Electronic Arts has announced the launch of online digital distribution that will deliver full games, demos, game trailers, and updates to registered customers.

EA downloader is a lightweight and free PC application (approximately 5MB) that downloads EA games in the background. It keeps you up-to-date with the latest patches, trailers, and new game content without requiring log-in every time you play.

Valve was first with on online downloader service when it released Steam some two years ago. Steam is Valve's way of letting you download and play its games and those of its partners (including mod makers and independent developers) without having to go to the trouble of visiting a regular retailer.

You can pre-load games ahead of their release and pay to have them activated as soon as Valve flips the switch - as many thousands did with the phenomenal Half-Life 2 later last year.

'Digital distribution will keep content flowing to players, keeping their current EA games fresh and delivering new EA games quickly and conveniently,' said Chip Lange, vice president of EA online marketing. 'We are always looking for ways to better connect with our customers, and EA is innovating to give our game-playing community access to exciting and immersive content.'

Beginning last Saturday with Battlefield 2: Special Forces, players can pre-buy and pre-download the game using a desktop application designed for convenience and ease of use. Then, on Battlefield 2: Special Forces' launch day, Battlefield fans in those territories will be ready to play.

The Sims 2 fans can also take advantage of the digital distribution. On 17 November, The Sims 2 Holiday Party Pack will available to download. The Sims 2 Holiday Party Pack includes 40 holiday items, everything from a holiday tree to a snowman to New Year's Eve fireworks.

'Battlefield 2: Special Forces and The Sims 2 Holiday Party Pack are the first two online downloadable offerings from EA; with a wide array of games, and new game content available in the future' said Lange. 'We've been working on digital distribution for more than a year now, and are thrilled to deliver interactive entertainment in a new way to our players.'

More information about the EA download service can be viewed at downloader.ea.com. In order to play Battlefield 2 Special Forces, players must own Battlefield 2. In order to play The Sims 2 Holiday Party Pack, players must own The Sims 2.

BIOS, Nov 14, 05 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Game