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SimCity getting offline single player mode in next update
SimCity will receive an update that allows for offline play in the near future. Arriving as a free download with Update 10 for the game, SimCity's offline play will allow players to access all of their previously downloaded content in the new single player mode. The developer was last exploring the possibility of offline play for the game in October 2013. While EA did not reveal a full list of details for the update, it did note that single player campaign save files will be stored locally, so players will no longer be required to have an internet connection when playing the game. EA recently allowed for official mod support of the game, which the publisher cites as a major reason for SimCity's new offline mode to begin with. Now, mods can be made "to the game and its components without compromising the integrity of the Online game," an EA blog on the matter says. No release date was given for Update 10, though Maxis is in the "late phases" of wrapping up its development.
EA allowing official SimCity mods, imposing official restrictions
Modders have never really needed a developer or publisher's blessing to do their work, but EA and Maxis have, nine months post-release, begun to allow official mods for SimCity. There are some caveats to being an official mod however: according to a post on the SimCity blog, you can't modify any executable files (.exe, .dll, .so, etc), can't use copyrighted material, can't use material unbefitting of an E10+ rating, and cannot "jeopardize the integrity of the gameplay" or "affect the simulation for multiplayer games and multiplayer features." While the first three items on the above list could be described as "restrictive," it's the rules about "jeopardizing the integrity of the gameplay" that raise eyebrows. In March, Maxis General Manager Lucy Bradshaw tweeted that "the game was designed for [multiplayer]," and reiterated in a blog post that a single-player mode "didn't fit with our vision." So if the game was designed with multiplayer as an integral gameplay experience but mods can't affect the multiplayer simulation or "jeopardize" gameplay, this may be the most restrictive clause of all. EA also has the right to use, copy, modify and/or distribute an official mod without asking the creator's approval, without paying the creator, and without crediting the creator. So feel free to change the game, modders; just don't change it too much, and don't expect to get paid or credited.
SimCity: Cities of Tomorrow breaks down future life
Here's the opening cinematic to upcoming expansion SimCity: Cities of Tomorrow, where every home is always online. Although the cities of tomorrow appear to be the same lot size as the SimCities of today, at least you can build it up vertically.
SimCity walks through world of tomorrow
SimCity expansion "Cities of Tomorrow" will hold the foundations for future urban planners starting November 12. Here's Lead Designer Stone Librande giving a tour of the scientific discoveries your Sims will have access to for $30. That's the price of time travel nowadays.
SimCity might get an offline option after all
After two fumbled launches -- one for Windows users and one for Mac -- that frustrated gamers with networking issues, SimCity might finally be getting an offline mode. A general manager for developer Maxis confirmed in a blog post that the company is indeed exploring whether an offline mode would be possible. "Right now we have a team specifically focused on exploring the possibility of an offline mode. I can't make any promises on when we will have more information, but we know this is something that many of our players have been asking for. While the server connectivity issues are behind us, we would like to give our players the ability to play even if they choose not to connect. An offline mode would have the additional benefit of providing room to the modding community to experiment without interfering or breaking the multiplayer experience." Prior to now, publisher EA as well as Maxis has insisted that an online-only experience was the only way the game could offer the experience they wanted. It seems that months of criticism may have finally worn down the game's creators, and they may be ready to offer gamers what they've been asking for since before the game was even released. [via GameSpot]
SimCity: Cities of Tomorrow expansion announced, available Nov. 12
SimCity is heading to the future with the "Cities of Tomorrow" expansion pack, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for November 12. Taking place 50 years in the future, new technologies allow Sims to travel by MagLev trains, use fusion reactors and "tidal wave generators." Surfs up, man! What do you mean that's not what tidal wave generator means? Well, maybe you should figure out a better word! There's also the classic future quandary of creating clean technology or encouraging giant corporations to strip the planet of resources. Nope, wait, that's a current problem. The game will also get around the issue of smaller lot sizes by allowing players to build up in "multi-zone MegaTowers that extend high into the sky." The expansion is priced at $30.
EA teaming up with Red Cross for charitable SimCity DLC
EA is partnering with the Red Cross for special SimCity DLC, the publisher announced. The partnership brings a Red Cross-themed set to the game for $9.99, available to purchase on Origin today for one year. SimCity owners that pick the set up will be able to build Red Cross centers and tents in the game, which offer aid to natural disaster victims in players' cities. EA said it will give at least 80 percent of proceeds from the Red Cross DLC with a minimum of $100,000 "to support humanitarian services of the participating Red Cross National Societies," of which there are ten across the globe.
EA reports SimCity Mac installation issues have been resolved
Yesterday was a rough day for a certain segment of Mac gamers looking to download and play SimCity on their rigs for the first time. Almost immediately after the game went live, the official SimCity forums were flooded with reports from customers unable to install the game on their systems. Developer Maxis advised gamers to reinstall EA's Origin download service in order to correct the issues, though that solution seemed to be rather hit or miss, based on firsthand reports. Now, Maxis has informed us that a fix has been found and, presumably, those unable to install their SimCity downloads yesterday will be able to do so now. A Maxis spokesperson had this to say: We are pleased to advise that the installation-related issues some players experienced with SimCity on Mac have been resolved. This solves one of the more critical issues that plagued yesterday's launch, but those experiencing problems with screen resolution and general gameplay woes should still seek out individualized help on the EA forums to ensure a smooth experience. If you were one of the unfortunate players who were affected by yesterday's launch woes, let us know in the comments if your issues have been rectified.
SimCity for Mac arrives with issues that prevent installation and gameplay (update: issues resolved)
SimCity for Mac is finally here, and needless to say, many have waited years for this day. Unfortunately, the arrival isn't going terribly smoothly for some, with user complaints ranging from installation issues to the game running only in a windowed mode. Put simply, SimCity for Mac is unplayable for some, and it's an unfortunate situation that's eerily reminiscent of its launch on the PC. A Maxis spokesperson tells us that its live support team is actively working with players that've encountered trouble, and for what it's worth, installation of SimCity for Mac went off without a hitch on our end. In other words, don't lose hope; if you're looking to avoid potential frustration, however, you might want to give the developers a chance to iron out these launch day issues. Update: Maxis has issued the following statement about the issues: "We are pleased to advise that the installation-related issues some players experienced with SimCity on Mac have been resolved."
PSA: SimCity now available on Mac
Five months after SimCity made its debut on Windows platforms, EA's latest city-building simulator has finally reached OS X. Anxious Mac owners will recall that the ribbon-cutting ceremony on this version of the game was initially slated to occur in June, but the launch ran into a number of delays. Unfortunately, it appears that the technical issues have yet to be entirely stamped out. As TUAW points out, EA's official SimCity forums are currently receiving numerous complaints from would-be players. The reported issues range from graphical corruption to having to install and reinstall Origin numerous times just to get the game running. EA has been replying to player complaints and says it is looking into these issues, but so far the publisher has yet to offer any solutions. This leaves players in a situation eerily similar to that faced by PC gamers when SimCity launched in March. SimCity for Mac is currently available via EA's Origin digital distribution platform in two different iterations: the standard release, which features a $40 price tag for the core game and the "Plumbob Park" DLC pack, or the $60 Digital Deluxe edition, which offers three additional European-themed city packs and the "Heroes And Villains" DLC.
SimCity update 7.0 adds bridges, tunnels, traffic tune-ups and trees
SimCity update 7.0 is scheduled to arrive in a city near you (that you created) in August, and it's bringing some traffic updates along for the ride. Update 7.0 adds the ability to raise and lower roads to build bridges and tunnels, as demonstrated by Lead Gameplay Scripter Guillaume Pierre. The update also allows players to plant trees. This mechanic is inspired by a mod, and includes three tree types that grow roadside and four that can flourish anywhere, Pierre says in a series of tweets. The greenery joins asphalt-based operations improvements outlined by Software Engineer (and Captain?) Alexander Harkness in a recent SimCity blog post.
SimCity zones for Mac on August 29
The Mac version of SimCity will finally cut the ribbon on August 29. Electronic Arts also reiterated that the game is cross-platform, so Mac and PC players can build together, and those who purchased the PC game on Origin can download it again on Mac. Originally planned for June, the game's OSX debut was delayed to work out quality issues. Despite a problematic launch, SimCity has gone on to sell over 2 million units.
SimCity sells over 2 million copies
SimCity has built sales of over 2 million units, according to EA Labels President Frank Gibeau. In a recent interview with VentureBeat, Gibeau noted the biggest takeaway the company took from the game's disastrous launch was how lucky it was SimCity has such loyal fans. Preach! "Since then, we've sold more than 2 million units, and the number of people logging in and playing is holding steady," said Gibeau. "SimCity is a success. However, underestimating demand in the first month was a major miss. We hope that the game and the service we've provided since then meets the fans' high standards." Several leads from the SimCity project have moved on to start their own studio, Jellygrade. SimCity's latest upgrades include $9 airships and $10 amusement park sets.
EA swiftly returns Darkspore to Steam
Darkspore is back on Steam, following its recent removal from the digital distribution service over service issues. EA moved quickly yesterday after a post from a moderator of the game's official forum claimed "[Darkspore] is for almost all intents and purposes an abandoned title." It was a significant concern, given that the always-online Darkspore had an error preventing the majority of its players from accessing it. The publisher later stated the moderator was not an EA employee Late yesterday EA told us it had resolved the problem and it was in the process of relisting Darkspore. The game continues to have a 65 Metacritic and lukewarm reviews.
Darkspore removed from Steam following server complaints
Electronic Arts' Darkspore has been removed from Steam, likely due to server-related issues that make it unplayable. The top-down action RPG, which requires an always-on connection, has suffered from server problems since launch in 2011, according to Polygon. The latest missive on the game's official forum thanks players for supporting the game, and says the connectivity issue has been resolved. It concludes, "We will continue to support Darkspore, so feel free to continue to discuss the game here." Darkspore continues to be available on EA's Origin digital distribution service. Curiously, an earlier message on the forum (since removed) suggested an end of support for the game. "Darkspore is no longer developed. It is for almost all intents and purposes an abandoned title," it read. It went on to urge customers to contact EA customer support for any technical issues and that "Error Code 4" had arisen for the "majority" of Darkspore players. Update: A representative for EA informs us: "Steam is in the process of relisting Darkspore on their service. It should be returning in the near future." "Maxis continues to support Darkspore and its servers. We recently resolved a problem where players were having issues connecting to the game." The representative continued, "The [initial] post in question came from a moderator who is not an employee of EA. That post has been updated to reflect accurate information. Players experiencing technical issues should contact help.ea.com for customer support."
Airships arrive in SimCity
The world's most whimsically impractical mode of transportation (read: airships) is now available to SimCity mayors willing to part with about $9. This means that Goodyear tire enthusiasts and steampunk aficionados alike can now bond even more deeply over their shared love of lighter-than-air travel, provided they've already bonded over their shared love of city-building games. Look, we're still working on this fanfic. The Airships Set, available on Origin for $8.99, includes an "Airship Hanger" for receiving/removing tourists, a "Commuter Airship Mooring" for local metropolitan commuters, two hot air balloon parks and "Event blimps" that appear during sporting events and the like. The set also includes two achievements, neither of which involve declaring the relative humanity of something, at least as far as we know.
SimCity for Mac pushed back to August
To put it mildly, the EA Maxis team has learned a few hard lessons about launching only when ready. The company is putting that theory into practice: it's delaying the launch of SimCity for Mac from June 11th to August. The OS X version just isn't "ready for primetime," the company says. As compensation, all Mac buyers will get access to the recent Launch Park bonus that they'd otherwise miss. And Windows users, you're still getting some TLC -- EA Maxis has detailed the impending Update 5 release, which fixes some bugs while delivering big improvements to chat and trading. While SimCity still hasn't shaken its rocky reputation, it's clear that the developers are determined to (eventually) set things right.
SimCity Mac delayed until August
Originally scheduled to have its groundbreaking ceremony take place sometime in June, the Mac OSX version of SimCity won't be accepting new residents until August, Maxis has announced. "We have made this tough decision because we do not believe it is ready for primetime yet," senior producer Kip Katsarelis said in the announcement. "We want to ensure the Mac is a great experience for our players and that is why we are taking more time." As an expression of gratitude for their patience, Mac mayors will receive the "Launch Park" awarded to early adopters of the PC version in Update 4. Meanwhile, Update 5 for the PC version is expected to hit "in a couple weeks," patch notes for which can be uncovered by clickin' all up on the source link below.
SimCity 'Amusement Park Set' open for business
SimCity's "Amusement Park Set" is available now to fill up those tiny land plots with as many carnival rides and roller coasters as you can muster. The DLC, which features several different amusements to generate cash, bring in tourists and boost the local economy, has a price of $10. The pack's cost is in line with the previously released British, German and French DLC building sets. The DLC set follows last week's addition of the 4.0 update (v1.4 if we're being realistic) for the game. The patch introduces several fixes to SimCity, in addition to a new region and park.
SimCity 4.0 update brings new park, region and more
SimCity's 4.0 patch – whose numbering nomenclature has certainly sent developers everywhere into a death spiral – should arrive shortly. The update adds a new park, new region, more explicit details on what generates happiness, and the usual set of fixes. The update comes a week before the "Amusement Park Pack," which is scheduled to launch on May 28. EA announced earlier this month that the game has gone on to sell 1.6 million copies despite its launch complications.
