SimCity Societies, Maxis Not Included
EA have confirmed that Maxis, being split between Spore and more Sims expansions, will not be involved in SimCity Societies, which we reported about not too long ago. Instead, indie developer, Tilted Mill Entertainment (Children of the Nile), will be working on the project. Chris Beatrice, president and chief developer for Tilted Mill Entertainment, said in her blog that they "are absolutely thrilled to be a part of this venerable series, are extremely proud of what we have put together."
However, he made mention that SimCity Societies will not be a realistic urban simulator like previous entries to the series. That's when my heart sank. Here's exactly what he said:
However, I do not want to mislead anyone: This SC is not a realistic urban simulation, which I understand, to many, represents the heart of what SC is. No one is blind to that. And if you're just completely turned off, even angered by the mere notion of any game called "SimCity" that is not a detailed, realistic urban simulator, I absolutely understand that viewpoint, and absolutely respect it. Passionate fans like you are the lifeblood of the gaming industry, and that is one reason why TMill provides what I think is a great outlet for this type of discussion and even complaint. But please keep in mind the irony in that - we are just a lowly developer after all.
Am I turned off? Maybe just a tad, but I cannot help but be intrigued by what they have done. ...but I don't think it will be anything that replaces my fun with SimCity 4: Rush Hour and such. Though, upon contacting an EA rep regarding this remark, GameSpot was told the series will be moved "in a new and exciting direction" that would "take the franchise back to its roots, and create an accessible, flexible game that will continue to appeal to avid SimCity fans, as well as attract new players to the franchise." So, who knows? It might actually be the best edition of SimCity ever! Only time will tell. What do you think?
[UPDATE: Click here for an interview (and some screenshots) from Simtropolis with EA's Rod Humble who goes into greater detail on what we can expect from Tilted Mill's SimCity Societies. However, there is still no mention of Maxis being involved with the game. Thanks, croxis.]
You killed SimCity! [Tilted Mill Community]
[via GameSpot]
Super Timsy
Posted to Video Games on 8 June 2007
· Comments (2)
Other stuff like this: EA, Electronic Arts, Maxis, PC, SimCities Societies, Tilted Mill Entertainment
I don't like how they're on the defensive already. Makes me think they're sitting on a mediocre product and they know it.
Hate to say this, but this is already out of date and incorrect news.
See the simtropolis.com front page for the latest updates.