EA E3 2014 Press Conference Round Up: Battlefield Hardline, The Sims 4, FIFA 15, NHL 15 Showcased

By Michael Oleaga First Posted: Jun 09, 2014 05:03 PM EDT

Electronic Arts (EA) kicked off its press conference at the annual E3 conference with a trailer to the upcoming Star Wars: Battlefront video game.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson hit the stage to discuss games that are a "few months from being done," while others will go behind the scenes, all with the "commitment" to put the players first and "imagining new ideas for a new generation."

EA Studio General Manager Aaryn Flynn presented Dragon Age: Inquisition, following a live musical presentation coinciding with the game's trailer. The game will be released in October.

Follow the Latest Tech News on Twitter: @LatinPostTech

EA Executive Director Rachel Franklin presented a Smarter Sims game known as The Sims 4, which allows the player to control the "heart" of the characters.

"You have so many possibilities to create," Franklin said and added that each character's story can be created and better connect with other characters.

The Sims 4 has a Sept. 2 release date.

Ultimate Fighting Championship was next, and Bruce Lee was at the forefront. According to EA Creative Director Brian Hayes, while showing a video presentation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner BJ Penn against Lee, the fight saw bruising on the characters for EA Sports UFC, which drops June 17.

NHL 15 has been touted as the "next generation" of hockey video games and featured improved details on the arenas.

For the folks at British video game developer Criterion Games, car games have entered a "new era," and they are working on it from either the pub or their new office. Speed was an important inspiration for creating the next Criterion game from ATVs, helicopters, jet skis and, of course, traditional cars. The name of their next game was not revealed.

The next generation for EA Sports' PGA Tour was also confirmed. Touted as "golf without limits," the game is scheduled for spring 2015.

The Madden franchise is still alive with Madden NFL 15. With new camera angles and features that can help the gamer control the football player, the game is enhanced with better pushing, shed a block and redesigned tackles for "consistent results."

Madden NFL 15, scheduled for an Aug. 26 release, has more defensive improvements and controls. Developers added "hundreds" of player emotions and reactions for "dramatic presentation actions."

The multiplayer online battle arena, or MOBA, gameplay experience will develop with Dawngate. The game is set to feature characters fighting for a purpose and with the notion to have a story arc for each character.

"I think we're doing some pretty cool stuff," Wilson said.

In time for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil is FIFA 15. The next soccer game includes a new "ball physics system" that improves contact with the ball. Gamers have the opportunity to "feel the physicality of the sport" from possession tackles and shirt pulling. The next generation football player is "lean and stunningly realistic." FIFA 15 is also set to bring the sights and sounds from major soccer stadiums. FIFA 15 is set to launch this fall.

DICE General Manager Karl Magnus Troedsson and Visceral Games General Manager Steve Papoutsis introduced the final game presentation of the hour with Battlefield Hardline. The multiplayer experience was emphasized, displaying a 32-player showcase in downtown Los Angeles that can be seen from multiple perspectives. For an opportunity to play, a beta version of the game will be available -- first come, first serve -- at Battlefield.com for either PC or PlayStation4. Battlefield Hardline is set for an Oct. 21 release date.