We've seen and heard quite a bit about EA Maxis' upcoming new SimCity, but all of the videos until now have been heavily labelled as early prototype footage, merely to demonstrate the underlying simulation technology.

Today however, at their e3 press conference, EA have offered up the first proper look at the game in action.

Powered by the GlassBox Engine, Maxis’ proprietary engine, the simulation comes to life in a way never before possible. Everything you see in the world we sim - Sims in each city will have jobs or can lose them, buy homes, be prosperous or be an economic drain on the city. SimCity is the city builder in which every choice powers real change that affects the character of your city, the state of your region and fellow players within the entire SimCity world. Original fans and newcomers alike will relish the opportunity to build visually and functionally unique cities that take on the character of their choices. Combining fun, addictive gameplay elements with an interface that encourages anyone to jump in and begin playing, SimCity will usher forth a new era of city-building simulation as players work to change a world together.

Watch the video below or here in our HD vid library.

SimCity is due in February 2013 on PC.