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 2.0 fixes bugs but adds new ones, users complain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/simcity-2-0-fixes-bugs-but-adds-new-ones-users-complain/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/simcity-2-0-fixes-bugs-but-adds-new-ones-users-complain/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/simcity-2-0-fixes-bugs-but-adds-new-ones-users-complain/#comments The big SimCity 2.0 update dropped on Monday and even though it fixes its fair share of bugs, the update seems to have introduced new issues. Players have taken to Reddit and the EA forums, complaining of increased sewage levels and spontaneous pollution.

Taxis are crowding cities and some SimCity players have found their production rates slowed when in Cheetah Mode. Others are complaining of impotent firetrucks, unable to combat fires across the city, while others are reporting their cities are reverting to older saves. For some, buildings are endlessly mired in construction and never finish.

EA has yet to comment, so we've contacted the company to find out how it plans to address these complaints. SimCity currently has over 1.1 million players and is slated to launch on Mac in June.

JoystiqSimCity 2.0 fixes bugs but adds new ones, users complain originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity 2.0 update on April 22, mayors getting mansions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/simcity-2-0-update-on-april-22-mayors-getting-mansions/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/simcity-2-0-update-on-april-22-mayors-getting-mansions/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/simcity-2-0-update-on-april-22-mayors-getting-mansions/#comments EA will issue a patch for SimCity on Monday, April 22 at 4pm ET. SimCity v2.0 will be the game's first substantial update, adding mansions for mayors, fixing issues with Colorblind mode and squashing some of the bugs scurrying around in the game code. EA Maxis says players should expect server outages "for a few hours" while the update rolls out.

Some of the issues surrounding city processing will be resolved, as will problems with spontaneous fluctuations of tourists, school buses getting stuck, sudden air pollution creeping in, and more. The full list of changes is published on the EA Maxis forums.

Meanwhile, SimCity for Mac is still set to arrive in June.

JoystiqSimCity 2.0 update on April 22, mayors getting mansions originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 02:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-maxispatchpcsimcity-2013simcity-5updateversion-2version-2.0Sat, 20 Apr 2013 02:45:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity sales surpass 1.1 million in two weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/simcity-sales-surpass-1-1-million-in-two-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/simcity-sales-surpass-1-1-million-in-two-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/simcity-sales-surpass-1-1-million-in-two-weeks/#comments Despite all of its launch complications, EA Maxis' series reboot SimCity has managed to sell over one million copies since launching two weeks ago. EA reports this is the biggest launch for the franchise, the majority of players - 54%, EA says - choosing to download SimCity. In fact, EA says 44% of total SimCity sales went directly through the publisher's digital distribution platform, Origin.

Two weeks ago, EA disabled some "non-critical" SimCity features in the interest of improving server issues. Also, EA added more servers and sought to quell dissatisfied customers with a free PC game. If you purchase and register SimCity before next week, you can choose between a free copy of Mass Effect 3, Battlefield 3, SimCity 4, Need for Speed: Most Wanted or one of several other eligible games.

JoystiqSimCity sales surpass 1.1 million in two weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxisoriginpcsalessimcity-2013simcity-5Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomb Raider ascends to the peak of this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/tomb-raider-ascends-to-the-peak-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/tomb-raider-ascends-to-the-peak-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/tomb-raider-ascends-to-the-peak-of-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments Lara Croft is the leader of the UK pack for the first time in nearly seven years, and she's there in some style too. Not only does Tomb Raider slot into the top spot in this week's UK charts, but it's easily the country's biggest launch of the year so far. True, the game's first week sales are boosted by arriving on a Tuesday rather than the typical Friday, but the same can be said for Aliens: Colonial Marines, the UK's previous biggest first-week seller in 2013. Tomb Raider's opening week beats that of Colonial Marines' by over double, which is particularly telling. After all, according to Crystal Dynamics, Lara's reboot notched up a million sales in under two days.

SimCity is the week's other big name release. Despite releasing on a Friday and, more pertinently, all its troubles across the ocean, the city builder installs itself in second place. On that Sim-note, the newly released University Life expansion for Sims 3 provides a timely reminder of the franchise's selling power by scoring fourth place, beaten by fellow new release Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3, which arrives in at a very respectable third place.

That means after two weeks at the top, it's down to sixth for Crysis 3, while Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance clings onto the top ten in ninth place. Tumbling their ways out are Colonial Marines and Dead Space 3, down in 15th and 19th respectively.

Continue reading Tomb Raider ascends to the peak of this week's UK charts

JoystiqTomb Raider ascends to the peak of this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklycrystal-dynamicsEAea-maxismicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3simcity-2013square-enixtomb-raider-2013ukvitawii-uxboxMon, 11 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: EA Maxis takes 'full responsibility' for SimCity issues via internal memo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/rumor-ea-maxis-takes-full-responsibility-for-simcity-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/rumor-ea-maxis-takes-full-responsibility-for-simcity-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/rumor-ea-maxis-takes-full-responsibility-for-simcity-issues/#comments An internal memo from Maxis general manager Lucy Bradshaw details the state of the developer, who is hard at work trying to get SimCity fully operational in North America. "SimCity is an online game and critics and consumers have every right to expect a smooth experience from beginning to end," she wrote. "I and the Maxis team take full responsibility to deliver on our promise. Trust that we're working as hard as possible to make sure everyone gets to experience the amazing game we built in SimCity."

Polygon claims to have the internal memo in question, presented in a series of quotes. It claims that the issues experienced in North America are starting to spread overseas. "It's also now evident that players across Europe and Asia are experiencing the same frustration." It also claims 700,000 cities were built in the first 24 hours after launch.

Yesterday, EA Maxis disabled certain non-critical features in SimCity in an attempt to help lighten the load on the servers, which are also growing in number. SimCity is dependent upon a constant online connection. Being an unavoidable part of the experience, server woes have caused us to hold back our review.

Update: An EA representative has confirmed with Joystiq the internal memo in fact leaked today; however, this representative did not go into any further detail than that.

JoystiqRumor: EA Maxis takes 'full responsibility' for SimCity issues via internal memo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5simulationFri, 08 Mar 2013 17:15:00 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 and the art of amassing wealth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/simcity-and-the-art-of-amassing-wealth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/simcity-and-the-art-of-amassing-wealth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/simcity-and-the-art-of-amassing-wealth/#comments Cities don't just start out as metropolises, full to the brim with wealthy shoppers who live in penthouse suites. No, a city must work hard to become a bustling shopping mecha and beacon of wealth - and in SimCity, it's all about having a city full of Wealthy Sims.

Attracting Wealthy Sims to your town is the easy part; however, keeping them around is tough because Wealthy Sims are more sensitive to their needs and vocal when ignored. "Education, pollution reduction, better crime suppression, and consistency in all your services will become a priority as your Sims go up in wealth," EA says. A dearth of disasters probably helps, too.

Another crucial aspect is increasing land value, a byproduct of putting services and public transportation systems in place. As you build infrastructures, you'll start to shape your city and attract the corresponding kind of Wealthy Sim. It's key to build parks around your residential areas, giving the Wealthy Sims a much-needed place to go and offer condescending looks at the other, poorer Sims.

JoystiqSimCity and the art of amassing wealth originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxismacpcsimcity-2013simcity-5Fri, 28 Dec 2012 22:00:00 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 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[SimCity Social: balancing depth and accessibility]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/simcity-social-balancing-depth-and-accessibility/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/simcity-social-balancing-depth-and-accessibility/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/simcity-social-balancing-depth-and-accessibility/#comments SimCity Social balancing depth and accessibilityBeneath SimCity Social's cartoony aesthetic, its inviting pixel population of cosmetic wonders and attractions, lies a core gaming experience familiar to the franchise. This isn't FarmVille; it's "real city-building simulation on Facebook" that EA Maxis hopes people will "appreciate and understand."

Both EA Maxis and Playfish Beijing are working on SimCity Social, which employs key aspects of popular social gaming on Facebook married to some of the core strategy of the series. But it's not just SimCity 2000 crammed onto Facebook - even if that's what it may look like.

Continue reading SimCity Social: balancing depth and accessibility

JoystiqSimCity Social: balancing depth and accessibility originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxismacpcplayfishplayfish-beijingsimcity-socialFri, 22 Jun 2012 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Glassbox sets SimCity ablaze in latest trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/glassbox-sets-simcity-ablaze-in-latest-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/glassbox-sets-simcity-ablaze-in-latest-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/glassbox-sets-simcity-ablaze-in-latest-trailer/#comments
In reality, fire is a mysterious force that takes what it pleases and threatens to devour us whole in our sleep. Within the confines of a video game, however, the flaming beast can be controlled.

Continue reading Glassbox sets SimCity ablaze in latest trailer

JoystiqGlassbox sets SimCity ablaze in latest trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxisfireglassboxpcsimcity-2013simcity-5Wed, 02 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA files trademark for 'SimOcean']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/ea-files-trademark-for-simocean/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/ea-files-trademark-for-simocean/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/ea-files-trademark-for-simocean/#comments ImageWhile that Atlantis management sim starring Aquaman - you know, our dream game - isn't likely to be made anytime soon, it seems EA is already laying claim to Sim-themed titles beyond 2013's "SimCity." A new trademark for something called SimOcean was filed earlier this week.

The filing was made in Europe and spotted by Siliconera, and beyond that we don't know much else. Maxis produced a slew of Sim offshoots over the years, including SimHealth, SimTower, SimFarm and many more. We'll have to add SimOcean to that list if it ever becomes more than a trademark.

JoystiqEA files trademark for 'SimOcean' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxiselectronic-artseuropeglassboxglassbox-enginesimoceantrademarkSat, 28 Apr 2012 08:00:00 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[Being a good neighbor in SimCity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/being-a-good-neighbor-in-simcity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/being-a-good-neighbor-in-simcity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/being-a-good-neighbor-in-simcity/#comments One of the most interesting aspects of the new SimCity is the way pollution and the environment play into the new multiplayer features. The latest installment of the franchise is being prepared for next year, so there's no playable version yet for me to see the mechanic in action. In the meantime, EA Maxis was willing to play out some scenarios during a visit to the Emeryville, CA, offices last week.

Once a new game is started, players can create a region and invite friends to add their own cities. Each city has the potential to share with its neighbors. The citizens of one city may travel to the other to enjoy casinos or shopping, for example. Keeping Sims within the city happy keeps the economy flowing.

Connecting cities in this way opens the door to interesting scenarios. One city could be a supplier of coal to other locations, reaping the cash rewards of being a supplier and allowing its neighbors to progress in the game despite limitations. It encourages cooperation, something EA Maxis will support with added bonuses and possible achievements.

Gallery: SimCity (3/28/12)

Continue reading Being a good neighbor in SimCity

JoystiqBeing a good neighbor in SimCity originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-maxiskip-katsarelispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity will not support mods at launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/simcity-will-not-support-mods-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/simcity-will-not-support-mods-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/simcity-will-not-support-mods-at-launch/#comments The last game EA Maxis launched in the SimCity series was SimCity 4, almost ten years ago. It's still being played today, thanks in part to a Steam launch in 2010, but mostly thanks to the modding scene. However, EA Maxis will not launch the new SimCity in 2013 with mod support.

It's not entirely off the table, though. EA Maxis creative director Ocean Quigley said the ability to support mods is already built into GlassBox, the new engine powering SimCity, so there's potential for mod support down the road -- just not at launch.

"Right now we've got our work cut out for us to build the product up to the quality level it deserves as a SimCity," Quigley said. "Then after we ship, we'll make decisions about how we can and when exactly we'll support mods. But it's worth pointing out that the reason people are still playing SimCity 4 almost ten years later is because the modding community essentially re-created it and filled it with new content and fixed bugs and made it as much of a hobby as it is a game.

"We're very cognizant of that -- we're not idiots."

JoystiqSimCity will not support mods at launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxisocean-quigleypcsimcitysimcity-2013simcity-5Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:00:00 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<![CDATA[The new SimCity in video form, flaming houses and all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/the-new-simcity-in-video-form-flaming-houses-and-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/the-new-simcity-in-video-form-flaming-houses-and-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/the-new-simcity-in-video-form-flaming-houses-and-all/#comments
Would you like to get a look at SimCity before anyone else? So would we! But all we've got is these prototype videos shown off during a Maxis panel at GDC 2012 yesterday, which partially feature debug artwork (read: not final!). Also, hey, houses on fire!

Continue reading The new SimCity in video form, flaming houses and all

JoystiqThe new SimCity in video form, flaming houses and all originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxiselectronic-artsgameplaygdcgdc-2012maxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity saves heading to the clouds, bringing the game beyond the PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/simcity-saves-heading-to-the-clouds-bringing-the-game-beyond-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/simcity-saves-heading-to-the-clouds-bringing-the-game-beyond-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/simcity-saves-heading-to-the-clouds-bringing-the-game-beyond-th/#comments During the highly technical SimCity engine talk today at GDC 2012, a trio of Maxis creative leads went into more depth on next year's simulation. Specifically with regards to online play, the game will feature cloud saving which will work continuously in the background as you play online.

SimCity was described as "built from the ground up to support online," which goes beyond the asychronus online play we heard about at last night's event. "Play anywhere" was mentioned, with the idea being that you could play the game across a variety of devices. We're thinking mobile as well as PC and (perhaps) console offerings, but the example given was accessing your games via web browser.

Several videos were also shown off of the game in action, though heavily laced with debug graphics (read: placeholder, and not so attractive). Each of the four demonstrated different aspects of the game's building blocks and we'll hopefully have them up for you shortly. The internet here is ... not so fast.

JoystiqSimCity saves heading to the clouds, bringing the game beyond the PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxiselectronic-artsgdcgdc-2012maxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkspore heading to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, resume indicates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/darkspore-heading-to-xbox-360-and-playstation-3-resume-indicate/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/darkspore-heading-to-xbox-360-and-playstation-3-resume-indicate/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/darkspore-heading-to-xbox-360-and-playstation-3-resume-indicate/#comments Darkspore appears to be headed to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, courtesy of developer Naked Sky Entertainment (Microbot). Twitter-based internet detective Superannuation spotted a reference to the port in level designer Jordan Patz' resume (PDF link), which says he "worked with Maxis to modify Darkspore for release on Xbox/PS3."

Though EA has never officially announced the title for anything other than PC/Mac, a recent interview on GameRant with Maxis executive producer Mike Perry indicated that the game could be ported to consoles if the community demanded it. It seems, however, that plans were already underway. When contacted, EA offered a "No comment," and we've yet to hear back from Patz or Naked Sky Entertainment.

JoystiqDarkspore heading to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, resume indicates originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 May 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Darksporeeaea-maxiselectronic-artsjordan-patzmacmaxismicrosoftnaked-sky-entertainmentpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 16 May 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam users report Spore online account issue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/steam-users-report-spore-online-account-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/steam-users-report-spore-online-account-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/steam-users-report-spore-online-account-issue/#commentsYes, some adventurers are still exploring Spore and its would-be vast, online universe -- at least, they're trying to. Since late last year, some Spore buyers who purchase the game through Valve's Steam distribution service have been unable to access the game's online component. The issue seems to be related to the serial number that's required when setting up a Spore account, but not provided with Steam copies of Spore.

Users who contacted Steam were told that Valve is working with EA to fix the issue and to continue to play offline until a fix is delivered. A Steam representative, posting in one forum thread, addressed angry users, claiming, "The ETA for a fix is 'as soon as possible.'" In the meantime, if you're about to buy Spore from Steam ... just buy it somewhere else.

JoystiqSteam users report Spore online account issue originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugseaea-maxisElectronic-ArtsmaxisonlinesporesteamvalveFri, 18 Dec 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[LeAnn Rimes sings in 'Simlish' for The Sims 3: World Adventures, creeps out loved ones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/leann-rimes-sings-in-simlish-for-the-sims-3-world-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/leann-rimes-sings-in-simlish-for-the-sims-3-world-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/leann-rimes-sings-in-simlish-for-the-sims-3-world-adventures/#comments Okay, okay, we're not 100% sure that Ms. Rimes will be creeping out her loved ones by adding her to-be-released track "You've Ruined Me" to The Sims 3's next expansion, World Adventures, but we'll call it an educated guess. Rimes headlines a list of artists found after the break, including a group named Natalie Portman's Shaved Head, who will appear in the expansion singing original songs in the game's fictional language -- "Simlish."

The country/pop singer will be offering a rendition of an unreleased track said to be the lead on her upcoming album. Unfortunately, given the nature of "Simlish" (it's untranslatable), fans hoping for the chance to hear the unreleased track early when the expansion launches this November will be out of luck. Unless they're into gibberish languages, that is.

Gallery: The Sims 3: World Adventures

Continue reading LeAnn Rimes sings in 'Simlish' for The Sims 3: World Adventures, creeps out loved ones

JoystiqLeAnn Rimes sings in 'Simlish' for The Sims 3: World Adventures, creeps out loved ones originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distrubtiondlceaea-maxisElectronic-Artsexpansionleann-rimesmaxispcsimlishthe-simsthe-sims-3the-sims-3-world-adventuresworld-adventuresWed, 14 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Wright's Stupid Fun Club has three projects that you can't see]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/will-wrights-stupid-fun-club-has-three-projects-that-you-cant/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/will-wrights-stupid-fun-club-has-three-projects-that-you-cant/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/will-wrights-stupid-fun-club-has-three-projects-that-you-cant/#comments
Former EA Maxis head Will Wright and his Stupid Fun Club are hard at work on a handful of ideas "that cross a lot of different boundaries." During a recent conversation with VentureBeat, the creator of SimCity and its reticulating splines said his new venture is currently working on three projects, even saying one could see the light of day as soon as "six months to a year" from now.

He says the projects span from the world of toys to the information superhighway we all know and love. His gushing on the subject of the Internet continues when he says, "Every product that we are working on has a web component ... the web is like the connective tissue in entertainment today." With any luck, we'll hear more about his startup's upcoming work when he delivers the opening keynote at next February's Engage! Expo and Toy Fair.

JoystiqWill Wright's Stupid Fun Club has three projects that you can't see originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-maxisengage-expomaxissimcitysuper-fun-clubtoy-fairventurebeatwill-wrightWed, 07 Oct 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA confirms Maxis layoffs, publisher still committed to Spore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/ea-confirms-maxis-layoffs-publisher-still-committed-to-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/ea-confirms-maxis-layoffs-publisher-still-committed-to-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/ea-confirms-maxis-layoffs-publisher-still-committed-to-spore/#comments Joystiq has learned that at least a couple dozen employees of EA's Maxis studio were laid off today. EA confirmed that the publisher had reduced the workforce, telling Joystiq in a prepared statement, "EA has taken action to reduce the workforce at Maxis as we focus the business and focus Maxis."

The publisher stated it remains committed to Spore and other Maxis IPs. All eligible employees will receive severance and outplacement assistance. If you have more details or anything to add to this story, please feel free to contact us.

JoystiqEA confirms Maxis layoffs, publisher still committed to Spore originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxisElectronic-ArtslayoffsmaxissporeWed, 26 Aug 2009 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore Galactic Adventures now has over 100k user-created levels]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/spore-galactic-adventures-now-has-over-100k-user-created-levels/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/spore-galactic-adventures-now-has-over-100k-user-created-levels/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/spore-galactic-adventures-now-has-over-100k-user-created-levels/#comments
(click to Galaxy-size)

After Spore Galactic Adventures launched in late June, we expected a similar torrent of user-created content that arrived with the original game's release. Though not quite the same in terms of exponential upward curves, the expansion has just surpassed the 100,000 mark of user-created adventures.

For those of you who haven't been spending countless hours with the Robot Chicken-created DLC, there's clearly plenty of other stuff to keep you occupied. EA Maxis suggests you check out "The Silent Beacon," "Valley of a Thousand Deaths" and "The Fog," but we know better. How about the only good version of Sonic in twenty years? Sold!

Gallery: Spore Galactic Adventures (PC)


JoystiqSpore Galactic Adventures now has over 100k user-created levels originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxisElectronic-Artsgalactic-adventuresmaxispcsporespore-galactic-adventuresuser-created-contentSat, 01 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Wright involved in the future of Spore, consoles a possibility]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/will-wright-involved-in-the-future-of-spore-consoles-a-possibil/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/will-wright-involved-in-the-future-of-spore-consoles-a-possibil/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/will-wright-involved-in-the-future-of-spore-consoles-a-possibil/#comments
Ex-EA employee and enormously popular developer Will Wright is apparently only halfway out of EA's doors. Talking with GameDaily, Wright confirmed his intention to stay on as a consultant for EA Maxis (the development team behind Spore). Saying, "I'm spending a certain amount of time every month actually working with the Spore team on future versions of Spore and expansions," Wright (seemingly for the first time) announced his plans beyond his work with upcoming venture, the Stupid Fun Club.

Additionally, Wright commented on the possibility of console iterations of Spore, frankly stating, "For us it's really an opportunity/cost issue ... we either do that [consoles] or we continue creating new applications on the PC or we kind of go into the handheld arena." Guess he forgot about that upcoming Wii title, Spore Hero! While we're looking forward to what Wright's next move is with SFC, it's good to hear the man behind Spore is still helping to develop the game moving forward. The money problem doesn't hurt either, eh?

JoystiqWill Wright involved in the future of Spore, consoles a possibility originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxisElectronic-ArtsgamedailyMicrosoftNintendosporespore-herostupid-fun-clubWiiwill-wrightXbox-360Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Maxis talks about Wright's departure; Will talks Stupid Fun Club]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/maxis-talks-about-wrights-departure-will-talks-stupid-fun-club/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/maxis-talks-about-wrights-departure-will-talks-stupid-fun-club/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/maxis-talks-about-wrights-departure-will-talks-stupid-fun-club/#comments
Will Wright's announcement that he was kind of leaving EA this week took the gaming community by surprise. Unsurprisingly though, Wright says the move was planned over the course of the last year with EA. "It's something that we've been in talks with EA for almost a year ... it's kind of a long-term plan and I was just in no hurry to do it," he told GameSpot. Lucy Bradshaw, VP and general manager at EA Maxis, echoed Wright's statements, telling GameDaily it's been a "life-long dream [for Wright to have a] small nucleus think tank."

Funded by EA and venture capitalists, Stupid Fun Club is setting out not to develop just new games but to develop new IP across multiple mediums. Wright calls his vision of the club the "evolution of the entertainment industry," using Marvel and LucasArts as reference points and saying, "If I'm into Star Wars or Lost, I might go to the website or buy the toys .... It's the IP that really matters, that strand of consistency and quality through it." We've certainly heard this tune before, though never from such an acclaimed developer. It remains to be seen just how "stupid fun" Mr. Wright's club actually is, but we'll remain hopeful for now.

Source 1 - GameDaily
Source 2 - GameSpot

JoystiqMaxis talks about Wright's departure; Will talks Stupid Fun Club originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAea-maxiselectronic-artsgamedailygamespotlucasartslucy-bradshawmarvelmaxisstupid-fun-clubwill-wrightFri, 10 Apr 2009 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[See how Spore evolves with 'Galactic Adventures']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/see-how-spore-evolves-with-galactic-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/see-how-spore-evolves-with-galactic-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/see-how-spore-evolves-with-galactic-adventures/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's universally agreed upon that the best bits of Spore are its creature creation and galactic endgame. It's really no surprise, then, that the first expansion for the game -- Spore Galactic Adventures -- seeks to produce a viable cross-breed of the two modes.

One of several Spore projects on tap for 2009, the expansion will give players the ability to design whole planets and build their own adventures, then share them via the same web-based mechanism as other game creations. Maxis has put together a "behind the scenes" look into the concept -- which, even if it doesn't address all of Spore's sore spots, will at least allow for planets that look like adult novelties.

JoystiqSee how Spore evolves with 'Galactic Adventures' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxiselectronic-artsMacPCsporespore-galactic-adventuresvideoMon, 26 Jan 2009 21:56:00 EST