Looming Aspyr update

[foist 7]

So Aspyr's considering removing plugin funtionality from the new SimCity 4 in an update.  I'm seriously hoping they don't do this.  The base game isn't nearly as attractive to me, and finally having a version that runs fast and well was worth buying it again, but removing the ability to add custom content would be a real punch in the gut.  Anyone know if there's any way to make sure the game doesn't update to a new version unless I allow it to?  The obvious thing would be to avoid having the game call back to Aspyr HQ every time I open it, but I don't see an option for that anywhere, plus not having the game connected to the internet apparently makes the game unplayable if you're using the plugin folder under some circumstances anyway (which is the bug people were asking about that led to the Aspyr response that an update will cut plugin functionality out of the game).

 

Anyone have any ideas about how to avoid an update?  My game's playing just fine at the moment, very stable and fast, with a good selection of plugins (the ones I'm most interested in, anyway).  I'd rather not be subjected to a 'fix' that removes a bunch of stuff I'm really enjoying.

 

Sorry it that's confusing, and thanks in advance for any insight.

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

It would be easier on their end to remove such features because they won't have as much support responsibility.  But I think that they didn't realize how much of a modding community existed, and hopefully we now have their attention.  I think there's a good chance that they will now fix plugin support rather than remove it.

 

That said, since the game is either linked through Steam or the App store, if they want to force you to update to play, there's not much you can do.

[Sabretooth78 808]

My Wine setup runs beautifully but the lure of full native was too strong so I bought it on a whim; when it failed I decided to eat it.  I had unused App Store credits I wasn't using anyway.  Frankly, if this is true I'm going to pursue a refund as I believe it changes the whole nature of the game in a way that was not advertised.

[Tropod 144]

So Aspyr's considering removing plugin funtionality from the new SimCity 4 in an update.....

 

 

 

I'm not familiar with Mac architecture, however, unless they plan on hardcoding the installation SC_#.dat file names I doubt they'd be able to fully prevent custom *dat, because I would imagine that any *.dat type files will get read by the game & load if it's in the installation folder

[Billish 1]

It would be easier on their end to remove such features because they won't have as much support responsibility.  But I think that they didn't realize how much of a modding community existed, and hopefully we now have their attention.  I think there's a good chance that they will now fix plugin support rather than remove it.

 

That said, since the game is either linked through Steam or the App store, if they want to force you to update to play, there's not much you can do.

 

What makes you think we have Aspyr's attention on this issue?   Have they made any statements saying so?  Are they even aware there's a huge modding community?

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

 

It would be easier on their end to remove such features because they won't have as much support responsibility.  But I think that they didn't realize how much of a modding community existed, and hopefully we now have their attention.  I think there's a good chance that they will now fix plugin support rather than remove it.

 

That said, since the game is either linked through Steam or the App store, if they want to force you to update to play, there's not much you can do.

 

What makes you think we have Aspyr's attention on this issue?   Have they made any statements saying so?  Are they even aware there's a huge modding community?

 

 

Yeah there's been some contact behind the scenes.  It's on-going.

[Compdude787 916]

Well, everyone who paid for the updated Mac version ought to contact Aspyr about this. They need to know from the amount of messages that they're getting that most people who still play this game consider custom content to be indispensable. I don't have a Mac, but if I did, I would demand a refund if they got rid of plugin support. That is just a stupid idea on their part to remove support for plugins just because they're too lazy to get it to work correctly. Oh, and while they're at it, they should maybe do the EP1 and BAT nightlighting updates too. (hint hint Aspyr...)

[foist 7]

Thanks for the input everyone.  I contacted Aspyr asking for info, and will post anything relevant I get back.

[Billish 1]

 

 

It would be easier on their end to remove such features because they won't have as much support responsibility.  But I think that they didn't realize how much of a modding community existed, and hopefully we now have their attention.  I think there's a good chance that they will now fix plugin support rather than remove it.

 

That said, since the game is either linked through Steam or the App store, if they want to force you to update to play, there's not much you can do.

 

What makes you think we have Aspyr's attention on this issue?   Have they made any statements saying so?  Are they even aware there's a huge modding community?

 

 

Yeah there's been some contact behind the scenes.  It's on-going.

 

 

Ooooh....special inside contact!  So mysterious!  How can I get a seat at the table...I totally want power and influence!

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

Send an email.  See if you get a reply.  People such as website administrators and respected mod creators sometimes get preferential treatment if they are deemed by companies to be important to P.R.

 

(Case in point: Back when SC2013 came out, forum member Haljackey reported that the Maxis development team began paying closer attention to his requests when he mentioned his ties to the Network Addon Mod.  All these companies are just playing a big public relations game)

[vuWIN 2]

People such as website administrators and respected mod creators sometimes get preferential treatment if they are deemed by companies to be important to P.R.

 

Then why are we not teaming up and make them hear our voice? There are SC4 mac players everywhere. This is one of maxis most successful games ever. 

 

Why the communities' admins/mods, who surely see the bigger picture, don't take the lead and organize something massive, like mail bombing, a petition, a formal meeting, whatever. 

To sit at the same table with a company you need numbers. A community. And we just are one!

[bolivaroil 0]

I got a reply from Aspyr support regarding the recent update and their intention is to eliminate the non-working command line, not the plugins folder.

[1131989 223]

I got a reply from Aspyr support regarding the recent update and their intention is to eliminate the non-working command line, not the plugins folder.

 

Shows just how important wording is when you're releasing something to the public. I was hoping it was just an ambiguity in the release and am relieved to find that it was.