The Run and move forward.
• Awesome animations and transitions from racing to escaping. [1.58 pm]
• Need for Speed: Most Wanted launches 30 October (just like the car at the end of the demo!)

Crysis 3

• Set in seven distinctive regions, with a ton of variety, promises Crytek.
• Gorgeous, as always. [2.01 pm]
• He’s got the bow out!
• Will be available in February 2013.

That’s it for the EA “Download” conference! Thanks for joining us!