When it comes to SimCity, it seems every positive has a negative in tow, like an ugly MIB second head. For every evening spent entranced by its intricate simulation, a sudden realisation that it’s not as clever at it appears. For every gleaming fire truck independently winding its way through streets you’ve built, a nee-nawing pine tree.
For EA, SimCity’s monetary success is counterbalanced by memories of that implosive launch – “a major miss”.
EA Labels president Frank Gibeau told GamesBeat that SimCity’s first week was an “experience nobody wants to live through again”.
“Since then, we’ve sold more than 2 million units, and the number of people logging in and playing is holding steady,” he said. “SimCity is a success.”
But he added: “Underestimating demand in the first month was a major miss. We hope that the game and the service we’ve provided since then meets the fans’ high standards.”
Gibeau is clearly keen to show that EA have learned from their ill-advised foray into always-online – feedback from SimCity, he says, meant that Maxis decided against the same for The Sims 4. But have they done enough to fix their still somewhat shaky city-builder?
Thanks, Gamespot.