X

Madden NFL 13 gets 'better with Kinect,' launches Aug. 28

EA Sports announced that its Madden NFL 13 launch will come with Kinect features -- and enlisted Joe Montana to demonstrate them.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
Madden NFL 13 is launching on August 28.
Madden NFL 13 is launching on August 28. James Martin/CNET

For the first time ever, Electronic Arts' Madden franchise will include Kinect support.

The company announced the feature at Microsoft's E3 event on Monday, calling it the "biggest investment in gameplay in franchise history." With Kinect's help, users can call plays, call blocks, and snap the ball -- all by providing voice commands through Kinect.

To illustrate how Kinect works, EA brought on stage hall of famer Joe Montana, who called plays and showed off the game's functionality. According to EA, the game will also support Kinect voice commands on the defensive side of the ball, though the company didn't demonstrate that capability.

EA's announcement was part of Microsoft's Xbox 360 keynote. The live blog of that event can be viewed here.

Madden NFL 13 hits stores on August 28.

This story has been updated throughout the morning.