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The launch ofSimCityin 2013 should have been a successful return for the beloved city-building franchise. Instead, it became one of the most infamous video game disasters in history. It is a story of ambition, failure, and efforts at redemption that fell far short of the irreparable damage that was caused.
From server failures to restrictive always-online DRM, the game’s release was marred by issues that left players frustrated and developers scrambling to save face. What followed was a series of desperate measures, including free game offers, as EA attempted to salvage its reputation amidst widespread criticism.
SimCity2013 was so bad people got a free game out of it
WhenSimCitylaunched in March 2013, expectations were sky-high. EA and Maxis had promised an upgraded simulation experience powered by the new GlassBox engine which would feature unparalleled realism. But the game’s “always-online” DRM requirement quickly became a nightmare. Server issues prevented many from even logging in, and those who did faced corrupted save files.
Does beg the question, how much of Cities: Skyline’s success was based off the failures of this game. The more time goes by the more I think it does. Especially now when SO much content has been locked behind expensive DLC, and the base game gets old quickly.
Within days, the game’s Metacritic user score saw a dip and Amazon had to remove both the physical and digital editions that were on sale. The decision to include always-online DRM was a major point of contention.A problem that persists today. EA claimed the feature was essential for multiplayer functionality and resource-sharing between cities.
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The vast majority of the community saw it as a heavy-handed attempt to curb piracy. Frustration boiled over as players questioned why the game couldn’t support an offline mode, a feature Maxis developers later admitted toRock Paper Shotguncould have been added.
Maxis reveals details of free PC game offer for all#SimCityplayers:http://t.co/bcQ4oCOw0G
As outrage mounted, EA scrambled to make amends. The company announced that players who activated their copies ofSimCitywould receive a free game from a curated list. Titles such asBattlefield 3,Mass Effect 3, andDead Space 3were offered, alongside less prominent choices likeBejeweled 3andPlants vs. Zombies.
It wasn’t an easy day for the developers either
Behind the scenes, developers at Maxis were grappling with the fallout of their bold but flawed vision. Lead designer Stone Librande recalled the chaos at the time. (viaPC Gamer) “It was just noise and new people and everybody scrambling. Alarm bells were going off, and it was like, ‘Oh, what is going on?’“
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Despite years of work, the team watched as their efforts unraveled. The GlassBox engine, designed to simulate individual citizens’ behavior, proved to be both the game’s strength and its Achilles’ heel. The complex system required significant computational power, forcing developers to shrink city sizes to ensure performance. And withThe Sims 5effectively canceled, the franchise might be gone for good.
SimCitysaw some improvements over time. Updates addressed some of the most egregious bugs, and EA eventually introduced an offline mode in 2014—a move many felt came too late. By then, the damage was done. Sales dwindled, and the franchise was effectively shelved. Maxis, the studio behindSimCity, was shut down by EA in 2015, marking a somber end for the team.
But you know who the biggest winner was?Cities: Skyline! That game used the opportunity to become the main city-building game on the market.
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1370
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. You can also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
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EA (Electronic Arts)Maxis
