Blackout Simtropolis because of EA?

[colco2121 55]

I was thinking , if we were so mad at EA, why not blackout the site in protest of EA? We are totally against them for SC2013 and this would be a good way to justify our concerns with the game. This would be similar to the SOPA/PIPA blackouts but it would say stuff about online-only and Day 1 DLC. Staff, do you think this is okay? And what do we members think? Maybe we could link it to a petition with our usernames on it! What should we do? . Is this against the rules?

  Edited July 17, 2012 by colco2121  

[The_City_Builder 299]

God I hate it when people assume that because a few people don't like something, everyone else must not...

Look, I don't understand all this fuss. Have we seen any REAL gameplay footage? All we've seen are screenshots. SCREENSHOTS. What good do screenshots do besides give a SMALL HINT on what gameplay MIGHT be like.

[AIX 270]

I think the OP is referring to the Origin issue rather than gameplay itself. Regardless, I don't think a blackout of a fan site will do anything.

[colco2121 55]

Yeah, like forced multiplayer and origin. This is something that needs to stop, now!But I don't know if this is acceptable. Maybe we could get the word out.

[Jasoncw 11,949]

I think the game is shaping up quite well, and I have a lot of confidence in the people making it.

But if I didn't:

SOPA/PIPA went from being under the radar to being extremely well known and unpopular. The blackout raised awareness on a very large scale.

Congressmen and their position on it were made very public on a website that the blacked out sites directed to. People who vote but don't pay close attention to politics would know who voted how.

These two things combined made it clear that they would be punished by their electorate if they voted for it, so they didn't.

But none of that applies here. First, even though Simtropolis is the biggest SimCity site, only a very small percentage of people who would buy the game will see the blackout. So awareness would not be raised on a very large scale. Then once awareness was raised, a lot of people would disagree with you, and most of the people who do agree with you wouldn't care enough to actually take action. And in this case, taking action would be signing a petition.

You'd have at best a few hundred signatures on a petition. And we all know (or should know) that petitions don't really do anything.

[nukeu123 307]

why? its kindof like the old saying, don't knock it till you try it

i am not gonna judge simcity5 untill i try it, only because, the latest picture(s) are only concept and who knows, forced internet could be a good thing....

agreed what was said above, a black out will only affect a VERRY small amount

[madhatter106 3,931]

We are totally against them for SC2013

We are?

Whew - glad to be told where I stand on an issue. I was worried, trying to formulate my own opinion...

[colco2121 55]

At least let's make something to let EA know that we do not like multiplayer and Origin. They just don't seem to care at all.

They never realize that their fans are their money, and they need to meet their needs.

  Edited July 17, 2012 by colco2121  

[gutterclub 2,729]

If you don't like something, make a choice and don't buy it..you don't have to buy it and EA and Maxis don't owe you anything. Maybe you should get the protest rolling by not going on any Simcity sites, vote with your feet so to speak..but don't assume that everyone around shares your views

[Hamish 1,370]

But, see, the thing is, we are not their only fans. ST makes up just a very small percentage of the amount of people who will play this game.

Secondly, we seem to be directing our anger towards the wrong people, its maxis who are pushing the online idea, they want it to be a key part of the game, thats not going to change.

We have yet to see how being online all the time will change game play. We have hardly even seen any gameplay footage. I think its a bit early to be worrying about these things.

Its a reboot of a franchise, not everything is going to remain the same.

Personally, Im not bothered by the online only tag this game is getting. It seems like every game I've recently purchased must be played online, so why should it matter that SC is also online?

[alex macnamara 139]

If you don't like something, make a choice and don't buy it..you don't have to buy it and EA and Maxis don't owe you anything. Maybe you should get the protest rolling by not going on any Simcity sites, vote with your feet so to speak..but don't assume that everyone around shares your views

to just not buy it is not good enough, if we let these developers screw over a franchise, it better be because they wont listen to us, not just because we dont buy it. What if suckers purchase the game and its "successful in sales" but a total POS? Who learns their lesson here? No one learns. The CORE BASE loses because they ignored the majority of the fans.

WE ARE THE CORE BASE....we want a single player game mode. If we have to remind them how to make a simcity game then thats a pretty bad sign. Its like a gas station that is being built, but they decide against the core base and sell rice for our cars rather than gas. This is where the industry is heading!

The point is not to let a developer run a franchise into the ground. Speak up! Email , petition , interview a Maxis rep, or do whatever it takes. But on topic a black out isnt going to do crap because Maxis doesnt count on the info here to thier needs.

[nukeu123 307]

At least let's make something to let EA know that we do not like multiplayer and Origin. They just don't seem to care at all.

They never realize that their fans are their money, and they need to meet their needs.

excuse me, "WE dont like multiplayer"

what do yuo have a mouse in your pocket.......lol jk

seriusly why are ppl judging simcty 5 so early! maxis still has 8 months (maybe even more) of development i think sc4 mods has spoiled some of us and made those have high expectancy

EDIT: and yes please, if you dont like it DONT BUY IT!!! and let others make there own opinions

  Edited July 17, 2012 by nukeu123  

[captivatedlady 7]

I myself am against 'forced online 'play and the like, but as has already been said here and in other forums people may not like it but it is the direction most games are going. EA and Maxis 'to an extent' are not only trying to keep their older fan base, many of who prefer not to have to be connected all the time. Yet at same time there is a whole new generation of folks who don't like to be offline whether for games, (look at Facebook), or news, or whatever, they expect to be connected. Will they lose some of their fan base? Without a doubt. However if they can keep most and entice a new generation, then they will make money and that'ss the bottom line. As my dad used to say Money Talks and Bullsh*t Walks. Me personally, I wont be getting the newer SimCity not just because I hate to be forced into something, but because I wont be able to pay for all the DLC's to keep up. But I also know it's all about making money and so a petition or blackout or anything similiar will not have any effect other than to clutter a few email boxes, check all, delete... there email is all cleaned up. A few keystrokes and you are forgotten.

[colco2121 55]

I am okay with it, but don't like it. As they say" Live with what you've got, and don't complain." That is true. Those who hate it, don't buy it. But face it, EA will not change their ways.

[I. Lostalim 589]

God I hate it when people assume that because a few people don't like something, everyone else must not...

There are a lot of people like that.

I don't think a blackout of a fan site will do anything.

Yeah, Maxis has more important things to do then mess with this site.

At least let's make something to let EA know that we do not like multiplayer and Origin. They just don't seem to care at all.

They never realize that their fans are their money, and they need to meet their needs.

Don't be so selfish, other people besides fans need to play this game.

EDIT: and yes please, if you dont like it DONT BUY IT!!! and let others make there own opinions

You know they like it if they complain.

  Edited July 17, 2012 by I. Lostalim  

[I. Lostalim 589]

EA will not change their ways.

And who said the way they do things is bad?

They produce so many games... It's because of how much people publish through them. That’s why you see EA everywhere, because dozens of studios like doing business with them.

you don't have to buy it and EA and Maxis don't owe you anything.

I laugh at that!

People say EA is forcing them to buy the game.

When did EA tell you to go to Wal-mart and spend.

  Edited July 17, 2012 by I. Lostalim  

[RyanMorgan95 144]

People need to stop with the exaggeration. Nobody is being 'forced' to do anything. If you feel that strongly against the Origin and how evil it is, don't buy the game, simple as that. And for those who like to jump on the anti-Origin bandwagon, well it's really not that bad; you can play offline (just a quick online start-up, that's all, and if you have good enough connection to write lengthy posts publicising you hatred for Origin, than I'm sure it won't be an issue) and EA aren't going to actually look at everyone's personal files now are they.

I think people like to complain for the sake of complaining...

  Edited July 17, 2012 by RyanMorgan95  

[I. Lostalim 589]

People need to stop with the exaggeration. Nobody is being 'forced' to do anything. If you feel that strongly against the Origin and how evil it is, don't buy the game, simple as that. And for those who like to jump on the anti-Origin bandwagon, well it's really not that bad; you can play offline, and EA aren't going to actually look at everyone's personal files now are they.

I think people like to complain for the sake of complaining...

I agree 100%

[Selphy 69]

Look, I get that people don't like Origins and don't like being online constantly. However, that's the nature of the beast. EA dictates what their product will do and what it won't. Origins is their distribution platform and they want people to use it. It would be like complaining that Mario isn't on a Sony console.

ST is probably the biggest SimCity community on the web but it is a small fraction of players. If everyone on this site boycotted the game, they would probably still make millions from all the people who are fans but don't frequent this site.

Lastly, D3 is a constantly online game. While there are vocal fans out there that protested, the vast majority don't care. ME3 is still not on steam and is forced online. People complained but nothing changed. And their fanbase is indefinitely larger than ours.

I think you are just going to have to bite the bullet if you want to play the game. It's a sad truth.

I for one use Steam and Origins alike. I don't like Origins as much as Steam and would have preferred to have all my digital content convienently on one distribution platform but there's nothing we can do. Origins also isn't THAT bad. Think back to when Steam was first released. It was TERRIBLE. I say give Origins a chance.

Unfortunately EA is slight money-grubbing and that doesn't help their case but what can you do.

  Edited July 17, 2012 by Selphy  

[alex macnamara 139]

so we really need to be looking at the real culprit here, EA. If Maxis was smart enough they would have dropped EA as a publisher years ago. Well they can suffer the consequences BOTH of them when the game flops. Ill be modding cities XL 2012 to death

  Edited July 18, 2012 by Blue Lightning  
Removed certain parts

[colco2121 55]

I literally agree. It is really hard to balance hardcore fans with newbies, and EA is honestly not doing a good job at it.

[I. Lostalim 589]

If Maxis was smart enough they would have dropped EA as a publisher years ago.

If you were smart enough, EA owns a large percentage of Maxis. Maxis couldn’t leave if they wanted too, they would be breaking their contract with EA; that would get them into a lot of trouble. Also, what would leaving EA improve this situation, explain that to me.

Once again, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH EA PUBLISHING THE GAME!

Give me ONE reason... WHY?

  Edited July 17, 2012 by I. Lostalim  

[I. Lostalim 589]

While there are vocal fans out there that protested, the vast majority don't care.

Exactly.

I say give Origins a chance.

I was surprised to hear that Origin is still in beta, and has only been in service for 1 year.

Unfortunately EA is slight money-grubbing and that doesn't help their case but what can you do.

Without money, there would be no business; there would be no Simcity.

[westy177 203]

Personally im not looking forward to this new game from current screenshots which all of my opinion is based on meaning it is subject to change as more gets leaked it looks like 3d version of sc3000 which is not an improvement over sc4 which amazing if i buy it nd don't like ill sell it on trade me or something to someone who my want it and continue with sc4 which still is fun to play imo so id hve to say don't judge it yet its NOT FINISHED K

Regards Westy177

[Selphy 69]

Personally im not looking forward to this new game from current screenshots which all of my opinion is based on meaning it is subject to change as more gets leaked it looks like 3d version of sc3000 which is not an improvement over sc4 which amazing if i buy it nd don't like ill sell it on trade me or something to someone who my want it and continue with sc4 which still is fun to play imo so id hve to say don't judge it yet its NOT FINISHED K

Regards Westy177

I would say I agree. Many people are jumping the gun by saying the game is terrible. There hasn't even been one gameplay video and we know almost nothing about the system. Everything right now is almost pure conjecture based on a limited number of screenshots. Also, I don't think it is possible for Maxis to drop EA as a publisher because for all intents and purposes, Maxis is EA.

Also, you need to use punctuation man. Your post was literally one sentence.

[Tarkus 6,933]

If Maxis was smart enough they would have dropped EA as a publisher years ago.

Technically, EA and Maxis "merged" as of June 4, 1997 (with the merge being completed in August). Maxis became a fully-owned subsidiary of EA, with Maxis stock being converted into EA stock at a ratio of 0.3644:1 . It was a $125 million deal. SimCity 4 was actually developed out of EA's main Redwood Shores office, and currently, Maxis is "officially" known "EA Maxis Emeryville".

If you're really curious about the legal business, the actual merger contract can be found here. This article spells it out more plainly.

They could not simply "drop EA as a publisher" . . . they are EA, and have been for over 15 years. It's not simply a matter of buying out a contract. They're not separate entities.

I also concur with the prevailing notion that a "blackout" would be silly. SOPA/PIPA threatened ST and the entire web. The new SimCity does not threaten ST's existence, and in fact, it's strengthened the draw to the site. We're all here at ST discussing the new SimCity, are we not?

-Tarkus

[I. Lostalim 589]

Technically, EA and Maxis "merged" as of June 4, 1997 (with the merge being completed in August). Maxis became a fully-owned subsidiary of EA, with Maxis stock being converted into EA stock at a ratio of 0.3644:1 . It was a $125 million deal. SimCity 4 was actually developed out of EA's main Redwood Shores office, and currently, Maxis is "officially" known "EA Maxis Emeryville".

If you're really curious about the legal business, the actual merger contract can be found here. This article spells it out more plainly.

They could not simply "drop EA as a publisher" . . . they are EA, and have been for over 15 years. It's not simply a matter of buying out a contract. They're not separate entities.

I also concur with the prevailing notion that a "blackout" would be silly. SOPA/PIPA threatened ST and the entire web. The new SimCity does not threaten ST's existence, and in fact, it's strengthened the draw to the site. We're all here at ST discussing the new SimCity, are we not?

-Tarkus

Finally, someone who knows about the merger!! That is a very good analysis of the situation. I like people who backup their opinion with facts and considerations then just flat out saying they "hate" the game. I don't know why people don't like EA, Simcity 4 was made by EA, people like them back then.

Also, I have noticed more people on ST than usual.

P.S. Sorry, what I meant by "Contract"... Was they have already planned for the game to be published through EA in 2012.

  Edited July 18, 2012 by I. Lostalim  

[dabadon5 295]

I did not read this whole thing, too much, why dont we start a campaign to black out EA ? It should not be so hard, because EA mostly makes crappy games anyways. Lets start a petition to tell EA to make better products or to have them shut down completely

[Fisha695 0]

I'm just gonna throw this out there but I seriously feel if the technology would've been there in the late '80s that Will & the original Maxis team would've made SC1 a forced online economy/planet/resources/etc game, where all players (cities/regions) around the real-life world would be interconnected on the same virtual "Earth".

[Jazzmaster 716]

To be honest, I don't even think we're their "core" fan base. Hobbyists and intense realists who split hairs over details in highway mods and BATs fill an extremely small niche for EA's rather large bottom line with this game.

Think about the average consumers paying for this game. Would they pick it up if it was as entirely complex and difficult as the Real-Highway Mod? I doubt it, but who knows...

I'm not saying what we are is a terrible thing, but I'm saying I don't think we matter as much as we think we do. I don't think we are the "core" fan base.