EA isn’t doing an actual press conference for E3 this year, but instead announced several exciting reveals and updates at EA Play 2019; via a set of live streams that aired in the early hours of the morning on June 9, Sunday (MYT).
With updates to popular game franchises such as The Sims, FIFA, and details on the high-anticipated upcoming title, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, EA’s announcements have revealed much to look forward to for the remainder of 2019 and beyond.
So what were our favourite things from EA’s live streams?
1. FIFA 20: Volta mode
FIFA fans have been crying out for a return of the cult-favourite, FIFA Street for a number of years now (the latest version of FIFA Street 4 was released in 2012). And it seems that EA has heeded the call, with a de-facto Street mode known as Volta.
When in Volta mode, gamers will be able to mix female and male players for the first time, with matches taking place in ‘ghetto’ locations atop rooftops in Tokyo, underpasses in Amsterdam, and more. You can also opt to play without a goalkeeper, a throwback to many desperate street matches.
Besides Volta, FIFA 20 will also introduce upgrades on AI defensive support, the ball physics system, and more focus on 1v1 situations within matches.
2. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
The latest entry in the Star Wars gaming franchise is arguably the pick of the announcements, with around 14 minutes worth of gameplay footage shown off during the live stream.
In the Star Wars timeline, Fallen Order is set shortly after Episode III (Revenge of the Sith)—gamers will assume the role of Cal Kestis in a single-player action-adventure storyline.
You’ll have buddy droid BD-01 alongside you for your journey, while Cal has the ability to perform a number of movies using ‘The Force’ (what good would a Star Wars game be if you couldn’t?).
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order will launch on November 15 2019 on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
3. The Sims 4: Island Living
EA and Origin recently partnered to make the base edition of The Sims 4 available to download for free recently, although the offer expired on May 28 2019. There were 2 suggested reasons to this: EA was trying to push sales for a product that has been around for awhile to mixed critical reviews, or EA was promoting the base game to get gamers to adopt the game ahead of upcoming expansion packs.
The latest expansion pack announced, Island Living, will give users the chance to send their Sims on vacation—think of beach apparel and mermaids. This also extends to beach furniture, and general tropical items that you can use in-game.
The Sims 4: Island Living expansion will be available for Windows on June 21 2019, while console gamers will have to wait until July 16 2019.
4. Battlefield 5 previews Chapter V, updates Chapter IV
Battlefield 5 will feature new maps for the conclusion of Chapter IV; Al-Sandan, set in North Africa, will debut on June 27 2019, while Marita is set against the backdrop of the German invasion into Greece and will become available in July.
Meanwhile, Chapter V of Battlefield 5 will be set in “a new theater of war”, the Pacific front. Gameplay will be focused on the battle between Japanese and American forces, while Chapter V will also introduce a number of new gameplay changers including new amphibious units and a change in its ranking system.
5. Apex Legends Season 2
Respawn Entertainment previewed the new Season 2 Battle Pass of popular battle-royale shooter, Apex Legends, with updates including new weapons and even a new Legend named Wattson.
Battle Charge, as the pass is named, will also be more forgiving on gamers, as players can expect to reach level 100 in a shorter amount of time than it took in the first season. As for weapons, Battle Charge will feature the L-Star, a powerful new rifle that is brought over from Titanfall 2.
E3 2019
EA’s announcements were only the beginning of E3 this year, and with conferences from Microsoft, Nintendo, Square Enix, and more coming soon, check back to keep up to date on the latest developments.
You can also view the schedule of conferences here.
