SimCity Offline Mode is Coming

In what many consider a huge turnaround, Maxis have announced that they will be releasing an offline mode for SimCity. This is a much wanted change and fans of the game will be pleased to hear this unprecedented news. The information came in a blog post on the SimCity website.

Offline is coming as a free download with Update 10 to all SimCity players. When we launch it, all of your previously downloaded content will be available to you anytime, anywhere, without the need for an internet connection. We are in the late phases of wrapping up its development and while we want to get it into your hands as soon as possible.

-  Patrick Buechner, General Manager of the Maxis Emeryville studio

When SimCity launched early last year it was as an always online game, unlike previous titles in the series. Many players were annoyed and forced Maxis to go on record to try and explain why they felt the game needed a constant internet connection.

Always-Connected is a big change from SimCities of the past.  It didn’t come down as an order from corporate and it isn’t a clandestine strategy to control players.  It’s fundamental to the vision we had for this SimCity.

- Lucy Bradshaw, General Manager - Maxis Label

A large number of SimCity players have always been angry about the lack of an offline mode, especially when huge server issues just after launch rendered the game completely unplayable at launch.

Multiplayer mode, the Global Market and Leaderboards will all remain online. However the new Single Player Mode will allow you to play offline, saving and loading your city on your local machine. Offline mode will also mean good things for modders.

Bringing the game Offline means big things for our wonderful community of Modders. They can now make modifications to the game and its components without compromising the integrity of the Online game. Modding is a big part of our studio’s legacy and we’re excited to see what you guys create.

-  Patrick Buechner, General Manager of the Maxis Emeryville studio

It may have taken almost a year but it seems that Maxis have been listening after all.