Gaming Modder proves SimCity can run offline indefinitely

tom_mai78101

The Helper Connoisseur / Ex-MineCraft Host
Staff member
Reaction score
1,632
Ever since SimCity launched, there has been a suspicion that the need for the game to always be connected to a server was mainly a form of DRM, not for social game features and multiplayer. Then a Maxis developer came forward to confirm the game doesn’t actually need a server to function, suggesting the information coming out of EA wasn’t the whole truth. Now EA and Maxis have some explaining to do as a modder has managed to get the game running offline indefinitely.


The video above shows the game being played offline. The modder states that this can be done for as long as you like without issues. The only real downside being you can’t save the game because it utilizes cloud saves. However, if you reconnect the game it does save, so you can play all day then just go online to save your progress at the end of a session.

In order to achieve this offline state, modder UKAzzer had to edit the game code to enable debug mode. This exists so the developer can play around with additional features and test the game. Most of those features are disabled unless you have a developer build of the game, but apparently enabling it on a consumer version removes the need for a server connection while retaining everything you need to play.

In fact, it actually improves the game in some ways. City populations are actually tracked correctly and you can edit outside of your city boundaries. Those additional edits are also saved when you reconnect.

This revelation will put EA and Maxis in a difficult position. They’ve been adamant all along that the game won’t work without a server connection and offloads a “significant amount of the calculations.” That’s clearly not true, so why has it been used as a reason to explain why an always-connected game was necessary?


I blame the wrongdoings on the executives, and not Maxis. If only Maxis is an independent game developer...
 
Last edited by a moderator:

The Helper

Necromancy Power over 9000
Staff member
Reaction score
1,688
EA is a bunch of liars and just greedy as all hell. They are not in it to make the best game. They are in it to make the most money. IMHO.
 

FireCat

Oh Shi.. Don't wake the tiger!
Reaction score
530
Yeah, EA knows they can put out "a crap game" and still make money. Well, some games should never have been an online game. really!
 

Fatmankev

Chef, Writer, and Midnight Toker
Reaction score
240
Fair enough - I didn't realize SimCity had such a big following still, I thought it had all moved toward the Sims and that kinda janx. Still, there are gonna be some disgusted customers, there's no denying that.
 

Accname

2D-Graphics enthusiast
Reaction score
1,462
Fair enough - I didn't realize SimCity had such a big following still, I thought it had all moved toward the Sims and that kinda janx. Still, there are gonna be some disgusted customers, there's no denying that.
There have been plenty of "disgusted" customers for diablo 3 and starcraft 2 as well. People rage and complain all day long, but in the end, they still buy the game, and they will buy the next one as well.
I stopped buying any games about 5 years ago when i realized things are going down in the gaming industry quickly.
 

rover2341

Is riding a roller coaster...Wee!
Reaction score
114
"Well, some games should never have been an online game. really! "
I like that its online, with friends. No I don't like that there isn't in offline mode.
 

FireCat

Oh Shi.. Don't wake the tiger!
Reaction score
530
I like that its online, with friends. No I don't like that there isn't in offline mode.
LOL Well, the reality is not everyone can be pleased. Right? But "online games" can give some greedy thought .
 

XXXconanXXX

Cocktails anyone?
Reaction score
284
SimCity is currently the lowest rated product on Amazon. It hasn't gone unpunished - hopefully EA buckles up and figures out how to deal with their pirating problem effectively. It worked for Blizzard though launch day was a bit of a problem, so hopefully they figure out how to do it right.
 

SouLEDGE

Damn you advanced calculus
Reaction score
75
The reason I prefer games to have an offline mode (when possible) is solely because of the crappy internet in South Africa which directly contributes to the fact that we never have servers provided for the games because it isn't feasible to do so. Hence when playing online games our minimum ping is 180 (on a good day) and runs up tp 300-400ping.

on a side note this took extremely long to type because I broke my clavicle :'(
 

tom_mai78101

The Helper Connoisseur / Ex-MineCraft Host
Staff member
Reaction score
1,632
On a side note this took extremely long to type because I broke my clavicle :'(

How did you broke it? I am guessing it might be a car accident or something with a heavy impact force.
 

FireCat

Oh Shi.. Don't wake the tiger!
Reaction score
530
How did you broke it? I am guessing it might be a car accident or something with a heavy impact force.
clavicle bones are pretty easy to broke. You can Just fall down and break it.
Anyway.. take it easy next time :p @SouLEDGE,
 
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.

      The Helper Discord

      Staff online

      Members online

      Affiliates

      Hive Workshop NUON Dome World Editor Tutorials

      Network Sponsors

      Apex Steel Pipe - Buys and sells Steel Pipe.
      Top