Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[SimCity 4.0 update brings new park, region and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/simcity-4-0-update-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/simcity-4-0-update-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/simcity-4-0-update-detailed/#comments 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.

Continue reading SimCity 4.0 update brings new park, region and more

JoystiqSimCity 4.0 update brings new park, region and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsMaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Thu, 23 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity 'Amusement Park Pack' rides in May 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/simcity-amusement-park-pack-rides-in-may-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/simcity-amusement-park-pack-rides-in-may-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/simcity-amusement-park-pack-rides-in-may-28/#comments

SimCity's "Amusement Park Pack," which leaked like oil out of a tea cup ride a tad early, has been confirmed to arrive in two weeks by developer Maxis.
"Some of you may have seen thrilling new SimCity content that arrived too early at the gate. It's coming May 28th. We think you'll be amused," the official SimCity Facebook page now notes.

The pack will allow mayors to lay out the park how they wish, featuring several different rides and customizable entrances. The park will also generate cash by bringing in shoppers, tourists and boosting the local commercial economy. No price was listed for the expansion.

JoystiqSimCity 'Amusement Park Pack' rides in May 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Thu, 16 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity 3.0 update out this week, attempts to fix traffic again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/simcity-3-0-update-out-this-week-attempts-to-fix-traffic-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/simcity-3-0-update-out-this-week-attempts-to-fix-traffic-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/simcity-3-0-update-out-this-week-attempts-to-fix-traffic-again/#comments SimCity will receive the 3.0 update this week, which will hopefully go down smoother than 2.0 released in late April. The 3.0 update (listed after the break) tweaks traffic routing, phantom air pollution, stuck school buses and university students crossing roads. Apparently SimCity grammar schools didn't implement the "buddy system" as a road-crossing teaching tool.

The SimCity update is another piece on the pyre of good news EA blasted out yesterday in preparation for today's financial call, where the company is expected to deliver bad news (harsh enough to make a CEO stand down). Yesterday's news included a Plants vs. Zombies 2 release window, the announcement of The Sims 4 and EA's Star Wars exclusivity.

Continue reading SimCity 3.0 update out this week, attempts to fix traffic again

JoystiqSimCity 3.0 update out this week, attempts to fix traffic again originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Sims 4 announced for 2014 on PC, Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-sims-4-announced-for-2014-on-pc-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-sims-4-announced-for-2014-on-pc-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-sims-4-announced-for-2014-on-pc-mac/#commentsThe Sims 4 announced for 2014 on PC, Mac Maxis announced The Sims 4 this morning, coming to PC and Mac in 2014. More details are due later today, EA said.

"The Sims franchise is fueled by the passion and creativity of its millions of fans around the world," reads EA's announcement. "Their continued devotion to the franchise ignites the fire of creativity of the team at The Sims Studio, driving them to continually improve and innovate on one of the world's most successful simulation game that has sold more than 150 million copies worldwide."

[Image source: @CurtisParadis]

JoystiqThe Sims 4 announced for 2014 on PC, Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAmacmaxispcrelease-datethe-sims-4Mon, 06 May 2013 11:24:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition is $5 today on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/simcity-4-deluxe-edition-is-5-today-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/simcity-4-deluxe-edition-is-5-today-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/simcity-4-deluxe-edition-is-5-today-on-steam/#comments SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition is $5 today on SteamToday is a good day for a deal on Steam: SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition is $5 now through 10 a.m. PT tomorrow, April 29. That's 75 percent off, for those into contextual sales.

SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition includes EA's 2003 game SimCity 4 and its sole expansion pack, SimCity 4 Rush Hour. In more recent news, the Deluxe Edition of Sim City 4 was part of the free-game offer that EA handed out to everyone who purchased 2013's SimCity during its launch window.

JoystiqSimCity 4 Deluxe Edition is $5 today on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-dealEAMaxispcsimcity-4simcity-4-deluxe-editionSTEAMSun, 28 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA retiring Playfish Facebook games [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/ea-retiring-playfish-facebook-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/ea-retiring-playfish-facebook-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/ea-retiring-playfish-facebook-games/#comments EA retiring Playfish Facebook gamesSimCity Social, The Sims Social, and Pet Society are going offline on June 14, EA announced this morning. The three Playfish Facebook games are being retired after player counts and activity fell off, EA said. Today's news means all of Playfish's Facebook games, according to the EA subsidiary's website, have either shut down or are scheduled to - with the exception of Madden Social 13, which an EA press release notes as developed by EA Tiburon.

EA bought Playfish for $300 million in 2009 before signing a "strategic" five year deal with Facebook in 2010. However, a number of executives have since left the EA brand, including co-founders Sebastian de Halleux, Sam Lababidi, and Kristian Stregerstale.

The announcement follows EA layoffs last week, with over 160 employees let go from EA Mobile Montreal. In addition, there are reports of closures of a studio in London, where Playfish is based, along with closures at EA Mobile Brazil and BioWare Social. We also have information of support staff being let go in London and then there's a question about the extent of the EA Galway support center layoffs.

We've reached out to EA for comment.

Update: An EA spokesperson informs Joystiq the company "won't be commenting on the status of Playfish."

Continue reading EA retiring Playfish Facebook games [update]

JoystiqEA retiring Playfish Facebook games [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafacebookmaxispcplayfishMon, 15 Apr 2013 08:25:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity Cheetah Speed returns, Mac version in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/simcity-cheetah-speed-returns-mac-version-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/simcity-cheetah-speed-returns-mac-version-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/simcity-cheetah-speed-returns-mac-version-in-june/#comments After several "non-critical" SimCity features were disabled over a month ago to improve server stability, one of the most significant is finally back online. SimCity players can now enable Cheetah Speed once again, invigorating their tiny Sims to work harder and faster than ever. Maxis is also working on "Update 2.0," though no date was offered regarding its expected release.

In other virtual city planning news, the Mac version of SimCity will be released on June 11. The Mac release will be available exclusively via Origin, with no plans for a retail version. As a nice bonus, those who own the PC version will automatically have access to the Mac version. Likewise, Mac players will be able to download the PC version at no extra cost. Cross-platform play between each version will be supported.

JoystiqSimCity Cheetah Speed returns, Mac version in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: SimCity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/metareview-simcity/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/metareview-simcity/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/metareview-simcity/#comments Well, it's been two weeks since the calamitous launch of the SimCity reboot and the game currently has a Metacritic score lower than the abysmal Resident Evil 6. A small blessing for developer Maxis? SimCity dodges being the highest profile stinker of this still burgeoning year thanks to the dishonor of the utterly broken Aliens: Colonial Marines.
  • GameTrailers (80/100): "Aside from some issues with its online requirements, bugs, and restrictions on city size, it's still a satisfying and addicting simulator that will grant dozens of hours of entertainment with one well-designed city alone."
  • GiantBomb (60/100): "And while I expect many will fall head-over-heels in love with this SimCity's cooperative design, at its best, the game feels more like a really thoughtfully designed multiplayer mode for a larger, single-player capable game that, sadly, doesn't exist."
  • Gamespot (50/100): "The bugs will probably be fixed, the wrinkles smoothed, and the online problems sorted out. What hurts most, though, is that it didn't have to be this way. SimCity's makers looked to MMOGs for ideas on how to bring players together, but didn't absorb the lessons MMOG developers learned long ago on how to implement practical online play."
  • Eurogamer (40/100): "There was a time, perhaps eight or nine hours in, when I wondered why SimCity was so easy. Nobody ever complained about the air pollution, while using my depot to sell my recycling netted me endless profits. I kept playing because, back then, I kept having fun, I kept trying new things and I kept convincing myself that I was a good Mayor. Now I know that it was never really down to me."
  • Destructoid (40/100): "I wanted to like this game, I really did. At first I started to enjoy it, but soon all I found was frustration. I can't recommend this game to anyone, and I don't want to play it anymore myself because I am afraid of seeing all my efforts lost due to server issues."

JoystiqMetareview: SimCity originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmaxisMetareviewmetareviewspcsimcity-2013simcity-5Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA offers choice of Mass Effect 3, SimCity 4, more for SimCity players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/ea-offers-choice-of-mass-effect-3-simcity-4-more-for-simcity-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/ea-offers-choice-of-mass-effect-3-simcity-4-more-for-simcity-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/ea-offers-choice-of-mass-effect-3-simcity-4-more-for-simcity-p/#comments EA offers choice of Mass Effect 3, SimCity 4, more for SimCity playersAs part of its efforts to re-endear customers to the new SimCity, EA is handing out one free Origin game to all players, from a choice of Battlefield 3, Bejeweled 3, Dead Space 3, Mass Effect 3, Medal of Honor Warfighter, Need for Speed Most Wanted, Plants vs. Zombies and SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition. To be eligible for a free game, players must register their copies of SimCity before March 25 at 11:59 p.m. PDT, and must claim a free game before March 30 at 11:59 PDT.

Underage players will automatically receive a copy of Bejeweled 3 and SimCity 4.

Many players worldwide were unable to connect to Maxis servers following SimCity's launch in early March, locking the game completely since it requires an always-on connection. In the weeks after its release, EA and Maxis dropped "non-critical" features from the game and added servers to allow players to connect, and are now in the process of re-adding these lost features. This fiasco frustrated many players, as did the game itself.

JoystiqEA offers choice of Mass Effect 3, SimCity 4, more for SimCity players originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsfreeMaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Maxis: SimCity's internet requirement not a 'clandestine' DRM strategy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/maxis-simcitys-internet-requirement-not-a-clandestine-drm-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/maxis-simcitys-internet-requirement-not-a-clandestine-drm-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/maxis-simcitys-internet-requirement-not-a-clandestine-drm-st/#comments Following claims yesterday that SimCity had been modified to run offline in a limited capacity, Maxis/EA general manager Lucy Bradshaw has since updated EA's official blog with a bulleted reiteration of Maxis' always-on design philosophy for the game.

In the missive, Bradshaw dismisses claims that SimCity's internet connectivity requirements are in reality "a clandestine strategy to control players" while listing a few of the ways in which server connectivity is essential to the design of the game, though she does not directly address whether the game can be played completely offline in its current form.

"So, could we have built a subset offline mode? Yes," Bradshaw added. "But we rejected that idea because it didn't fit with our vision. We did not focus on the 'single city in isolation' that we have delivered in past SimCities. We recognize that there are fans - people who love the original SimCity - who want that."

JoystiqMaxis: SimCity's internet requirement not a 'clandestine' DRM strategy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>always-onlinedigital-rights-managementdrmEAElectronic-ArtsLucy-BradshawMaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming SimCity patch to resolve traffic jams, features returning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/upcoming-simcity-patch-to-resolve-traffic-jams-features-returni/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/upcoming-simcity-patch-to-resolve-traffic-jams-features-returni/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/upcoming-simcity-patch-to-resolve-traffic-jams-features-returni/#comments Server issues aside, SimCity players have noticed some other problems with Maxis' latest simulation game. One of the more obvious ones involves SimCity's traffic, as vehicles tend to take the shortest possible route between destinations. As a result, shorter roads wind up with traffic jams, even if there are wider roads available.

Maxis is working on a patch to solve this problem, as detailed by lead designer Stone Librande on the SimCity blog. The patch will essentially force cars to choose different routes as other routes become more clogged, which should help cities to run more smoothly. Furthermore, multiple service vehicles (fire trucks, etc) will no longer crowd around a given event, addressing one of the complaints from our review.

Finally, Librande noted that many SimCity features - recently disabled to lighten the server load - are "slowly" returning. Regional achievements have been reactivated on "a select number of servers," and leaderboards are now active on the Test server. Librande asks willing players to join the Test server in order to "expedite the timeframe in which [leaderboards are] brought back to the rest of our servers."

JoystiqUpcoming SimCity patch to resolve traffic jams, features returning originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: SimCity modded to disable disconnection timer, open debug mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/rumor-simcity-modded-to-disable-disconnection-timer-open-debug/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/rumor-simcity-modded-to-disable-disconnection-timer-open-debug/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/rumor-simcity-modded-to-disable-disconnection-timer-open-debug/#comments
Reddit user AzzerUK claims to have enabled SimCity's debug mode and to have disabled its disconnection timer, both of which imply that there is more to the game's inner workings than EA and Maxis originally stated.

Currently, a user that loses their connection to the server during gameplay will be logged out of the game after 20 minutes. This is supposedly because the client must sync simulation data back to the server on a regular basis, in order to ease the computational load on the user's machine and to ensure the simulation as a whole runs smoothly.

Though not demonstrated in the video above, AzzerUK claims to have disabled that disconnection timer, and that playing an offline city for extended periods of time resulted in no issues with the simulation itself. Since SimCity does not support local saves in any way, it is not possible for AzzerUK to actually save anything that happens in his offline city, but the important thing is that the simulation reportedly did not come to a screeching halt after being unable to sync with the server.

The modder/hacker also claims to have enabled SimCity's debug mode, which allows for cities to be edited beyond their typically imposed borders. Though clipping and texture mapping issues are easily visible in the above clip, the traditionally impossible highways created at least appear to function properly. This supposes that, at least theoretically, the game is capable of supporting city sizes that are larger than what is currently available.

JoystiqRumor: SimCity modded to disable disconnection timer, open debug mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-sizedebugEAElectronic-ArtshackhackedMaxismodmoddedofflinepcsimcity-2013simcity-5Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity review: They built this city to shock and troll]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/simcity-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/simcity-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/simcity-review/#comments I've written five different openings to this SimCity review over three days. Some felt ignorant of the game's disastrous launch, an element I openly wrestled with before writing this review. Others were too aggressive and awkwardly angry. I fired blindly with some fluffy paragraph about the fun of building, but that seemed disingenuous. I'm unlikely to go back to SimCity for some time. The game simply isn't fun.

Like 2003's SimCity 4, this new SimCity uses a regional map divided into playable zones that interact with one another, transporting commuters and allowing for a level of specialization in particular zones. Unlike SimCity 4's sprawling megalopolis created from a massive grid of connected tiles, the new SimCity's region zones are separated by gaps (think of a subway map where you play the stations but not the lines between). The current region selection supports as little as two and up to 16 zones.

SimCity is very user friendly and a hallmark of modern interface design and simulation transparency. I must stress that I'm speaking specifically about when players are in their particular zone, not when they are trying to discern anything from a regional perspective. Pipes and electricity now run along roads, removing two dull mayoral duties seen in previous games. Crime, pollution, education, and just about every other chart is no longer presented in some tiny pop-up window, but is instead delivered in full graphical glory as an overlay on the main game screen. It's also great that players can now expand on buildings, like giving the police more cars or adding classrooms to schools, but this also begins to highlight the cramped size of the zones.

Gallery: SimCIty (02/19/2013)

Continue reading SimCity review: They built this city to shock and troll

JoystiqSimCity review: They built this city to shock and troll originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity receives official server status page]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/simcity-server-status/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/simcity-server-status/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/simcity-server-status/#comments SimCity receives official server status pageElectronic Arts and Maxis have created an official SimCity server status page.

The status page comes a week after the game's disastrous launch, which saw servers overwhelmed and players unable to access the game with any regularity up into the weekend, when developer Maxis added more servers.

Maxis General Manager Lucy Bradshaw noted on Sunday that the core problems plaguing the game were "almost behind" them.

JoystiqSimCity receives official server status page originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmaxispcserversimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Core problem preventing SimCity playtime 'is almost behind us']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/ea-core-problem-preventing-simcity-playtime-is-almost-behind-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/ea-core-problem-preventing-simcity-playtime-is-almost-behind-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/ea-core-problem-preventing-simcity-playtime-is-almost-behind-u/#comments SimCity developer Maxis says it has reduced game crashes by 92 percent since day one and players have connected and clocked more than 8 million hours in-game.

"I'm happy to report that the core problem with getting in and having a great SimCity experience is almost behind us," Maxis General Manager Lucy Bradshaw writes. Bradshaw says the improvements stem from adding new servers, tinkering with their network and issuing client updates, such as Thursday's removal of "non-critical" gameplay features.

"I had hoped to issue an 'All-Clear' tonight, but there are still some elements coming together," Bradshaw says. "Tonight and tomorrow we'll be monitoring each server and gameplay metrics to ensure that the service remains strong and game is playing great. We need a few more days of data before we can assure you that the problem is completely solved and the game is running at 100 percent."

Bradshaw reports "tens of thousands of new players" join SimCity every day. We hope to be one of these players some day soon.

JoystiqEA: Core problem preventing SimCity playtime 'is almost behind us' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsMaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Sun, 10 Mar 2013 23:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Maxis: SimCity offline mode is 'just not possible']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/maxis-simcity-offline-mode-is-just-not-possible/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/maxis-simcity-offline-mode-is-just-not-possible/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/maxis-simcity-offline-mode-is-just-not-possible/#comments
The issues barraging SimCity stem from its requirement that players are always online and connected to EA's servers, even if a player wants to experience the game alone. Making the game available offline could solve many players' issues, but that's "just not possible," developer Maxis General Manager Lucy Bradshaw said during a Twitter Q&A session.

"The game was designed for MP, we sim the entire region on the server so this is just not possible," Bradshaw said, in response to a question about offline modes. Previously Bradshaw responded to another question about an offline patch: "We have no intention of offlining SimCity any time soon but we'll look into that as part of our earning back your trust efforts."

Making SimCity offline would be a significant undertaking, if it were in the cards at all. Bradshaw further reiterated the sentiment of a leaked internal memo, noting that EA wasn't responsible for SimCity's issues; Maxis was.

"Hey, this is on Maxis," she wrote. "EA does not force design upon us. We own it, we are working 24/7 to fix it, and we are making progress."

Recent progress included increasing SimCity's server capacity by 120 percent, disabling "non-critical" game features, and a report that EA asked SimCity affiliates to stop actively promoting the game.

JoystiqMaxis: SimCity offline mode is 'just not possible' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>always-onEAElectronic-Artslucy-bradshawMaxisofflineonlinepcsimcity-2013simcity-5Sun, 10 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: SimCity server capacity increased by 120%, company to offer free PC game for troubles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/simcity-server-capacity-increased-by-120-ea-offers-free-pc-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/simcity-server-capacity-increased-by-120-ea-offers-free-pc-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/simcity-server-capacity-increased-by-120-ea-offers-free-pc-gam/#comments ImageSimCity developer Maxis' senior vice president and general manager Lucy Bradshaw gave a brief update last night of the game's unstable condition, noting the company is "committed to fixing" the game. Would have been better if the game had been working in the five days since its North American launch, but what can you do at this point?

How about a free game? Sure. As recompense, on March 18, SimCity players who have activated their game will receive an email (likely the one tied to their Origin account) explaining how to redeem the free game.

"In the last 48 hours we increased server capacity by 120 percent," wrote Bradshaw. "It's working - the number of people who have gotten in and built cities has improved dramatically. The number of disrupted experiences has dropped by roughly 80 percent."

She went on to say, "So we're close to fixed, but not quite there. I'm hoping to post another update this weekend to let everyone know that the launch issues are behind us."

As of this writing (8:46AM Eastern), we are still unable to access SimCity. We are told by the servers that it is either unable to load a city or we receive an endless loading screen - which is exactly what we stared at while writing up this post.

JoystiqEA: SimCity server capacity increased by 120%, company to offer free PC game for troubles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Mar 2013 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Sat, 09 Mar 2013 08:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: EA asks SimCity affiliates to 'stop actively promoting the game']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/rumor-ea-asks-simcity-affiliates-to-stop-actively-promoting-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/rumor-ea-asks-simcity-affiliates-to-stop-actively-promoting-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/rumor-ea-asks-simcity-affiliates-to-stop-actively-promoting-th/#comments

JoystiqRumor: EA asks SimCity affiliates to 'stop actively promoting the game' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamaxispcserverssimcitysimcity-2013simcity-5Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Non-critical' SimCity features disabled to improve server issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/non-critical-simcity-features-disabled-to-improve-server-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/non-critical-simcity-features-disabled-to-improve-server-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/non-critical-simcity-features-disabled-to-improve-server-issue/#comments Electronic Arts is sending out a hotfix to help improve the experience for beleaguered SimCity players. The fix includes some unspecified improvements and also disables a few "non-critical gameplay features," according to a community manager on the EA forums. These features include leaderboards, achievements and region filters, with EA promising their removal will "in no way affect your core gameplay experience."

SimCity has suffered from server issues since it launched earlier this week, with many players (including our own Alexander Sliwinski) unable to connect to the "always-on" required game and, thus, unable to play. EA will be adding new servers over the next two days. The publisher recently expressed confidence in the international launch, saying it would not suffer the same problems.

Update: Amazon has stopped selling digital copies of the game citing customer complaints.

Joystiq'Non-critical' SimCity features disabled to improve server issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA 'confident' Origin will be stable for international SimCity launches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/ea-confident-origin-will-be-stable-for-international-simcity-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/ea-confident-origin-will-be-stable-for-international-simcity-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/ea-confident-origin-will-be-stable-for-international-simcity-l/#comments EA 'confident' Origin will be stable for international SimCity launchesElectronic Arts stated late this afternoon that the high demand for SimCity has impacted a small percentage of users accessing the always-online game's servers. (We're currently locked out.)

The Twitter account for the publisher's digital distribution network, Origin, went on to note, "We're making changes to prevent further issues, and are confident that Origin will be stable for international launches later this week."

You hear that, Europe? Confident! Let's see how it goes.

JoystiqEA 'confident' Origin will be stable for international SimCity launches originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity gambles on disaster in new footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/simcity-gambles-on-disaster-in-new-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/simcity-gambles-on-disaster-in-new-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/simcity-gambles-on-disaster-in-new-footage/#comments

SimCity has all its permits and union payoffs in order to start building next week. Here's an example of a casino city, and another that won't be a city much longer. Fallout: SimCity, anyone?

Continue reading SimCity gambles on disaster in new footage

JoystiqSimCity gambles on disaster in new footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsMaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Fri, 01 Mar 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[From city-builder roles to caring for citizens in SimCity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/from-city-builder-roles-to-caring-for-citizens-in-simcity/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/from-city-builder-roles-to-caring-for-citizens-in-simcity/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/from-city-builder-roles-to-caring-for-citizens-in-simcity/#comments SimCity's peoplefocused play exposes the shortfalls of past gamesRegions are the beating heart of Maxis Games' upcoming SimCity revival. The always-online game places a lot of emphasis on community, but it's less about the global fellowship and more about the ties that bind neighboring cities together.

Players face a choice when they're first starting out: break ground in a small region with only two or three city-sized plots of land to develop ,or jump into a more expansive location, one that supports as many as 16 cities. The cost/benefit for each choice is simple enough to break down; it's the difference between carving out your own, private space in the world versus leaving the door open for other players to join.

All of SimCity's regions are created in-house at Maxis - there's no plan to let players mold their own regions - and each plot of claimable land comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. A helpful status bar pop-up points out which resources are and aren't available when an unclaimed plot is highlighted, so you know what you're getting before you settle on a civilization site.

Maxis has been working to test against a whole galaxy of possibilities in the run-up to SimCity's March 5, 2013, release. It's to the point that sizable portions of the working day at the studio are now devoted purely to play, with staffers being assigned to a range of discrete city-builder roles.

"It's hard to go into every nook and cranny of the game because there's just so much. The breadth of the game is really large," lead designer Stone Librande told Joystiq. "We have different designers who are assigned to different tasks. Like, 'You're making university town, you're making casino town, you're making ore and coal mining town.'"

Gallery: SimCIty (02/19/2013)

Continue reading From city-builder roles to caring for citizens in SimCity

JoystiqFrom city-builder roles to caring for citizens in SimCity originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAEA-MaxisElectronic-ArtsmacMaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity's second beta assembles Feb. 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/simcitys-second-beta-assembles-feb-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/simcitys-second-beta-assembles-feb-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/simcitys-second-beta-assembles-feb-16/#comments

If you missed out on the first SimCity beta, you'll be pleased to know EA has laid the foundations for a second closed beta, starting February 16. The publisher tells us the second edition features an "enhanced" version of the one hour's worth of city planning featured in the first one.

The beta begins at 9AM ET (6AM PT, 2PM British) on February 16, and runs through 24 hours until February 17. The deadline for sign-ups is 9AM ET on Monday February 11. The game proper launches in North America on March 5, which is when you can get your hands on its Limited Edition, as zanily promoted in the new trailer above.

JoystiqSimCity's second beta assembles Feb. 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaEAmacmaxispcsimcitysimcity-2013simcity-5Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity's Euro sets teased in trailer, Mac version planned for spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/simcitys-euro-sets-teased-in-trailer-mac-version-planned-for-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/simcitys-euro-sets-teased-in-trailer-mac-version-planned-for-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/simcitys-euro-sets-teased-in-trailer-mac-version-planned-for-s/#comments
The latest SimCity trailer is intended to entice mayors to purchase the "Digital Deluxe" edition, which features three distinctive tile sets as a bonus, along with some well-known landmarks.

The Digital Deluxe version includes the Paris City Set with Eiffel Tower, German City Set with Brandenburg Gate and British City Set with Big Ben. The packs also include French police cars, German trains and British buses.

Developer Maxis also updated SimCity's release date on Mac with a "Spring 2013" window. The game is scheduled for March 8 on PC. The company notes that Mac and PC players will be able to play together on the same maps. Pre-orders are not currently available for SimCity on Mac and the company will have more information soon.

JoystiqSimCity's Euro sets teased in trailer, Mac version planned for spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmacmaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity beta next weekend, sign up now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/simcity-beta-next-weekend-sign-up-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/simcity-beta-next-weekend-sign-up-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/simcity-beta-next-weekend-sign-up-now/#comments SimCity beta next weekend, sign up nowDearest fellow city planners, the SimCity Beta is prepped to begin January 25 and run through the weekend until Monday, January 28. The SimCity Twitter account notes players will get the chance to try out a "one hour slice" of the game.

Interested participants should head on over to the SimCity site and sign up for the beta. The full game's final launch date is hopefully set in concrete and is expected to hand out building permits on March 5.

JoystiqSimCity beta next weekend, sign up now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsmacMaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Fri, 18 Jan 2013 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity and the power to build with friends trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/simcity-and-the-power-to-build-with-friends-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/simcity-and-the-power-to-build-with-friends-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/simcity-and-the-power-to-build-with-friends-trailer/#comments

One of the most exciting ideas in the new SimCity is the "multi-city play" feature, which is showcased in this latest trailer. Around the 2:50 mark is where the co-op features start to really get shown off. Build a better city with friends starting March 5, 2013.

JoystiqSimCity and the power to build with friends trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 11 Dec 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity creative director shows off more of game's interface]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/simcity-creative-director-shows-off-more-of-games-interface/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/simcity-creative-director-shows-off-more-of-games-interface/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/simcity-creative-director-shows-off-more-of-games-interface/#comments
SimCity creative director Ocean Quigley (rockin' a badass mustache) shows off the game's intuitive visual presentation, which we praised back at Gamescom. The trailer features nice examples of the immediate impact of civic structures and parks. SimCity will be out the first full week of March 2013.

JoystiqSimCity creative director shows off more of game's interface originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How SimCity deals with disasters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/how-simcity-deals-with-disasters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/how-simcity-deals-with-disasters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/how-simcity-deals-with-disasters/#comments

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When SimCity gives you meteorites, tornadoes and earthquakes ... you'd better hope there's more than a refreshing beverage around. As the latest trailer for next February's reboot shows, an adequate support structure helps alleviate the worst events.

Continue reading How SimCity deals with disasters

JoystiqHow SimCity deals with disasters originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Mon, 15 Oct 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sims 3 '70s, 80s & 90s Stuff' pack announced, university expansion teased]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/sims-3-70s-80s-and-90s-stuff-pack-announced-university-expansi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/sims-3-70s-80s-and-90s-stuff-pack-announced-university-expansi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/sims-3-70s-80s-and-90s-stuff-pack-announced-university-expansi/#comments Sims 3 '70s, 80s & 90s Stuff' pack announced, University teasedMaxis announced today that The Sims 3 expansion "70s, 80s & 90s Stuff" will be available in January 2013. The pack includes clothing and stuff that exemplifies the decades of the Nixon through Clinton administrations (Wilson through Blair in the UK, Indira Gandhi to Vajpayee in India).

The division of Electronic Arts also teased a college or university expansion pack coming after the three decades of stuff pack. The Sims 3 is currently prepping for the Seasons expansion this November.

Gallery: The Sims 3: Seasons (Gamescom 2012)

JoystiqSims 3 '70s, 80s & 90s Stuff' pack announced, university expansion teased originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsmaxispcThe-Sims-3Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity early gameplay walkthrough]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/simcity-early-gameplay-walkthrough/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/simcity-early-gameplay-walkthrough/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/simcity-early-gameplay-walkthrough/#comments

We got small taste of SimCity when we went hands-on with it at Gamescom. Here's EA giving a solid nine minute chunk of the earliest parts of the game. Don't worry, splines will be reticulated.

Continue reading SimCity early gameplay walkthrough

JoystiqSimCity early gameplay walkthrough originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmaxissimcity-2013simcity-5Fri, 05 Oct 2012 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Look around SimCity, don't get bogged down in charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/look-around-simcity-dont-get-bogged-down-in-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/look-around-simcity-dont-get-bogged-down-in-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/look-around-simcity-dont-get-bogged-down-in-charts/#comments We built SimCity o"I want more time," I thought leaving my first SimCity hands-on experience. "I must go deeper!" There's just so much I wanted to try out, poke around, but the rails were firmly set to give the tiniest taste of what's to come. Needless to say, I'm ready for the SimCity entree when it launches in February 2013 on Mac and PC.

The demo I tried out went through the super basics of building residential, commercial and industrial zones; along with how the city infrastructure is built out. All of it quite instinctual.

Gallery: SimCity (E3 2012)

Continue reading Look around SimCity, don't get bogged down in charts

JoystiqLook around SimCity, don't get bogged down in charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxiselectronic-artsgamescom-2012macMaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity PC beta registration open as soon as the site goes live [Update: It's up!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/simcity-pc-beta-registration-open-as-soon-as-the-site-goes-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/simcity-pc-beta-registration-open-as-soon-as-the-site-goes-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/simcity-pc-beta-registration-open-as-soon-as-the-site-goes-live/#comments Registration for a closed SimCity beta has now opened, EA and Maxis announced during their Gamescom press conference in Cologne, Germany. Or rather, it will be open as soon as the registration page goes live, which as of press time it has not.

Eventually though, prospective PC mayors can register for their chance to benevolently/malevolently control the lives of millions ahead of the game's February release window. No word yet on when the beta will actually take place, or whether Mac mayors will get to join in on the fun of not getting to sign up for a SimCity beta.

Update: The site is now live and accepting beta applications. Go get the key to your almost-guaranteed-to-be-obscenely-named city!

JoystiqSimCity PC beta registration open as soon as the site goes live [Update: It's up!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsGamescom-2012Maxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity Social, a Facebook game you may actually care about, launches today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/simcity-social-a-facebook-game-you-may-actually-care-about-lau/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/simcity-social-a-facebook-game-you-may-actually-care-about-lau/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/simcity-social-a-facebook-game-you-may-actually-care-about-lau/#comments In writing this post informing you that SimCity Social is now live (in "open beta") on Facebook, I may or may not have played SimCity Social for 25 minutes without realizing it. And then I discovered full screen mode, which makes it look even more like SimCity.

What I'm trying to tell you is that the game is live. And that I want to go play more of it. Because it's SimCity. You should probably check it out too, right here.

Perhaps you'd like to know more before proceeding? We've got that covered too!

JoystiqSimCity Social, a Facebook game you may actually care about, launches today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxiselectronic-artsfacebookmacmaxispcplayfishq3-2012release-datesimcity-socialMon, 25 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Send giant birds to poop on your friends in SimCity Social]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/16/send-giant-birds-to-poop-on-your-friends-in-simcity-social/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/16/send-giant-birds-to-poop-on-your-friends-in-simcity-social/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/16/send-giant-birds-to-poop-on-your-friends-in-simcity-social/#comments Send giant birds to poop on your friends in SimCity Social
We've taken two major points away from the SimCity Social producer diary above. First off, the game is looking an awful lot like SimCity 2000, which is a good thing in our book. Secondly, SimCity Social makes it possible to send a squadron of massive birds, flying in formation, to take major dumps all over your friends' cities.

We're going to spend literally one hundred percent of our time making that happen once the game launches on Facebook, which is said to happen sometime in the coming weeks.

JoystiqSend giant birds to poop on your friends in SimCity Social originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsFacebookmacMaxispcPlayfishsimcity-2000simcity-socialSat, 16 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Build a SimCity with friends, challenges keep game moving along]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/build-a-simcity-with-friends-challenges-keep-game-moving-along/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/build-a-simcity-with-friends-challenges-keep-game-moving-along/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/build-a-simcity-with-friends-challenges-keep-game-moving-along/#comments
SimCity returns next February and fans of the series have a lot to get excited about ... like, a lot a lot. Powered by a fancy new engine called Glassbox, the game uses a tilt-shift photography (miniature faking) visual style to fulfill fantasies of producing a model-like world come to life.

The E3 demo I saw was played in real time, starting with curvy roads being laid and residential zones spawning home construction. Houses were formed, followed by Sims pulling up in moving vans and residents starting new lives. There is so much detail work, delivering a lot of visual cues. Houses with electricity light up, pollution turns the world brown and crime is represented by graffiti. These visual indicators present a lot of information intuitively.

"We were really inspired by Google maps and infographics. We have so much data and we want to present it in cool and easy to understand ways," a Maxis rep told us.

Gallery: SimCity (E3 2012)

Continue reading Build a SimCity with friends, challenges keep game moving along

JoystiqBuild a SimCity with friends, challenges keep game moving along originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsMaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Fri, 08 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity trailer discusses water management, produces a civil action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/simcity-trailer-discusses-water-management-produces-a-civil-act/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/simcity-trailer-discusses-water-management-produces-a-civil-act/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/simcity-trailer-discusses-water-management-produces-a-civil-act/#comments
This latest clip of next year's SimCity reboot shows how water distribution will work in the simulation. It also reveals how industrial pollution can poison groundwater. What it doesn't show is the multi-million dollar lawsuit that follows.

Continue reading SimCity trailer discusses water management, produces a civil action

JoystiqSimCity trailer discusses water management, produces a civil action originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsMaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Katy Perry returns to The Sims 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/katy-perry-returns-to-the-sims-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/katy-perry-returns-to-the-sims-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/katy-perry-returns-to-the-sims-3/#comments ImageThe Sims 3 Showtime: Katy Perry was just not enough Katy Perry-themed expansion content for The Sims 3. An absolutely unacceptable dearth of Katy Perry remained.

Luckily, EA has rescued us from a life of insufficient simulated Katy Perry paraphernalia with the announcement of The Sims 3 Katy Perry's Sweet Treats, which lets you decorate your Sims' homes in the style of an imaginary "Candyfornia, complete with cupcake-themed guitars, candy playground equipment and delicious cotton candy trees."

You'll be able to cover your Sims and their homes in virtual candy this June on PC and Mac. It's a good thing The Sims 3 doesn't connect to SimAnt.

Gallery: The Sims 3 Katy Perry’s Sweet Treats

Continue reading Katy Perry returns to The Sims 3

JoystiqKaty Perry returns to The Sims 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>june-2012macmaxispcrelease-dateThe-Sims-3the-sims-3-katy-perrys-sweet-treatsTue, 03 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The life of a Sim in SimCity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/the-life-of-a-sim-in-simcity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/the-life-of-a-sim-in-simcity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/the-life-of-a-sim-in-simcity/#comments Ocean Quigley, creative and art director at EA Maxis, wants individual Sims to matter in 2013's SimCity. He wants them to have a real bearing on the world. He wants them to be less the uncharismatic specks they've been in previous games.

Each Sim has a set plan each day: They wake up and pay their rent -- surprisingly, it's only $1 -- and go to work. After work, if they have money, they spend it throughout the region. Spending money gives Sims more happiness, thus increasing their enjoyment of your city.

Sims have their own bank accounts, and can potentially become homeless if they don't have any funds. If you don't have a place for Sims to earn money, they'll start loitering in parks, decreasing happiness and forcing them to move out of your city.

Gallery: SimCity (3/28/12)

Continue reading The life of a Sim in SimCity

JoystiqThe life of a Sim in SimCity originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxismaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity requires internet connection to play, will be sold outside of Origin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/simcity-requires-internet-connection-to-play-will-be-sold-outsi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/simcity-requires-internet-connection-to-play-will-be-sold-outsi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/simcity-requires-internet-connection-to-play-will-be-sold-outsi/#comments Good news: If you want to download SimCity somewhere other than Origin, you'll have the option to do so. An EA representative confirmed with Joystiq that the title would be available for purchase on other digital distribution platforms, though a list of stores has yet to be finalized. SimCity is arriving sometime in 2013.

Lead designer Stone Librande confirmed that SimCity would be an internet-dependent experience. Players will need to be online on Origin while playing, even if that wasn't the point of purchase. The always-on connection becomes necessary with the game's emphasis on multiplayer and regional impact, and the use of a global economy that all players can influence.

Gallery: SimCity (3/28/12)

JoystiqSimCity requires internet connection to play, will be sold outside of Origin originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxisea-originmaxisoriginpcsimcity-2013simcity-5Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a (second) first look at SimCity's GlassBox engine, debug graphics and all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/take-a-second-first-look-at-simcitys-glassbox-engine-debug-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/take-a-second-first-look-at-simcitys-glassbox-engine-debug-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/take-a-second-first-look-at-simcitys-glassbox-engine-debug-g/#comments
We gave you the first brief glimpse of the new SimCity in action back at GDC, albeit via shaky cam footage of a presentation. Today, we've got a much clearer look at similar footage, directly from EA's Maxis studio.

Like the GDC clips, this video isn't meant to be a trailer or show off the game's graphical prowess. Instead, it's intended as a way to articulate SimCity's backend GlassBox Engine and how it assists in powering next year's series reboot. Unfortunately, this video features approximately 100 percent less fire ravaged houses. This is only the first video in a promised "Insider's Look" series, so we're holding out hope for flaming houses in the next installment.

JoystiqTake a (second) first look at SimCity's GlassBox engine, debug graphics and all originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>debug-graphicsdebug-modeeaea-maxiselectronic-artsglassboxglassbox-enginemaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST