EA has gotten considerable flak for its always-online SimCity. We were given a variety of reasons for always online, most of which were proven false. Now, it looks like SimCity might soon be getting offline capabilities.
In a customer survey, EA asked customers for feedback on some potential new features. Among them were options such as terraforming, city packs based on nationalities (French, German, etc), and Classic Mode which described as:
In offline or online mode, play a single fully functioning city using cheats and unlocks that allow you to create your perfect city.
I find it funny how they bury this among a list of other upgrades and expansion packs they are considering. What are we to make of this? Is EA backpedaling on the DRM (oh wait, I mean MMO) aspects of the game? At this point, about 4 months down the line, are there still people who were holding out for an offline option before purchasing? Are these new features expected to drive new sales, or perhaps just satisfy the existing installed users?
Maybe EA has learned something from Microsoft – both companies have tried to force gamers into what they think the future will be, and both were met with enormous backlash. After Microsoft managed to do a quick 180 on the Xbox One, perhaps EA is considering doing the same. I hope this is a good sign for the future of DRM… basically, that there is no future for DRM.
Last Updated: July 8, 2013
Jonah Cash
July 8, 2013 at 07:57
Hahahahahaha!! Saw this over the weekend and has such a good laugh!! Idiots…..
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
July 8, 2013 at 08:10
All I can say now is ………..
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
July 8, 2013 at 13:19
The cloud is a lie!
Hopefully no one will think I’m gloating, but I’m glad I saw the lie way back with Diablo 3. I wasn’t convinced then, and I certainly wasn’t convinced with SimCity. As much as I wanted to buy both, I’m actually glad I rather spent my cash on Tropico 4.
Umar Kiiroi Senk?
July 8, 2013 at 13:57
Never convinced by this always online. It’s all lies, If it is not an MMO it doesn’t need to be always on-line
Tong
August 6, 2013 at 14:14
i did buy both…. now i just start to play mmo…… and Diablo 3 not really intersting me anymore since afterall it’s all about geers………….
Lydon McG
July 8, 2013 at 08:14
Too little too late. I haven’t touched my copy in months.
John Ambitious
July 8, 2013 at 08:50
I feel you man.
Gareth L
July 8, 2013 at 08:18
I still don’t understand the logic of DRM in the first place: penalise your supportive, paying customers.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
July 8, 2013 at 08:20
I just love how these guys all say “It was designed to be online and is an MMO” or “The system can not be offline due to the way it was designed” and then suddenly when people are angry enough it appears all the excuses are invalid.
Microsoft’s XBoxONe.
DiabloIII getting offline mode for console (why is there no worries about the RMAH being abused now?).
SimCity offline (maybe)
I just love the lies the companies spew only to turn around and prove us all right when they do go and make changes they said were “Impossible”
Sir Twakkus
July 8, 2013 at 08:28
Hahaha!! Is that change I see in the industry on the horison? I really hope so. Even if they do change their policy regarding always online, I wont touch this game with a dead mans finger… well until a Steam sales arrives in any case 😛
Wyzak
July 8, 2013 at 08:28
I’ll believe it when I see it. If this is true I’ll pick it up at bargain bin prices (R50)
Ultimo_Cleric N7
July 8, 2013 at 08:31
Preach it brother!
Ultimo_Cleric N7
July 8, 2013 at 08:32
To quote the marine (Tychus Findly) from Starcraft….
HELL. ITS ABOUT TIME.
Trevor Davies
July 8, 2013 at 08:44
I hope this is the start of EA being a bit more customer friendly. Please let this be Good News Monday.
John Ambitious
July 8, 2013 at 08:49
This is great news. I haven’t touched my SimCity for two months because if there’s a tiny connectivity problem it kicks you out.
It’s a real irritation and if more EA games (or Maxis) are going to incorporate this then I’m not willing to pay for that kind of inconvenience.
John Ambitious
July 8, 2013 at 08:51
Hear hear!
Guest
July 8, 2013 at 08:53
Now all they still need to do is fix the moron drivers of SimCity traffic who all drive the same route regardless of there being a hundred others available.
Brady miaau
July 8, 2013 at 09:36
yeah, so make offline, but fix the stupid bugs as well. Then, perhaps, maybe, we can think about a bargain bin purchase.
Brady miaau
July 8, 2013 at 08:56
Is it enough for me buy it now?
Probably not. Too late, the thrill has gone.
Gr8WShark
July 8, 2013 at 09:05
About time! 😀
Johan du Preez
July 8, 2013 at 09:07
Thank GOD I didn’t buy this ddidnt even bother pirating it oh and BTW the pirated version you can play offline fine.
Aequitas
July 8, 2013 at 10:15
Well, I haven’t bought SimCity. I probably would if it had an offline mode.
Witblitz
July 8, 2013 at 11:16
Yep too late. EA can go fly a kite. Same as Blizzard. Lost all respect for these gaming companies.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
July 8, 2013 at 13:19
Regulate!! Preach it sister!
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
July 8, 2013 at 13:20
I know Lagz hated the fact that EA got two golden poos (because there are worse companies out there), but from my perspective, they certainly deserved it. Hopefully they’ll make it a hat trick next year.