SimCity
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SimCity Cities of Tomorrow launch trailer is here today
It seems appropriate that the launch trailer for Cities of Tomorrow, a SimCity expansion which pushes your virtual society 50 years into the future, should arrive today, more than two weeks before its November 12 debut.
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]
Daily Roundup: Galaxy Gear and Note 10.1 (2014) reviews, CEATEC 2013, GTA 5 multiplayer and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
SimCity's Red Cross charity pack aids real-world disaster victims
SimCity fans know nothing feels better than saving their other family from pollution and sickness -- except, you know, helping out some fellow human beings. A new collaboration with the Red Cross combines players' digital altruism with humanitarian aid for real-world disaster victims. Starting today, you'll be able to purchase a $9.99 "charity pack" created specifically for the game, with a relief center, tents and two emergency response vehicles. In the event of a meteor strike, earthquake or tornado, the Red Cross tents will automatically appear to provide aid for injured Sims, and a fleet of ambulances and fire trucks will be on call as well. SimCity creator EA Games has pledged to contribute at least 80 percent of profits (a minimum of $100,000) from the charity pack to the Red Cross National Societies. The set will be available for a year, and you'll be able to keep it through the life of your current game. Currently, the pack is only available for players in 10 countries, including Denmark, France, the US and the UK.
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."
SimCity on Mac is 'totally unplayable' (Updated)
Update #2: EA has further commented on the launch day woes, insisting that the installation issues have been ironed out. Update #1: A Maxis spokesperson had this to say in regards to the launch day woes: There are a small number of players who have encountered issues with SimCity for Mac. Our live team is working individually with our players to resolve their issues and get them into the game as quickly as possible. Original story: The Windows launch of SimCity didn't exactly go smoothly in March. There were issues with offline play -- namely, it doesn't exist -- and servers were flooded and impossible to connect to. But those issues seem to pale in comparison to today's release of the Mac version, with many players unable to even install the game. The official EA forums are overrun with Mac gamers desperately trying to get their purchases to work correctly on computers ranging from brand-new Retina MacBooks to iMacs that are just a few weeks old. I've been told by one player that in order to even download the game, he was forced to reinstall EA's Origin download application three times. Comments from players on social media are decidedly negative ranging from "It's totally unplayable," to "It is a disaster." Yikes. There also appear to be issues with attempting to start the software, with the game lagging on even the most capable Macs. Many users are reporting that the game can't be played in full-screen mode and will repeatedly default back to a small window without being prompted. Here's what Twitter has to say on the matter: Hey, PSA everyone: Despite being delayed multiple times, @SimCity doesn't work for Mac. HOW. ABOUT. THAT. - Nicholas Salazar (@TheNickSalazar) August 29, 2013 Review: @SimCity for Mac -- Doesn't startup fullscreen. Can't click anything. http://t.co/T35GwFz1Hz LOL MAXIS - Mike Beasley (@MikeBeas) August 29, 2013 With Mac launch disaster on top of everything else, it looks like @Maxis just can't catch a break with @SimCity. :'( - Kyle (@macdaddyjoshua) August 29, 2013 We've reached out to EA for comment and will report back if and when we get a response, but until then, it might be best to hang on to your cash and wait for a fix.
SimCity for Mac arrives on August 29th
The splines of SimCity for Mac have been reticulating for longer than many mayors would like, but that's about to change come August 29th, when the game officially hits online servers for download. The release of the Mac version -- which costs $40 for the standard edition, or $60 for the deluxe version -- allows EA to finally make good on its promise of cross-platform, multi-player city building. If you happen to own both a Mac and a PC, you'll find that one purchase allows you to download both versions from EA's Origin store. Naturally, we're crossing our fingers that SimCity for Mac will have a smoother launch than its PC counterpart, but it seems that we'll have a definitive answer by month's end.
SimCity finally coming to Mac on Aug 29
SimCity fans with Macs rejoice! You're finally going to have a version of SimCity that will run natively on your favorite computer. Electronic Arts has announced that the classic sim game will finally make it to OS X on August 29, 2013. The game was originally supposed to arrive on June 11, but EA pushed the release to August in early June. At the time, SimCity's senior producer Kip Katsarelis blogged that "we do not believe [the Mac version] is ready for prime time yet," and that "we want to ensure the Mac is a great experience for our players and that is why we are taking more." The Mac version will be compatible with the Windows version, so you can build and grow your city from either platform. If you've purchased SimCity for Windows, you'll be able to download the Mac version through Origin, which is EA's digital distribution service.
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 for Mac delayed until August
Mac SimCity fans hoping to grab a copy of the popular lifestyle game next week are going to be disappointed with EA today. The gaming company confirmed that it is delaying the launch of SimCity for the Mac from the original June 11th date to sometime in August. A post on the SimCity blog claims the quality of the game is not up to EA's standards and the company needs more time to work out the kinks. Hi, Mayors – today we are announcing that we are moving the release date of the Mac version of SimCity to August. We are announcing that we are moving the release date of the Mac version of SimCity to August. We have made this tough decision because we do not believe it is ready for primetime yet. We want to ensure the Mac is a great experience for our players and that is why we are taking more time. To assuage disappointed Mac owners, EA and Maxis are making SimCity Update 4.0 with Launch Park available to all customers who have purchased the Mac version. [Via AppleInsider]
The Weekly Roundup for 04.15.2013
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
SimCity 2.0 update hits April 22nd, offers bug fixes but no offline mode
Although SimCity has become relatively stable following its problematic launch, there are naturally still ongoing bugs that the folks at EA Maxis have been working to fix. Thankfully, that version 2.0 update that was teased just over a week ago now has an arrival date of April 22 at 4PM ET. Included in the update are 26 bug fixes, along with data map color filters, a color-correct HUD for the colorblind setting and the action of mayors traveling from their mansions to their jobs. Sadly, an offline mode is still no more than wishful thinking, but at least that OS X version should still be on track for a June 11th release. You'll find all the details about your virtual city's soon-to-arrive enhancements at the source link -- expect some server downtime, by the way, when the update itself hits.
Daily Update for April 10, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
SimCity for Mac coming on June 11
EA announced today that the latest version of SimCity will be arriving on the Mac platform on June 11, 2013. Lucy Bradshaw, senior vice president and general manager of EA's Maxis Label, said that "We didn't want to make any compromises when it came to the Mac, so we created a native version that is optimised for the hardware and OS X." For those who have already purchased the PC version of the game, the Mac version will be available as a free download on EA's Origin platform. Origin will make it possible for players to play both the Mac and PC versions with the same account, continuing their game progress across platforms. EA Maxis is obviously proud of the Mac-native version, noting that "SimCity runs natively on Mac and its entire software renderer was rewritten for OpenGL, ensuring the best performance for the platform." Through April 15, EA Origin is offering 50 percent off on other Mac titles including Dragon Age 2, Portal 2 and more.
SimCity enables budding city developers on Mac starting June 11th, 'update 2.0' in the works
SimCity's reboot has seen its fair share of tumult since launching for PC earlier this year -- massive queues to log in, downed servers, and a messy (attempted) public relations cleanup. Things have more or less leveled off for the game since its rocky start, and its developer, EA Maxis, is now ready to launch the game on OS X. Or rather, as we read this, "You can finally delete that version of SimCity you've got on your Windows partition and play it natively in OS X." Huzzah! The OS X version of SimCity launches on June 11th, and you can snag it for free if you've already purchased a PC version (and vice versa). Even better, both PC and Mac players can play together, cross-platform. Similarly thrilling, the game's "cheetah" speed (its fastest speed) is back, and EA Maxis is promising a 2.0 version of its game. Beyond fixing a variety of bugs, it's unknown what's in the update, but we're fairly confident it won't enable an offline version of the game (as so, so many players have requested) given EA's repeated refusal to enable as much. When pushed on a release date for the update, EA reps told Engadget it'll arrive "well ahead of the June 11 Mac launch." Sounds to us like that Mac version will ship with Update 2.0 enabled, but EA wouldn't confirm as much.
The Daily Grind: If SimCity is an MMO, what should we call actual MMOs?
Earlier this week, EA president Frank Gibeau doubled-down on his company's earlier claims about SimCity's MMOness, suggesting the game was built as a "massively multiplayer experience" from the beginning. Rather than pick on Gibeau's comments (already done), I want to consider what would happen if we admitted defeat. What if we just accepted that the term MMO has been utterly co-opted for online singleplayer games -- what should we call "real" MMOs instead? My colleagues suggest "persistent massively multiplayer online" -- PMMO, I suppose (would we have to change our name to "Persistently"?). While I like the idea of bringing back an old-school term like "persistent," and while it would certainly separate games like EverQuest from games like Diablo III, I worry it also excludes MMORPGs that make heavy use of instancing (and therefore aren't as persistent as they seem) even as it includes games with persistent characters but not worlds. What do you think -- is it time to give up on the term MMO and adopt something else? Do we retreat to the imperfect label "MMORPG" or begin the hunt for a brand-new acronym? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
SimCity GM: 'In many ways, we built an MMO'
SimCity has not had the smoothest of launches. Players were (understandably) frustrated by connection woes, most of which seemed to be due to the always-online component of the game. In an interview with Polygon, developers framed the always-online component as an integral part of the game structure, saying that "it wouldn't be possible to make the game offline without a significant amount of engineering work by our team." This statement was later thrown into question as a Maxis insider claimed that servers were "not handling any of the computation" of city simulation. Now Lucy Bradshaw, General Manager of Maxis, is stepping up to re-frame the situation. In a "straight answers" update today, she pointed out the gameplay reasons for building SimCity to be always connected. These include features like collaboration between cities in a region, social perks like world events and leaderboards, player gifts, and the global market. Additionally, cloud-based saves make for easy access anywhere. "In many ways," she concludes, "we built an MMO." Somehow, we don't think MMO gamers would agree
Rumor: Maxis insider claims SimCity servers not essential
Though EA's official stance on SimCity's persistent Internet connection has been that it's absolutely required for the core game to function, a report from Rock, Paper, Shotgun claims that is not the case. An inside source who asked to remain anonymous told RPS the online servers are "not handling any of the computation done to simulate the city you are playing."According to the source, the servers are coordinating social messages between cities in a region, as well as "cloud storage of save games, interfacing with Origin, and all of that. But for the game itself? No, they're not doing anything."Even when the servers go down, certain cities have stayed online and playable for a period of time, suggesting off-site computation is not entangled in the main gameplay loop. The RPS source claims servers are also being used to repeatedly check for instances of hacking and cheating – and the game's verification messages to servers are creating queues and hampering responsiveness.Finally, the source casts doubt on EA's claims that a single-player version of this SimCity would be impossible to produce. "It wouldn't take very much engineering to give you a limited single-player game without all the nifty region stuff." EA's current public reasoning about why the game needs to stay online has done little to quell frustration voiced over the game's tremendous launch issues.Joystiq has contacted EA for comment regarding the source's claims.
NMA summarizes SimCity woes, sort of
The SimCity servers may still be having problems, but good news: NMA's video rendering servers are working just fine.
