SimCity Store ?

[RedMist 10]

Hi,

SimCity is an online game, then we can easily say there won't be custom contents and EA will release some content like DLC with Mass Effect and Store content with the Sims.

Now I would like to know if you are ready to purchase contents in order to customize your city.

  Edited July 24, 2012 by RedMist  

[The Avatar 1,089]

Assuming EA releases DLC for SimCity, it really depends on the content of the DLC. I'm not going to pay $5-10 for a small amount of new content that doesn't add anything significant to the game. Something significant, like a new tileset, extra transit networks, or an expansion pack might be a different story.

[cirugo 1,889]

I'm not going to buy the GAME, let alone DLC for it unless they come up with a fully functional offline sandbox mode.

[Kinderly 191]

I should hope that if EA/Maxis release custom content making software then we won't have to worry about something like this. Even if there is a store like the sims store then there would be fan sites with DLC.

  Edited July 24, 2012 by Kinderly  

[SimCity4IE 202]

If the base game is good, I would consider buying a [physical] expansion pack. I hate only having a digital copy, I need CDs.

[Ion_Cannon 677]

If I do buy the game, would I buy DLC? Well that depends entirely on what it consists of. If it was something that the community could create and would therefore have been free previously, then no. However if it was some mechanics change or something which contributes more than extra buildings, then maybe.

[Xyloxadoria 1,098]

I should hope that if EA/Maxis release custom content making software then we won't have to worry about something like this. Even if there is a store like the sims store then there would be fan sites with DLC.

Yes but theres nothing saying the DLC on fansites will be free. Just look at the sims. There are paysites for sims content everywhere desipite there being rules saying otherwise. Same thing is probably going to happen with the new SimCity

[NCGAIO 562]

Exactly why, I think that will not likely have any possibilities to mod the game through the medium of Maxis (EA).

Much less be willing any significant change in this way. In maximum we will have some buildings, new automata, etc ...

But several Paths paid will surely come to add some features, so it is good to go preparing the pocket.

[pyanodon 218]

My thought is they will sell an "incomplete game" and them, sell DLCs.

[Pleasedonotcry 1]

Well, it is critical for them to have an online store where customers could buy from their store which works similar to the TF2 system. You could either buy items or work through countless of hours to earn the item. I would buy the items that are cosmetics rather than items that can ultimately change the game mechanics which could affect the multi-player experience.

Nevertheless, EA is a public company in which it owns to the stockholders first. The stockholders want a better return for their invested money, preferably more than the inflated 2% every year. They have to put an online store. EA stock hasn't been doing well this year. If they ended up bankruptcy, the title "Simcity" would be landed mostly likely to Activision where they would then convert Simcity into RMAH.

[RyanMorgan95 144]

I doubt Maxis/EA will offer DLC because of mods, which are of course free and generally very beneficial. If however they restrict mods somehow, then DLC will probably become available.

I think larger expansion packs would be better, offering hundreds of new buildings with a new tileset, and plenty of new services and transport options, similar to Rush Hour.

  Edited July 25, 2012 by RyanMorgan95  

[Jokurr 175]

I've seen games that have both healthy modding communities and official DLC, there is no real reason both can't coexist.

[pyanodon 218]

I've seen games that have both healthy modding communities and official DLC, there is no real reason both can't coexist.

ahah yes, i agree. But we´re talking about EA here. That´s scares me.

[§haÅ--Ñ€ §hÅŽo 370]

I have a feeling they will steal some of the mods created by the players and will sell them for DLC.

[Moofers 10]

I have a feeling they will steal some of the mods created by the players and will sell them for DLC.

That'll be EA staying classy, we know how desperate they are.

[macvirt 361]

I have a feeling they will steal some of the mods created by the players and will sell them for DLC.

Already the case. And to be honest, while there is a big element there of "inspiration of design" (can anyone say who "invented" a mod or a DLC or a package which gives the user say, Parisian boulevards or buildings), in terms of quality what Maxis sofar is showing is rather lacking. Those parts of Paris, terrible in comparison to what some people have created for SC4 (textures, details, functionality).

I've seen games that have both healthy modding communities and official DLC, there is no real reason both can't coexist.

Agreed in full. To be blunt, it is entirely possible to make more money out of that kind of synergy. Not to mention how that tends to not just reward financially for a specific project, but how it builds customer loyalty and retention which is a magic currency for any company that aims to grow.

I doubt Maxis/EA will offer DLC because of mods, which are of course free and generally very beneficial. If however they restrict mods somehow, then DLC will probably become available.

I think larger expansion packs would be better, offering hundreds of new buildings with a new tileset, and plenty of new services and transport options, similar to Rush Hour.

Maxis has stated they do not even know yet whether they will release modding tools, when or even how they might do it. On the contrary, they have already put together a first offensive of DLC's and given clear hints on what to expect further (from regional styles or individual objects, transit elements, terrain tooling, data visualisation gimmicks, maps, regions and so forth - both art, content and entire feature sets, many of which we have seen in earlier versions prior to beta but which were removed from game because DLC sells more than the actual game).

It's clear already, DLC comes first and foremost. EA risking what they see as competition with their own customer? No.

  Edited January 31, 2013 by CaptCity  

[bergerrunner 41]

No, I will not pay for things that I should have been included when I paid for the game

(hypothetically speaking, of course)

[Herdervriend 46]

I did pay EA quite a lot for extra's in Battlefield Play4Free/Heroes. So they had enough for me.

For me, only REALLY important stuff I will buy. But even then I would think about it.

[nhgriffith 179]

I see DLC in the form of optional, non necessary extras at a great value. It's the same with the sims.

I think extra city specializaions like farming could be added. I think obviously new regions will become available. My only hope is that they don't get ridiculous with it like the sims. I don't want a supernatural sim city expansion or DLC.

[paeng 2,510]

No way.

I'm banking on custom content created by the community. If that road stays closed I'm out anyway.

* But I'd buy the game plus a true expansion pack that solves most of the current issues...

[Fornix 4]

I think they'll probably handle it similar as to how they handle it for The Sims franchise:

- SimCity Store: including items created by developers for small quantities of simpoints, in addition to stuff packs and expansions.

- SimCity Exchange: a place where users can upload content to distribute towards other players.

Considering as to how it has an online only nature to the game I do not think there'll be an option for users to distribute their content through non-official channels.

[Ocram's Razr 964]

Don't forget Expansion Packs (adds functionality) and stuff packs (add 10-100 items such as buildings, props, or cars). This is sad.

I hope that they resolve the issues of online modifications/plugins and let us make, share, and download these for free.

--Ocram

[Charizard 284]

No. Not that I'm buying the game anyway. If I did somehow get the game (probably when it's in the bargin bin) then I would only buy the DLC if it was all compiled together as part of a GOTY Edition or if it was an expansion a la Rush Hour that offerred a decent amount of changes to the gameplay. But knowing EA the former two things will never happen.

[TommyWebster 7]

I don't want to have to buy DLC but its inevitable and I can see myself spending as long as its a significant improvement

[Vorret 49]

Depends... right now, I don't plan on buying the game BUT if I was to and they'd release interesting stuff packs (ie: lots of new building, cars, etc) for a decent price (1-2$) I wouldn't mind buying it.

If they release stuff packs with 10 buildings, 2 cars and a new dress for Sophie at 15$, then no, I won't buy them.

[Nique 291]

I doubt Maxis can compete the artists of Simtropolis. But it seems they want to try it by keeping the mod ability for themselves. .. at least at release.. I predict a painful death of DLC if it only contains more cartoon buildings.

[anandus 15]

It would depend on the 'bang per buck', but I'll probably buy some stuff in the Store.

Pfff, I've even dished out 20 euros for three city sets, so some damage already done, there.

But I'd be persuaded to buy something like a region pack, an Asian city set or a farm pack for instance.

[The_City_Builder 299]

It's called a store for a reason. You don't walk into a store and find tons of free stuff, do you?

You're also not forced to go to the store. You only go there if you want something extra or need something. In this case, you don't really need anything from the SimCity Store, so it's just extra stuff you're entitled to purchase willingly.

[Hoipus 292]

Why don't they take the valve route?

Modders make mods. Modders submit them to developers. Dev team either gives them the a-ok or the "no we won't allow penis shaped buildings in our game". Mods can be downloaded freely, but if you really like the mod and want to show support, you can buy a badge or something for a dollar. These badges can be bought as much as the player feels. With the sale of each badge, 50c goes to EA/Maxis and 50c goes to the mod creator.

DLC made by devs can still be made to be paid for, but even if the official DLC doesn't sell they can make some money.

[wokisan 9]

I would like to say 'No' but the game hasn't even come out yet and I'm already sweating thinking about the extra tilesets available in the digital deluxe edition (since I just preordered the normal version). If DLC or expansions add more tilesets (I would love an Asian tileset like in SC3000UL) or expands the city size then I have to admit I will be all over that.

My fear is that we might see a 'Simsesque' type of DLC/expansion which is really ridiculous.