EA To Launch Digital Download Service; TOR Exclusive Online Distribution

GameSpot is reporting on an article published today in the Wall Street Journal that Electronic Arts is prepping an online download service similar to Steam, and that this service will be the exclusive online resource for purchasing Star Wars: The Old Republic:

The Wall Street Journal reports the megapublisher is readying a Steam-like online store to sell 150+ games directly and offer social networking; will be sole online seller of Star Wars: The Old Republic.

This will obviously be a big part of EA’s E3 press conference this coming Monday, and we’ll be there in the room when Electronic Arts’ CEO John Ricitiello makes the announcement to bring you the details as they pertain to our favorite upcoming MMO.

Does this bode well for a release date at E3? We’ll see…

[UPDATE] – Stephen Reid has posted a note on the official Star Wars: The Old Republic community forums in regards to Origin:

While I will say we have some super-cool stuff coming out of E3 – some of which you’re actually going to see before E3 starts – I don’t want you to jump to conclusions just yet. Instead I’d suggest you just strap in and enjoy the ride.

So we’ll see something “before” E3 starts… interesting! And with that, we head into the pre-E3 countdown weekend!

Source: GameSpot, Wall Street Journal