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[Rumor: Maxis insider claims SimCity servers not essential]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/rumor-simcitys-servers-less-necessary-than-ea-claims/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/rumor-simcitys-servers-less-necessary-than-ea-claims/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/rumor-simcitys-servers-less-necessary-than-ea-claims/#comments Though EA's official stance on SimCity's persistent Internet connection has been that it's absolutely required for the core game to function, a report from Rock, Paper, Shotgun claims that is not the case. An inside source who asked to remain anonymous told RPS the online servers are "not handling any of the computation done to simulate the city you are playing."

According to the source, the servers are coordinating social messages between cities in a region, as well as "cloud storage of save games, interfacing with Origin, and all of that. But for the game itself? No, they're not doing anything."

Even when the servers go down, certain cities have stayed online and playable for a period of time, suggesting off-site computation is not entangled in the main gameplay loop. The RPS source claims servers are also being used to repeatedly check for instances of hacking and cheating - and the game's verification messages to servers are creating queues and hampering responsiveness.

Finally, the source casts doubt on EA's claims that a single-player version of this SimCity would be impossible to produce. "It wouldn't take very much engineering to give you a limited single-player game without all the nifty region stuff." EA's current public reasoning about why the game needs to stay online has done little to quell frustration voiced over the game's tremendous launch issues.

Joystiq has contacted EA for comment regarding the source's claims.

JoystiqRumor: Maxis insider claims SimCity servers not essential originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymouscheetah-modecloudeaelectronic-artsgameplayofflineonlineoriginpcsave-gamesserverssimcitysimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NMA summarizes SimCity woes, sort of]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/nma-summarizes-simcity-woes-sort-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/nma-summarizes-simcity-woes-sort-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/nma-summarizes-simcity-woes-sort-of/#comments
The SimCity servers may still be having problems, but good news: NMA's video rendering servers are working just fine.

JoystiqNMA summarizes SimCity woes, sort of originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macnmanma-tvpcsimcitysimcity-2013simcity-5Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:00:00 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[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 intro video receives permit for public viewing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/simcity-intro-video-receives-permit-for-public-viewing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/simcity-intro-video-receives-permit-for-public-viewing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/simcity-intro-video-receives-permit-for-public-viewing/#comments
If you like flyovers of modeled cityscapes, you are in for a treat with this SimCity intro trailer. Urban and industrial vistas are on display as the camera flies by buildings and uses convenient skyscrapers as edits. Enjoy!

JoystiqSimCity intro video receives permit for public viewing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsmacpcSimCitysimcity-2013simcity-5Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG weekend sale: Alpha Centauri, Syndicate and other EA classics 60% off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/gog-weekend-sale-alpha-centauri-syndicate-and-other-ea-classic/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/gog-weekend-sale-alpha-centauri-syndicate-and-other-ea-classic/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/02/gog-weekend-sale-alpha-centauri-syndicate-and-other-ea-classic/#comments Several of EA's classic PC games have had their prices slashed to ridiculous levels on GOG for this weekend - games like Alpha Centauri, Syndicate, Populous and more can be had for under $3 each.

Other EA games taking part in the sale include a whole bunch of Ultimas, the Wing Commander series and SimCity 2000. All of the games listed on GOG's weekend promo page will set you back $2.39 a pop. If you want to purchase all 26 eligible games, it'll cost $62.14.

JoystiqGOG weekend sale: Alpha Centauri, Syndicate and other EA classics 60% off originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-centaurigogpcpopuloussimcitysimcity-2000syndicateultimawing-commanderFri, 02 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA @ Gamescom: Crysis 3, SimCity, Army of Two and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/ea-gamescom-crysis-3-simcity-army-of-two-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/ea-gamescom-crysis-3-simcity-army-of-two-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/ea-gamescom-crysis-3-simcity-army-of-two-and-more/#comments If you're lucky enough to find yourself at Gamescom next week in Germany, playable demos of Crysis 3 and SimCity will be headlining EA's lineup. Aside from those two, there will also be demo stations at EA's booth for Need for Speed: Most Wanted, FIFA 13, FIFA Manager 13, Medal of Honor: Warfighter and Star Wars: The Old Republic.

EA will also be conducting behind-closed-doors presentations. Notable titles for private showcase include the newly-announced Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel from Visceral Games, the Armored Kill expansion for Battlefield 3, Crysis 3, Dead Space 3, NHL 2013, Sims 3, SimCity and a bunch of mobile games from EA and Chillingo. We'll have previews of those games next week.

JoystiqEA @ Gamescom: Crysis 3, SimCity, Army of Two and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>army-of-twoarmy-of-two-the-devils-cartelbattlefield-3crysis-3dead-space-3eafifa-13gamescom-2012microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3simcitysimcity-2013wiiwii-uxboxFri, 10 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity Social has over 10 million monthly active users]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/simcity-social-has-over-10-million-monthly-active-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/simcity-social-has-over-10-million-monthly-active-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/simcity-social-has-over-10-million-monthly-active-users/#comments If you're sick of Facebook notifications from your friends asking you to play SimCity Social, you're far from the only one. During today's financial earnings report, EA revealed that SimCity Social is quite the hit, with over 10 million monthly active users. SimCity Social launched on Facebook at the end of June.

JoystiqSimCity Social has over 10 million monthly active users originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafacebookmacpcsimcitysimcity-socialTue, 31 Jul 2012 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity building into your personal life February 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/simcity-building-into-your-personal-life-february-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/simcity-building-into-your-personal-life-february-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/simcity-building-into-your-personal-life-february-2013/#comments A press release (available after the break) detailing Electronic Arts' full E3 line-up has revealed a launch window for Maxis' forthcoming reboot of SimCity: February, 2013. Previously, we were left to ponder over a woefully vague "2013" release window for the reboot.

Knowing that SimCity's launch won't happen until next year is actually super helpful, as it gives us plenty of time to collaborate with city planners, come up with street names, figure out efficient public transportation solutions and then construct a golden throne from which to watch it all burn.

Continue reading SimCity building into your personal life February 2013

JoystiqSimCity building into your personal life February 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3-2012EAea-gamesElectronic-Artsfebruary-2013pcq1-2013release-daterelease-windowSimCitysimcity-2013simcity-5Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: EA planning SimCity Social for Facebook [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/rumor-ea-planning-simcity-social-for-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/rumor-ea-planning-simcity-social-for-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/rumor-ea-planning-simcity-social-for-facebook/#comments ImageDomain registrations suggest that EA is planning to follow up its hit Facebook game The Sims Social with a Facebook-based SimCity. Last September, the publisher registered (or re-registered) "SimCitySocial.com," "SimCity-Social.com," and "SimCityFacebook.com," which, put together, provide evidence of a Facebook game called "SimCity Social."

Additionally, as SimsVIP reports, you can spot a Playfish SimCity Social URL ... if you load up http://apps.facebook.com/simcitysocial/ in Google Cache, stop the page before it redirects to Facebook, and view source. It's a lot of crazy steps to take in order to see some shaky, uncertain evidence, but it works.

Even if this game turns out to be real, there's no telling when EA will launch it. Outernauts will likely be EA's big Facebook launch this summer, and the publisher has been sitting on these URLs for months. Perhaps it'll be released next year alongside the other new SimCity.

[Thanks, Victor!]

Update: We came across this URL for a currently inactive "SimCity" app. The source, including the broken image on the front page, links back to Playfish. EA officially declined to comment to Joystiq.

JoystiqRumor: EA planning SimCity Social for Facebook [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafacebookpcsimcitysimcity-socialWed, 09 May 2012 11:15:00 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['The buck stops at the simulation' with new SimCity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/the-buck-stops-at-the-simulation-with-new-simcity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/the-buck-stops-at-the-simulation-with-new-simcity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/the-buck-stops-at-the-simulation-with-new-simcity/#comments
"We're building a simulation that really captures the world we live in today, where your decisions go beyond the boundaries of the city." Speaking at an EA press conference in San Francisco tonight, Maxis Senior Vice President Lucy Bradshaw shared some of the high-level goals for the new SimCity game, coming to PC in 2013.

Bradshaw recalled shipping the first city builder in 1989, and described the return of Maxis to the franchise proper with great enthusiasm. "It's been about ten years since we shipped the last, true SimCity by Maxis," she said. Despite that passage of time, the developer still seeks to impart inspiration in simulation. "The buck stops at the simulation," Bradshaw said.

Gallery: SimCity

Continue reading 'The buck stops at the simulation' with new SimCity

Joystiq'The buck stops at the simulation' with new SimCity originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eagdc-2012lucy-bradshawmaxispcsimsimcitysimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity torn down, available now as SimCity Deluxe on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/simcity-torn-down-available-now-as-simcity-deluxe-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/simcity-torn-down-available-now-as-simcity-deluxe-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/simcity-torn-down-available-now-as-simcity-deluxe-on-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , ,

SimCity Deluxe, the replacement for regular SimCity on iPhone/iPod Touch (which is now missing from the App Store), is ready for mobile mayors who divert $6.99 of their household budget to the app. According to EA, the new version includes "bigger buttons, better flow and more accessible items" than the original release. The game has also received some graphics work and a frame rate enhancement to bring it a little bit more in-line with SimCity 4.

The game also features seven scenarios and starter cities, along with the four seasons in which to play. If you download SimCity Deluxe and have "meaty sausage fingers," leave a comment on how this one handles.

Gallery: Sim City Deluxe (iPhone)

JoystiqSimCity torn down, available now as SimCity Deluxe on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsiphonemobileSimCitysimcity-deluxeThu, 29 Jul 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA discounts more than a dozen iPhone games to $1 each]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/ea-discounts-more-than-a-dozen-iphone-games-to-1-each/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/ea-discounts-more-than-a-dozen-iphone-games-to-1-each/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/ea-discounts-more-than-a-dozen-iphone-games-to-1-each/#comments We can't imagine what kind of event would spur EA to slash the price on several of its big-name iPhone games -- oh, right. Regardless of motive, Touch Arcade informs us of the sale, which extends through tomorrow. Here are some highlights: The good news: lots of iPhone games are only $1. The bad news: none of those games is Mirror's Edge (which is still only available for iPad).

[Thanks, Dali]

JoystiqEA discounts more than a dozen iPhone games to $1 each originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BattleshipDragons-LairEAElectronic-ArtsFIFA-10Need-For-Speed-ShiftNFSSSimCityWed, 23 Jun 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity Deluxe erecting pyramids on iPhone this Summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/simcity-deluxe-erecting-pyramids-on-iphone-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/simcity-deluxe-erecting-pyramids-on-iphone-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/simcity-deluxe-erecting-pyramids-on-iphone-this-summer/#comments If you're anything like us, you've been looking at your iPhone's old, boring, regular version of SimCity, anxiously anticipating a deluxe update with "improved UI" and "4 distinct season" (ooh, and they're "linked to seasonal disasters!"). Thankfully EA has announced just such an update in SimCity Deluxe, heading to the App Store this summer.

As you can see above (and more thoroughly below in the gallery), the game will come with a variety of cultures throughout history and their respective accoutrements (pyramids, for instance). No price has been set, but we'd wager it won't be too far off from the $2.99 asking price for the original game -- and hey, under $10 for pyramids? We're okay with that.

Gallery: Sim City Deluxe (iPhone)

JoystiqSimCity Deluxe erecting pyramids on iPhone this Summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeAppleeaea-mobileElectronic-ArtsiPodq3-2010release-datesimcitysimcity-deluxeThu, 18 Mar 2010 17:00:00 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[SimCity now available on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/simcity-on-iphone-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/simcity-on-iphone-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/simcity-on-iphone-available-now/#commentsFiled under: ,


EA just sent word out by news ticker that SimCity is now available for iPhone (and iPod touch). The game appears to be in the vein of SimCity 3000 and is listed for $10 on the App Store.

We're curious to hear how it plays, so let us know in the comments. If it's a solid SimCity experience (and fat fingers friendly), $10 doesn't seem like a bad price.

JoystiqSimCity now available on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleappstoreMobilesimcitysimcity-iphoneThu, 18 Dec 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag: SimCity Creator goes to ...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/fanswag-simcity-creator-goes-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/fanswag-simcity-creator-goes-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/fanswag-simcity-creator-goes-to/#commentsFiled under:


Okay, let's try this again. Our latest giveaway has concluded, meaning it's high time we selected our winner. Via random drawing, the individual selected to get our copy of SimCity Creator is:
  • Kaoz, who likes on the big green monster
Congrats to our winner and better luck next time to all of you. Keep your eyes on Wii Fanboy. We'll be starting up another giveaway soon.

JoystiqFanswag: SimCity Creator goes to ... originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafanswagsim-citysimcitysimcity-creatorThu, 30 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Today is the last day for our giveaway]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/reminder-today-is-the-last-day-for-our-giveaway/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/reminder-today-is-the-last-day-for-our-giveaway/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/reminder-today-is-the-last-day-for-our-giveaway/#commentsFiled under:


Last night, we made a mistake and prematurely selected a winner for our latest contest. See, we usually run these things until Sunday night, selecting a winner via random drawing the following day and putting up a post that night. For those of you that regularly read us, you probably saw the post and thought nothing of it. Well, in reality, we made a mistake.

You see, the contest is still open now. When we set up the rules for these things, they're final, so we're obligated to keep the contest open for its full length, as we should. So, for those of you who want to win this game, get on over to the original contest post here and leave a comment. The contest closes tonight.

We apologize to the mixup and thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter. Thanks.

JoystiqReminder: Today is the last day for our giveaway originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>easimcitysimcity-creatorTue, 28 Oct 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag: SimCity Creator goes to ... [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/fanswag-simcity-creator-goes-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/fanswag-simcity-creator-goes-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/fanswag-simcity-creator-goes-to/#commentsFiled under:


Update: Wow, we can be pretty boneheaded sometimes. We prematurely ended the contest and chose a winner, thinking it ended on Sunday night, as per our usual routine. This latest contest, however, wasn't supposed to end until the evening of Tuesday, October 28th. We apologize for the mistake and will be leaving the contest open, selecting the winner at random again, after it has officially concluded. Sorry to everyone involved, we'll do our best to avoid this mistake in the future. Please ignore all of that at the bottom.

Our latest giveaway has concluded, meaning it's high time we selected our winner. Via random drawing, the individual selected to get our copy of SimCity Creator is:
  • Peter S, who digs on the tornadoes
Congrats to our winner and better luck next time to all of you. Keep your eyes on Wii Fanboy. We'll be starting up another giveaway soon.

JoystiqFanswag: SimCity Creator goes to ... [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafanswagsimcitysimcity-creatorMon, 27 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag: SimCity Creator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/fanswag-simcity-creator/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/fanswag-simcity-creator/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/fanswag-simcity-creator/#commentsFiled under:


Are you ready for our latest giveaway? This time, we're hooking one lucky reader up with a copy of SimCity Creator ($50) for the Wii! Want to enter for your chance at this game?

To enter, simply leave a comment between now and Tuesday, October 28th at 11:59PM ET, telling us what your favorite SimCity natural disaster is. Is it Godzilla? Tornadoes? Need something to jog your memory? You can leave one comment per day. We'll select a winner the following day via random drawing.

There are a few things you should know before entering. Entrants must be current and legal residents of the United States or Canada (excluding Quebec) and at least 18 years of age or older. Read up on the rest of the official rules right here. Good luck!

JoystiqFanswag: SimCity Creator originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfanswagsimcitysimcity-creatorWed, 22 Oct 2008 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Retail and download releases for the week of September 22nd]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/retail-and-download-releases-for-the-week-of-september-22nd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/retail-and-download-releases-for-the-week-of-september-22nd/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/retail-and-download-releases-for-the-week-of-september-22nd/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image for more screens

Well folks, just as stated, we've got a new Mega Man game to play this week. What's even better is that along with the sure-to-be-awesome Mega Man 9, we've also got some solid retail releases. And there's a surprise or two with this week's Virtual Console releases, as well. Head on past the break for the info. This week is going to be chock full of gaming goodness.

Continue reading Retail and download releases for the week of September 22nd

JoystiqRetail and download releases for the week of September 22nd originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brothers-in-armscapcomcim-cityde-blobeagenesiskonamilego-batmanlost-in-bluemega-man-9nesreleasessegasega-genesissimcitysuper-dodge-ballthqvectormanwariowario-land-shake-itMon, 22 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA surprises us with SimCity Creator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/ea-surprises-us-with-simcity-creator/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/ea-surprises-us-with-simcity-creator/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/ea-surprises-us-with-simcity-creator/#commentsFiled under:


Doesn't it look all kinds of fun?

IGN has uploaded plenty of new videos from EA's upcoming Wii title, SimCity Creator. Within the separate videos, a wide range of gameplay aspects are covered, from the always-fun disasters that can trouble a city (above) to the maintenance woes that plague a city that has become quite developed. There's even a video showing how you can pilot a plane in the title. Head on past the break for the rest and hit up our gallery below for plenty of screens.

Continue reading EA surprises us with SimCity Creator

JoystiqEA surprises us with SimCity Creator originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artssimcitysimcity-creatorsimulationTue, 24 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity Societies demo (finally) available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/simcity-societies-demo-finally-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/simcity-societies-demo-finally-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/simcity-societies-demo-finally-available/#commentsFiled under: ,

We know your type. You've been waiting for a demo of SimCity Societies to see if the game is right for you. Finally, after 213 impatient days, the now self-publishing Tilted Mill Entertainment have released a demo for the city builder, which you can find at Big Download.

Metareviews and Yahtzee be damned, check the game out and decide for yourself. SimCity Societies is part of The SimCity Box, due out June 23.

JoystiqSimCity Societies demo (finally) available originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoPCsimcitysimcity-societiessocietiestilted-milltilted-mill-entertainmentFri, 13 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity Creator brings urban erection to Wii, DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/simcity-creator-brings-urban-erection-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/simcity-creator-brings-urban-erection-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/simcity-creator-brings-urban-erection-to-wii/#commentsFiled under: , ,

simcity
click to enlarge

Since it's abundantly clear that we need to grow up, allow us to tell you about our dream of becoming city planners -- nay, creators! -- as soon as we reach adulthood. According to the latest issue of Japan's Famitsu magazine (as translated by the men of IGN), SimCity Creator will prove to be the ideal training tool. First announced in February of this year, the Wii game allows puerile planners such as ourselves to draw rivers or tracks (inevitably shaped like genitalia) with the Wiimote in the construction of our virtual cities.

You'll be able to change the style of your buildings, with options including European, Chinese and Indian designs. Apparently, you can also opt for buildings made of crystal or candy. You'll be wanting to show those off to your friends via the game's city-sharing Wi-Fi Connection feature, shortly before you inflict a hilarious cataclysm upon your potentially edible metropolis. That's always been our favorite part of city planning.

The game is currently expected to hit Japan in September. We'll let you know as soon as EA unveils its plans for other regions. Update: SimCity Creator will be available on the Wii and Nintendo DS on September 22, 2008 in North America and on September 19, 2008 in Europe and Asia-Pacific regions.

Gallery: SimCity Creator (Wii)


Gallery: SimCity Creator (DS)


Source -- Official EA press release
Source -- Famitsu information

JoystiqSimCity Creator brings urban erection to Wii, DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 May 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsDSEAEA-Casual-EntertainmentElectronic-ArtsFamitsuJapanSimCitySimcity-CreatorWiiThu, 29 May 2008 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Spore Creature Creator included in SimCity Box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/rumor-spore-creature-creator-included-in-simcity-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/rumor-spore-creature-creator-included-in-simcity-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/rumor-spore-creature-creator-included-in-simcity-box/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ever since EA announced the early release of Spore's Creature Creator, we've been wondering how the company planned on distributing the pre-game title. Fingers were crossed for a free demo, but now it seems that EA would rather entice players into buying their SimCity Box, which will reportedly include the Creature Creator amongst its lineup of classic SimCity titles.

On the game's Amazon product page, the box art indicates the presence of the "Creature Creator Trial Version" as a bonus feature. This same bonus is stated in the product description. If Amazon is to be trusted, we still don't know whether the "trial version" indicates a limited demo of the soon-to-be-released creature editor, or whether the editor is considered to be a "trial version" of Spore.

We also don't know if this is EA's only intended method of distribution for the Creature Creator. We've contacted EA for further clarification, and will let you know once we have a few more facts.

[Via GamerTell]

JoystiqRumor: Spore Creature Creator included in SimCity Box originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsmaxisPCsimcitysimcity-boxsporespore-creature-creatorspore-creature-editorTue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The SimCity Box starts construction in June for $40]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/the-simcity-box-starts-construction-in-june-for-40/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/the-simcity-box-starts-construction-in-june-for-40/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/the-simcity-box-starts-construction-in-june-for-40/#commentsFiled under: ,


EA announced today that it'll release The SimCity Box in June, which includes SimCity Societies, SimCity Societies Destinations, SimCity 4, SimCity 4 Rush Hour and The Sims Carnival SnapCity. The best part of the bundle is the very friendly $40 price tag; however, the only real draw inside the box is SimCity 4 and its expansion Rush Hour, which are available bundled for $15 - $20 at most retailers.

SimCity Societies, which was not developed by Maxis, stumbled on release for various reasons. The SimCity Box might be worth it to those who missed out on the last half-decade of the series and are looking to test out its traditional and more casual incarnations over the summer.

JoystiqThe SimCity Box starts construction in June for $40 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsPCsim-carnival-snapcitysimcitysimcity-4simcity-societiessimcity4Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Promotional Consideration: City planning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/promotional-consideration-city-planning/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/promotional-consideration-city-planning/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/promotional-consideration-city-planning/#commentsFiled under:



Promotional Consideration is a weekly feature about the Nintendo DS advertisements you usually flip past, change the channel on, or just tune out.

We applaud any video game ad that eschews the common official-art-and-screenshots approach, a template that's been in place for as long as we can remember. This week's piece abandons those conventions, marketing EA's SimCity DS port and its city-management features in a much more creative fashion. Expand you commercial zoning, lower industrial taxes, and join us past the break!

Continue reading Promotional Consideration: City planning

JoystiqPromotional Consideration: City planning originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaillusive-design-collectiveportpromotional-considerationpromotionalconsiderationsim-citysimcitysimulationukwill-wrightSun, 16 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Sim City 2 screens, promo site erected]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/new-sim-city-2-screens-promo-site-erected/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/new-sim-city-2-screens-promo-site-erected/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/new-sim-city-2-screens-promo-site-erected/#commentsFiled under: ,


Sim City aficionados will enjoy this update from Famitsu. They've gone ahead and set up a small promo site for the upcoming sequel to Sim City DS, Sim City 2. And, as we still lack our whipping boy for reading Japanese, we've no idea what any of the text says on the page. But, there's plenty of new screens to look at! That's always nice.

If you want to check out the new screens, which seem to show off multiple assistants, then hit up our gallery below.

JoystiqNew Sim City 2 screens, promo site erected originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>famitsujapansim-citysim-city-2sim-city2simcitysimcity2Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sim City 2 constructs Japanese release date, new screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/sim-city-2-constructs-japanese-release-date-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/sim-city-2-constructs-japanese-release-date-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/sim-city-2-constructs-japanese-release-date-new-screens/#commentsFiled under: ,

Town-planning enthusiasts who are also adept at reading kanji rejoice! EA just declared that Sim City 2 DS will be layin' pipes and buildin' roads in Japan on March 19th.

Don't get too excited, though. One look at any screens of Maxis' build-me-do should let you know that this is not most people's idea of an import-friendly title. There are lashings of Japanese text, and if the user interface is anywhere near as confusing as the one found in the first Sim City DS (which we struggled to understand in English), we may as well just give up now and wait for news of a western release.

Go past the break for a sprinkling of new screens.

Continue reading Sim City 2 constructs Japanese release date, new screens

JoystiqSim City 2 constructs Japanese release date, new screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eajapanmaxissimcitysimulationWed, 05 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy does 2 for $30 deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/best-buy-does-2-for-30-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/best-buy-does-2-for-30-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/best-buy-does-2-for-30-deal/#commentsFiled under:

Best Buy is having a sale on all of their video games priced at $19.99, allowing those looking to stock up on titles to snag two games for the sum of $30. And, looking over the list of titles that qualify, there's quite a bit of fun to be had.

Notable games in the sale include Nintendo's training titles Brain Age, Brain Age 2 and Flash Focus. There are also other games like WordJong, SimCity DS, Spectrobes and Orcs & Elves up for grabs too.

[Via QJ]

JoystiqBest Buy does 2 for $30 deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buybestbuybrainagebrainage2eaflash-focusorcsandelvessimcitywordjongMon, 21 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Screen City 2, population: some]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/28/screen-city-2-population-some/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/28/screen-city-2-population-some/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/28/screen-city-2-population-some/#commentsFiled under: ,

We tried building a city on rock 'n roll, but it turns out that the citizens prefer stuff like pipes and roads. So, though we're horrified to learn that Starship misled us, we're going to start Sim City 2 with a plan to build a city on actual good ideas about city planning. And thanks to the opening of the Sim City 2 DS site, we can start pre-planning now, as we look at the neat new options available. Will we build (and subsequently ruin) a Renaissance-era European city? A prehistoric settlement? A Sim Edo-era Japan? Or will we end up with two squares of grass and a lapsed budget, like always?

Luckily, we're much more successful at building galleries. Check out the screens to see all the new historical settings to be found in Sim City 2 DS!

JoystiqScreen City 2, population: some originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eagallerymaxissimcityFri, 28 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Build even more cities on your DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/build-even-more-cities-on-your-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/build-even-more-cities-on-your-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/build-even-more-cities-on-your-ds/#commentsFiled under:

If you loved the idea of a portable SimCity, then this news should make your day -- a sequel to the handheld simulation is in the works, and already set for a March release (in Japan). The DS sequel to the first entry in the popular franchise looks to be adding timelines -- with appropriate costumes for your advisors throughout each era, as well as buildings. Cue caveman garb! Otherwise, it seems like typical SimCity fare, which is actually good news.

And hey, if you haven't picked up the first one, it looks like that GameFly sale is still going.

Continue reading Build even more cities on your DS

JoystiqBuild even more cities on your DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eascansequelsimcitysimulationWed, 26 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: SimCity Societies (PC)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/metareview-simcity-societies-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/metareview-simcity-societies-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/metareview-simcity-societies-pc/#commentsFiled under: ,


Not only did SimCity Societies get thrown into the deep end of the pool to fight for attention this holiday season -- the critics are enjoying watching it drown. The big outlets have yet to give it above a 70 and there are apparently a lot of technical issues holding the title back. SimCity Societies could have been a reimagining of the series that started a different franchise from "SimCity core." But it looks like developer Tilted Mill, best known for the Caesar games, could have really taken more time with it. It's sad that a casual approach to SimCity didn't yield the best results. Perhaps it's because you need a Crysis-level computer to play it, as one review pointed out.
  • 1UP (70/100): "And speaking of smooth, Societies isn't. When you reach the 10,000-population mark, you can expect the game to crawl (I routinely witnessed sub-30 frames per second on a machine I built to rock Crysis). In a game where constant zooming, map rotation, and precise building placement are key, laggy performance is more than a mere annoyance. 'Course, when you reinvent the omelet, you're gonna break a few wheels...or something. And, despite its few slipups, the core of Societies is strong enough -- and the gameplay addictive enough -- that even the stodgiest traditionalist will find something to shout about."
  • GameSpy (60/100): " In short, Sim City Societies is a novel game with a unique new mechanic for building towns and cities with personality. Casual players will find a lot to tinker with as they sculpt towns out of their dreams or nightmares. More serious gamers will be able to plumb the depth of the title over the course of the weekend, so your enjoyment of the game depends a great deal on what you're looking for when you pick up the box."
  • EuroGamer (50/100): "Those Maxis-faithful naysayers who crowed that Tilted Mill would sully their beloved series have sadly been proven right as the game suffers from many of the same complaints levelled at the studio's previous game, Caesar IV. But let me make my final point quite clear - Societies doesn't stumble just because "it isn't SimCity". Fresh takes on old concepts should always be welcome. It stumbles because it's a generally unsatisfying patchwork of a game, dragged down by inconsistent gameplay, outdated design and weirdly implemented ideas."

JoystiqMetareview: SimCity Societies (PC) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metareviewPCsimcitysimcity-societiessimcitysocietiesFri, 16 Nov 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity 'gifted' to One Laptop per Child]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/simcity-gifted-to-one-laptop-per-child/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/simcity-gifted-to-one-laptop-per-child/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/simcity-gifted-to-one-laptop-per-child/#commentsFiled under: , ,

olpc
SimCity is EA's gift to the world, the publisher announced today as plans to include the seminal sim game on each computer in the One Laptop per Child initiative have been finalized. EA might describe this event as "the first time a major video game publisher has gifted a game to the world" (reality check: gifted a game to an estimated 10 million laptops by the end of '08), but we doubt the company is gonna take home many 'Philanthropist of the Year' awards for donating a game that was first booted up on Mac OS 6 (it's that old). While a proposed open source version appears to have been nixed from the agenda, we're confident that the generation of dormant hackers sure to be sprung by the OLPC program will make short work of any imposed limitations -- that is, if they ever tire of the free porn.

JoystiqSimCity 'gifted' to One Laptop per Child originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic artselectronic-artsElectronicArtsolpcPCsimcityThu, 08 Nov 2007 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity Societies teaches players to think 'green']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/simcity-societies-teaches-players-to-think-green/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/simcity-societies-teaches-players-to-think-green/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/simcity-societies-teaches-players-to-think-green/#commentsFiled under: , ,


With Maxis still hip-deep in Spore's primordial ooze, EA's decision to hand the next game in the storied SimCity franchise over to Caesar IV devs Tilted Mill was understandable, if not entirely welcome given the game's move away from being a 'realistic urban simulation,' a shift decried by fans to the tune of "you killed my baby!"

In keeping with the forthcoming SimCity Societies' touchy-feely approach, which looks to abandon simulation gameplay in favor of 'social energies,' EA has announced that the game will also include 'climate education' through "low-carbon electricity choices and carbon emission monitoring" thanks to a partnership with 'green minded' alternative energy organization BP. The goal, says EA, is to give players an "accurate" look at some of the causes and available solutions to the inconvenient truth of global warming, no doubt giving Al Gore reason to smile as he continues to tango with Mizuguchi.

Thankfully, according to EA, the game will not shove any eco-friendly environmentalist perspectives down players' collective throat. Instead, Societies will offer choices on how players wish to power their cities, leaving those of us who feel less at home hugging trees than we do while shoveling coal into the furnace free to do as we please when the game ships for the PC this November.

JoystiqSimCity Societies teaches players to think 'green' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al goreAlGorebpeaElectronic-Artsglobal warmingGlobalWarminggreeninconvenient truthInconvenientTruthmaxisPCsimcitysocietiesWed, 10 Oct 2007 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Preorder offerings in Korea]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/preorder-offerings-in-korea/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/preorder-offerings-in-korea/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/preorder-offerings-in-korea/#commentsFiled under:

Why can't publishers be more charitable with preorder gifts in the states? We're doing them a favor whenever we put down an advance for one of their games, giving retailers an idea of how many they should order to stock their shelves. Japan and Korea seem to get reservation rewards for almost every release!

The latest preorder prizes, a branded system pouch and a stylus set, come with EA's SimCity DS and MySims, both due later this month for Korea. Publisher Fujitsu was more creative with its Cooking Mama gift, offering a limited edition pair of cooking mitts to any gamer who reserves the kitchen-themed minigame collection. Hand over five bucks and head past the post break for more photos of the bonus items.

Continue reading Preorder offerings in Korea

JoystiqPreorder offerings in Korea originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2007 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CookingCooking-MamaCooking-Mama-LtdeakoreaMajesco-EntertainmentMinigamesmysimspreordersimcityThu, 06 Sep 2007 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity Societies: new screenshots and impressions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/simcity-societies-new-screenshots-and-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/simcity-societies-new-screenshots-and-impressions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/simcity-societies-new-screenshots-and-impressions/#commentsFiled under:


Will Wright said it himself: SimCity is complicated. The series has always prided itself on its micromanagement but eventually, flexing the ol' executive muscle starts to feel more like work and less like playing god. No one actually dreams of being a city water commissioner, so why should you have to play one in a video game? SimCity Societies doesn't think you have to either.

In an impromptu presentation, the Sims team at EA walked us through their latest city builder with a focus on accessibility. The act of zoning is gone entirely, leaving players to place their buildings one by one in order to lay our their city. That may sound contrary to the overall goal, but the structures themselves are the characters this time around. Each building comes with its own stats and attributes that more clearly affect the citizens of your city. Your choices are also tailored to your current societal path, which leaves much less room for confusion while still allowing for creative expansion.

From there, it's business as usual, though more personal than ever before. With such a heavy focus on your citizens, its easy to understand the appeal of caring for the values and quality of life for your people as opposed to plotting out landfills and balancing budgets. For those who don't want to worry about money at all, a free play option will be made available from the very start.

SimCity Societies is due out for PC later this year. When asked about other platforms such as the Mac or consoles, nothing was confirmed nor denied.

Gallery: Sim City Societies

JoystiqSimCity Societies: new screenshots and impressions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsPCsimcitysimcitysocietiesThu, 16 Aug 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq first look: SimCity Societies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/joystiq-first-look-simcity-societies/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/joystiq-first-look-simcity-societies/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/joystiq-first-look-simcity-societies/#commentsFiled under: ,



When we asked the super-helpful PR representative at EA's E3 booth what game she was most excited about showing off, she cheerfully replied "SimCity Societies." It's easy to see why. The game is a major departure for the series, letting players truly build whatever kind of city they want.

While the previous games in the SimCity franchise have generally avoided restrictions on your city-building options, the general visual style and implied goal of the cities was always that of a modern, metropolitan area. Societies throws that idea out the window, with all sorts of different types of city types available, from "industrial" to "fun."

What type of city you build is your call, and is determined by which of the hundreds of buildings you decide to build. Each building affects your city's "societal values" -- knowledge, spirituality, productivity, creativity, and prosperity -- and these in turn determine what your citizens want and what type of city you will get.

The city's look will change as you slide from one type to another, with a dingy, dirty look for "industrial" cities and bright, blue skies in the "fun" cities, for example. In another departure for the series, each type of city has specific victory goals such as population and financial production which earn the players trophies. Players can feel free to ignore the goals and just do whatever they want, but those who want something concrete to work towards now have it.

The developers have focused on making Societies accessible to players who don't want to get into the nitty-gritty of city building. Societies does away with previous titles' focus on micromanaging systems like power grids and sewer pipes. You only really have to pay attention to four basic building types: power generators, homes, money generators and venues such as stadiums and libraries.

If you do want to get micro, though, you can zoom in on the status of individual buildings. The location of your buildings in relation to one another will affect their individual stats -- for example, building a tight cluster of retail shops together will make each one produce more money (and more tax revenue).

SimCity Societies will be available for the PC this holiday season.

JoystiqJoystiq first look: SimCity Societies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic ArtsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsMaxisPCSimCitySimCity SocietiesSimcitySocietiesWed, 11 Jul 2007 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Slate: Serious games are seriously boring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/slate-serious-games-are-seriously-boring/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/slate-serious-games-are-seriously-boring/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/slate-serious-games-are-seriously-boring/#commentsFiled under: ,

For all the bluster about serious games being the wave of the future, most examples of the form thus far are missing that key element of ... what's the word ... oh yeah, fun! Slate takes a withering look at the state of the serious games industry by asking the simple question: "Can a game still be called a game if it isn't any fun?"

It's a good question, and one that doesn't reflect kindly on many of the serious games out there. The author is especially derisive of training games that mirror the repetitive, mindless nature of the workplace -- games that are "less alluring to people who love games and more alluring to people who don't. Your boss, for example."

The author suggests that developers who want to make learning fun should focus on the fun first and the learning second. We couldn't agree more. We learned more about urban planning from SimCity than we ever learned about arithmetic from Math Blaster -- mainly because we kept playing SimCity long after Math Blaster got donated to the secondhand store. In other words: you can lead a player to an educational game, but you can't make them play. They have to want to do that.

JoystiqSlate: Serious games are seriously boring originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boringcivilizationeducationaledugamingfunMath BlasterMathBlasterPCseriousserious gamesSeriousGamesSimCityWed, 27 Jun 2007 13:28:00 EST