Yesterday’s late afternoon big news was that yes, SimCity would finally be getting a single-player, offline mode a little after the mod support was confirmed . That’s pretty fantastic; the lack of an offline mode is one of the biggest gripes people had with the game after its release. The downside here is that EA very much lied to you.
Patrick Buechner, general manager of Maxis Emeryville, confirmed in a blog post yesterday that Maxis has done the impossible and is now busy with a mode that would eschew the persistent Internet connection – and will be available in the next major update to the game.
The goods news is you’ll be able to pick up and carry on from where you left off, just without having to be online.
“In Update 10, you can still play solo in Regions on your own, or in Multiplayer with people from around the world. What’s new is the Single Player Mode,” Buechner said in a blog post, “which allows you to play the game Offline by yourself. And because your saved games in this mode are stored locally, you can save and load to your heart’s content. Our team will be delivering a follow-up blog that will outline the full details in the near future so stay tuned.”
Earlier last year, Maxis said that offline mode was “just not possible,” even though file editors found a way to run the game in a simulated environment offline.
@Azbiker72 The game was designed for MP, we sim the entire region on the server so this is just not possible
— SimCity (@simcity) March 9, 2013
I really wish developers and publishers would stop sticking persistent online connections in games (yes, I’m looking at you, Diablo III!) under the guise of being for features, when it’s really all just about control and DRM. Diablo III is just fine offline…and in fact, it’s a better game for it.
Last Updated: January 14, 2014
Lord Chaos
January 14, 2014 at 07:54
Now if only they can up the map size.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
January 14, 2014 at 07:55
Pretty sure that’ll be modded in quite quickly.
Lord Chaos
January 14, 2014 at 07:57
Then I might just consider getting the game.
Willem Swanepoel
January 14, 2014 at 08:15
I wont be surprised if the first mod that comes out will be a bigger map mod. It is one feature that EVERYONE wants.
I seriously do not understand why did Maxis implemented this small city map feature … it is like they ignore everything that made Simcity 4 so awesome and just followed some idiots idea at the company ….
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
January 14, 2014 at 07:55
I have had it with EA and all the supposed …
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
January 14, 2014 at 09:11
Lol. and let’s not forget…. 😛 http://i.imgur.com/BpXsTDa.jpg
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
January 14, 2014 at 07:57
I see what you did there Geoff…
Continuing with the partnership of the 2 Worst companies ….
Using a Disney Image for an EA Article….
Niiice
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2014 at 08:11
Finally we can sort off get the SimCity game we were looking for. I have only two things to say to EA in gratitude. FUCK OFF!
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
January 14, 2014 at 08:25
Preach it Brother…
Preach it !!!!!!!!
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 14, 2014 at 08:31
Amen.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
January 14, 2014 at 09:09
Said it like a boss!
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 14, 2014 at 08:13
You know what I hate most about doing a purchase order for IT equipment needed at our company?
Having to put “EA” as the order unit.
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 14, 2014 at 08:31
Now that you mention it, EA & EK are very similar…
Captain JJ Raven (John)
January 14, 2014 at 08:33
EA and KAK are also very similar
RockMossel2014
January 14, 2014 at 08:43
LOL! You use SAP?
General JJ Raven (John)
January 14, 2014 at 08:45
*shivers*
Admiral Chief in Vegas
January 14, 2014 at 08:48
Aye sir, aye
RockMossel2014
January 14, 2014 at 08:49
I use it about once a month. I have to almost learn everything from scratch each time!
hillbilly gamer
January 14, 2014 at 08:20
Must be hell of cold day in hell today
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2014 at 08:28
I saw Satan in my dreams last night, he had a nipple stand that looked like frozen viennas
ToshZA
January 14, 2014 at 08:45
My sympathies, you’ve entered the Unavenged’s mind.
Captain JJ Raven (John)
January 14, 2014 at 08:21
It’s great and all. But it’s too late.
Hondsepop
January 14, 2014 at 08:30
True that, I last played with update 3 I think – and definitely won’t be sitting waiting to update to 10 (especially with origin on board). They should scrap this version and just launch a new all included version.
Captain JJ Raven (John)
January 14, 2014 at 08:32
Same here, played it so long ago. So many great games since then came out. Just won’t bother with it again. Also. Origin is such a crap platform
Brian Murphy
January 14, 2014 at 08:27
If Pinocchio said, “My nose is about to grow.” What happens next?
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2014 at 08:33
Wow, that’s like going back in time to kill your own grandfather.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
January 14, 2014 at 08:35
the entire paradox is based on a false premise. If he said “My nose is about to grow,” and it doesn’t – he’d be wrong, but not a liar. Being wrong about something doesn’t make one a liar.
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2014 at 08:37
So EA saying Simcity can’t play offline, were they just wrong or lying?
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
January 14, 2014 at 08:41
Yes yes, you see, that at that point , that which you are referring to, being in the past, it may have been that they were misinformed by all the relevant stakeholders, therefore unknowingly they may have made the statement. however, as it was not their fault, they cannot be blamed for lying, or being wrong, as they merely commented with the facts at hand… he he (said in JZ voice)
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 14, 2014 at 08:44
Don’t forget to push your glasses up with your middle finger while saying that.
Brian Murphy
January 14, 2014 at 08:45
How could anyone who wears glasses forget? Wearing glasses gives you Carte Blanche to give everyone the finger.
ToshZA
January 14, 2014 at 08:46
Actually, just a simple “itch” provides the same comic relief.
Brian Murphy
January 14, 2014 at 08:47
Well, if I really mean to let someone know I’m displeased, I’m not bashful about telling them to go get fucked. I do however like innocently pushing my glasses up, but really just giving everyone in sight the finger. You know, small victories lol.
General JJ Raven (John)
January 14, 2014 at 08:49
LOL
ToshZA
January 14, 2014 at 08:52
haha, I fully understand. 😀
Brian Murphy
January 14, 2014 at 08:38
Not entirely sure I agree with you, for any normal person, that would be a fair statement. But for someone whose nose has indeed grown multiple times, making a statement of certainty like that, definitely sounds like a lie to me.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
January 14, 2014 at 08:42
That’s actually the first time I’ve heard a argument that actually makes sense about that. Well done. I can be at peace now
ToshZA
January 14, 2014 at 08:43
Sorry, I have to. “Schooled, bitch!”
RockMossel2014
January 14, 2014 at 08:45
The universe will implode! Damn I love paradoxes!
Weanerdog
January 14, 2014 at 11:10
It is a prediction not a lie, a lie has to be an untruth, a prediction is based on whatever the person predicting it feels like, if it comes from an expert on lying the chances of success are higher than if it comes from a layman. It is like the end of the world predictions, if it is from someone who has experienced a lot of end of worlds he would probably be able to give a better prediction than someone who has never even experienced one.
Hondsepop
January 14, 2014 at 08:27
Can’t wait for Lucy Bradshaw to explain this.
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 14, 2014 at 08:33
No thanks. I still don’t want it.
Captain JJ Raven (John)
January 14, 2014 at 08:35
That’s what she said
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2014 at 08:36
LOL
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 14, 2014 at 08:36
You shut up! You’re just guessing, you don’t know that for a fact!
ToshZA
January 14, 2014 at 08:43
Shame dude, you get that often, don’t you?
General JJ Raven (John)
January 14, 2014 at 08:53
I usually don’t get what she says at all.
ToshZA
January 14, 2014 at 08:54
Because there’s no need for talk, right? 😀
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2014 at 08:36
Agreed, don’t sneeze on my cupcake and call it frosting. I’m more than happy to boycott EA from now on. If Dragon age is as good as people think it will be I am more than happy to wait for the GOTY or a discounted price.
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 14, 2014 at 08:37
I’m not holding my breath for that. Maybe in a couple of years heh.
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
January 14, 2014 at 08:38
After they have fixed all the Day 1 – 200 Bugs, released the 500 DLC bundles…maybe
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 14, 2014 at 08:43
I’m seriously wondering how much DLC the new Dragon Age will have, the previous ones weren’t shy & I suspect that’ll only encourage them.
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
January 14, 2014 at 08:44
Being EA, there will be LOTS…
But Dragon Age is a ruined game for me. I am more worried about the Star Wars games, with a gazillion DLC’s there.
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 14, 2014 at 08:45
But don’t you want a pink lightsaber for $5?
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
January 14, 2014 at 08:46
with the Yoda skin for $3, Authentic limping action $5,
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
January 14, 2014 at 08:33
This is why I refuse to believe the nonsense they spew when saying they can’t go offline. DiabloIII was able to do it for console. Therefore they lied.
Suddenly SimCity can as well. Therefore they lied.
I am glad I stuck to my guns and didn’t buy SimCity when it launched and still haven’t. Lies like this just are not on. When will they learn that we are not idiots. In fact, the game is probably going to be amazing now AND they have created a hybrid system where you can have online and offline cities. Wasn’t so hard obviously. Now it’s a game that may be worth it
ToshZA
January 14, 2014 at 08:42
Still not buying it. Why support EA? They’re full of sticky brown stuff. It’s not just Sim Shitty.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
January 14, 2014 at 08:44
Didn’t say I would buy it. Only pointed out that it would now actually be a game that may be worth buying because it’s not forced online and you can now grow multiple regions in a SP game and so balance your own ecosystem without the influence of others etc. Include mods and the game actually starts to become something that could be good.
Still not going to get it yet because I can guarantee the offline mode will be broken for some time after launch and I still can’t support EA for the lies they spewed about online being a needed feature.
ToshZA
January 14, 2014 at 08:49
While I agree fully (seriously, no sarcasm for a change), I have to consider Diablo 3 here, as I love the console version a lot. I sort of feel like a hypocrite saying I won’t support EA for the exact same lie. There are other factors of course, but still.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
January 14, 2014 at 09:43
And I can’t argue with your choice at all (Don’t worry, took it seriously. No sarcasm and all).
There is nothing wrong with loving the console version because as a console game it is amazing. It’s the PC version that has so many issues that give it a bad wrap.
I am all for supporting a game and its publishers if it is done right. That’s why I won’t even blink if someone says they are now going to buy SimCity due to it getting an offline mode. That along with the modding support will make it a game that will most likely be well worth it.
Personally I am still on the fence. The offline mode is tempting but I want to see how it works first before storming out and buying it. So I will wait for people to try it and then listen to their opinions
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2014 at 08:46
EA took everything that Bullfrog,Maxis,Origin Systems and Westwood Studios gave us and fucked it all up. Where’s C&C, Syndicate, Wing Commander, Dune, Battletech, Ultima, Crusader, Dungeon Keeper, all the Theme games, Populous, etc. What the hell is EA doing with these licenses. Nothing. If we want to play any of these games we either have to go to Steam or GOG. Fuck EA. This is why I will vote them as the worst company again this year.
Kromas
January 14, 2014 at 08:53
You see all those games you mentioned are not triple A like NFS,BF and every other EA sports game so they are not important. 😛
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2014 at 08:58
Yeah it’s also classic how EA took the people who made Burnout and forced them to churn out shit sausages that is NFS
Kromas
January 14, 2014 at 09:27
And Disney gave them rights to make everything Star Wars. Okay time to go cry in the shower.
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2014 at 09:30
Me after I burn all my EA games. All three games I think.
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/564245/ace-ventura-shower-o.gif
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
January 14, 2014 at 09:44
Sheesh. Thanks @hammersteyn:disqus and @Kromaswow:disqus for making me feel super depressed now 🙁
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2014 at 10:01
LOL everything EA does these days depresses me.
Kromas
January 14, 2014 at 10:09
Not fully depressed yet. Ask me again after DA:Inquisition. If that bombs then I am officially done with EA ….
Ryanza
January 14, 2014 at 08:34
Simcity has almost been out for a year. I wonder if the cost of servers vs the amount of people still playing Simcity has anything to do with an offline mode.
Anyway. Simcity is the reason why I don’t buy EA games anymore. So well done EA.
Captain JJ Raven (John)
January 14, 2014 at 08:35
EA is the reason I don’t buy EA games anymore.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
January 14, 2014 at 09:08
And then we had this shilling dumbass doing damage control on EA’s behalf. Ah, the SimCity months, those were exciting. Apparently, EA is in the running for another golden poo.
http://i.imgur.com/wZjm4Bm.jpg
Alien Emperor Trevor
January 14, 2014 at 09:14
Someone doesn’t know what “literally” means.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
January 14, 2014 at 09:18
We “literally” don’t know what he’s talking about….
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2014 at 09:31
And yet it’s offline now. Barthur can shut the hell up.
Brenz
January 14, 2014 at 09:28
They lied, wow im surprised, said none of us.
Thanks but too little too late, may all of you at Maxis and EA have the displeasure of being victims to donkey rape.
Skyblue
January 14, 2014 at 09:44
That’ll shave off a few extra bucks from their share price. Shareholder confidence in this company must be as bad as their customers right now.
Rags
January 14, 2014 at 11:50
So just need larger maps and the game is pretty much sorted. =)