

EA's Gamescom highlights

At the end of day 2, the meeting at EA was on the programme. Sandro and I had already familiarised ourselves with Starwars: Battlefront 2 on Day 1, and now EA Germany introduced us to four more highlights.
FIFA 18
Well, that was clear. We just hadn't played FIFA yet because we knew the opportunity would come. And of course it did. The most important news for fans: Alex Hunter is also back in the game (at least in the PS4 and Xbox One version) and is once again striving for the highest footballing honours. As we know, FIFA is being released for the Nintendo Switch for the first time. This version also has a story mode (albeit without protagonist Hunter). Kick-off for FIFA 18 is on 29 September - or 26 September if you get one of the limited Ronaldo editions.
FIFA 18 will also be released for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360
NHL 18
Of course, the Germans aren't waiting for NHL as eagerly as we Swiss are. To be honest, the game hardly plays a role at Gamescom. In fact, I don't think I saw it anywhere. But it was a topic in our meeting - because we Swiss are simply more enthusiastic about ice hockey than our northern neighbours. This year's headliner is Connor McDavid, and the creativity of young players is a focal point of this year's game, which will be released on 15 September.
Star Wars Battlefront 2
When developing the Star Wars game, which will be released two weeks before the film (on 17 November), EA listened carefully to the concerns of the Community and integrated space battles in response to many requests. Another significant innovation compared to the first instalment is the inclusion of a story mode for single players alongside the multiplayer part.
Need for Speed Payback
The illegal street races are back! Helicopters from the air, the good old nail strips or the modern switches designed to slow down the cars' electronics: All no match for gifted high-speed drivers. A special feature of the game: you can drive the new BMW M5 in the game long before it will be driving around on our roads for the first time in real life. It was presented for the first time at the motor show - in the game... This title will be released on 10 November.
Sims 4
There are games that just won't die. The Sims 4 is one of them, and there are two main reasons why EA is focusing on it again this year: firstly, the game will also be released for the PS4 and Xbox One consoles on 17 November, and secondly, PC players can look forward to the add-on "Dogs & Cats", which will be released a week earlier. Once again, the aim is to create and raise a puppy from a huge range of cat and dog breeds. If the animal then understands the automatic food bowl, the Sims can purchase the local veterinary practice and start a career as a vet.
Which EA game are you most looking forward to? We are looking forward to your comment!


I’m passionate about observing the development of the digital environment – particularly when it comes to the countless exciting and interesting challenges and changes it has in store for our society, our everyday lives and businesses. Apart from that, gaming has been a part of my life since I first started out at Digitec Galaxus as well as IT in general, travelling, sports, concerts and good food.