EA apologises for SimCity server issues
But remains 'confident' server problems won't affect UK release.
EA has apologised to users who were left unable to play SimCity after the publisher's online service Origin was crippled by "overwhelming demand".
Some fans attempting to play the city-building game, which launched in North America yesterday, reportedly faced lengthy delays while attempting to connect to EA's Origin servers, which the game requires in order to function.
EA later acknowledged the issue, confirming that it was "experiencing overwhelming demand which is keeping some users from accessing their games", and issued an apology.
"The SimCity servers are currently inundated with the masses of eager mayors attempting to govern their cities," the publisher said on its website.
"Some players may currently be experiencing issues or delays when attempting to join a game server or region - or may be unable to create a city at this time. Additionally, there are intermittent reports of friends list, invite, and tutorial delays and errors. We are working to clear traffic from the roads and hope to have all players managing their cities as soon as possible.
"We're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience while we work on a resolution to this issue."
EA has previously faced criticism for its approach to SimCity's DRM, which requires an always-on internet connection to function.
However, the publisher says that it is "confident" that server issues won't plague the game's international release later this week.
"We're making changes to prevent further issues," the publisher said in a follow-up tweet, "and are confident that Origin will be stable for international launches later this week."
SimCity launches in the UK this Friday, March 8.
Source: Twitter, EA.com
User Comments
clangod@ MJTH
The_Grendel
So I played all last night on a European server. (How many of my issues are due to poor latency with a server halfway around the world?)
Connect today on a day off to find that YAY, The NA servers are available! maybe my experience will improove... On the 7th new city I have to start since, Oh Yeah, your saved games are server specific and won't follow you...
Dear EA, EPIC FAIL
I don't want a refund, but you're dreaming if you think I'll pay for any DLC...
EDIT: Well that was wishful thinking, Connected to NA Server and it won't let me skip the tutorial that won't load...
If this keeps up I may change my mind on that refund...
MJTH@ clangod
Sim City is a very taxing game, even on lowest setting. On the highest settings a Geforce 680 can struggle, under the current way sim city is managed, dropping to bellow 30 FPS when more closly zoomed (on a £300+ GPU), let alone if it wasn't being done on server.
Let me just say again I don't back prohibiting always DRM. And in the case of sim city, I agree that the DRM wasn't implemented at all in a way that completely benefits the consumer. However I think EA would have limited their audience more if they had release a DRM free sim city that required a very high spec PC setup,rather then the always on internet set up with mid to low requirements they have now. Either that or the would of had t scae back the size of the game (even more theny've had to now).
clangod@ MJTH
Based on what you say, this is kind of counter-intuitive. They've released a game which requires constant connection regardless of online interaction and justified that by saying it is the way of the future, but then curtailed that by trying to allow the game to run on older hardware...
So aren't we all now part of the future? Why wouldn't Sim City run perfectly well locally on any modern machine?
No offense intended to you MJTH but I don't believe for a second that EA had any concerns for almost obsolete hardware when deciding this.
Call me bitter and twisted. I'm an old man. But I cannot see the minimum requirements relating in any way to the game needing servers and a constant connection to run.
MJTH
One of the reasons they servers for the game (and therefore DRM) is to allow a lot of the complex calculations to be done on their end, so you don't need a really good PC to run. My PC could run it, from the system specs which is incredible. It's not like diablo where it lags in single player, but more along the lines that some of the less important, simulation parts can be done on their end whilst you enjoy the main mechanics for the game running on your system.
This game didn't need to be always online, but for me at least, because it's always online and a lot calculations are being done on servers and not on my end, I would be more likely to buy this game because I wouldn't need a massive upgrade to my set up for it to run. Their goal was to allow your (stereotypical un-tech savy) "dad" to run it on his PC, and I think they've reasonably done that.
I'm not for DRM, but if it allows me to play the game, when I wouldn't be able to due to system requirement constraints otherwise, then that's at least a reasonable use for a system like this. Not like Diablo 3 which feasibly would run on regular gaming set up anyway.
pblive
clangod
Instead of the obligatory "We're sorry, everything should be okay soon" spiel, how about you take note of the reasons you are being sledged to high heaven with your always online restrictions and your inability to deliver a single player experience to all who deem the online co-dependent play unnecessary?
I played the beta. It is awesome. And i didn't once think about having another player (friend or otherwise) in my game. Maxis deserve much praise for Sim City. Unfortunately EA have crippled it with their draconian ways.
This won't stop piracy. It never has. It just makes it harder for your paying customers to get the experience they deserve.
racejames