EA’s Studio Showcase 2008

Each year, EA Redwood Shores plays host to EA’s Studio Showcase, a media event meant to give the members of the press some quality hands-on time (or at least a close look) at games being released in the fall, along with some which are still in development. The annual showcase is held at EA’s worldwide headquarters, based in Redwood City, California, which is just 25 miles south of San Francisco.

Though gaming conventions offer demos and hands-on time, they are usually so noisy and chaotic that the ability to enjoy a quality gaming experience is limited. This event gives EA a chance to entertain the press who cover the gaming industry in a style uniquely it’s own.

For this year’s showcase, the campus gymnasium was converted into a palm-lined lounge with flowing fabrics draping the walls and illuminated with ethereal lighting. In the seasonably hot weather, this cool and colorful, (but dimly-lit) space provided the perfect backdrop for an even-hotter array of games.

This year’s line-up was more diverse than ever, featuring new easier to play sports titles and games from EA’s partnership with Hasbro, including Monopoly and Nerf N-Strike. The day began with a presentation which included new games including The Godfather® II, Need for Speed™ Undercover, SCRABBLE on the iPhone™ featuring WiFi play capability, and a brand new property, Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure.

During the presentation, the latest additions to the Need For Speed and The Godfather franchises were detailed:

- Need for Speed Undercover – Need for Speed Undercover takes the franchise back to its roots and reintroduces breakneck cop chases, the world’s hottest cars and spectacular highway battles. The intense action racing title scheduled for release this holiday will feature international movie star, Maggie Q, as the lead character in the big budget live-action sequences that propel the game’s original story forward.

- The Godfather II – From EA and Paramount Digital Entertainment comes The Godfather II videogame, the sequel to the 2007 multi-platinum hit. Inspired by the film and Mario Puzo’s Corleone family drama, The Godfather II game goes beyond the film’s story by setting players in the world of organized crime in 1960’s Florida, Cuba and New York.

After the presentation, attendees were let loose in the showroom which featured cushy leather sofas and glowing plasma screens throughout the space. Just outside the showroom was the Luscious Lounge, a venue featured in The Godfather II, where attendees were treated to demos of the game, the company of a few lovely ladies, and cocktails served up by a couple of wise guys.

To get an inside look at the games that were on display at the showcase, check out our coverage in the EA Media Section!