How to change language

[reapor_yurnero 0]

I bought simcity 4 deluxe on steam but I can't change the language because I didn't find language folders inside. 

Changing language through steam setting is not rational too since it can't download language pack with some connection problems always.

Is there any tutorials for simcity 4 deluxe on steam about changing language?

Thanks!

[reapor_yurnero 0]

Is there anyone who knows how to solve this problem? THX!

[rsc204 21,866]

Firstly, perhaps you might need to wait more than 45m for an answer. There are no paid support operatives here waiting for your enquiry.

Changing the language is in theory no more complicated with the Steam version than any other. But, if you don't have the correct locale files, which contain the data required, then changing the game setting won't accomplish anything. From what I understand, Steam don't offer additional languages, it comes based on the region you downloaded it in. Perhaps another Steam user can confirm if this is correct or not. But if it is, that's just another reason why the Steam version is inferior to the DRM free vendors such as GoG or Amazon.

[reapor_yurnero 0]

27 minutes ago, rsc204 said:

Firstly, perhaps you might need to wait more than 45m for an answer. There are no paid support operatives here waiting for your enquiry.

Changing the language is in theory no more complicated with the Steam version than any other. But, if you don't have the correct locale files, which contain the data required, then changing the game setting won't accomplish anything. From what I understand, Steam don't offer additional languages, it comes based on the region you downloaded it in. Perhaps another Steam user can confirm if this is correct or not. But if it is, that's just another reason why the Steam version is inferior to the DRM free vendors such as GoG or Amazon.

Thanks for your reply but I assume that there should be some method to change the language.

[rsc204 21,866]

Check the installation folder. There will be a folder for every installed language, e.g. "English". These each contain a file "SimCityLocale.DAT". If you only have one such folder, whilst you can switch languages, in practise nothing will happen.

Some versions come with an additional .exe to install additional locale files, but it's not something I believe comes with the Steam version.

[CorinaMarie 29,896]

Note: I've never changed the language in my game. These are just some possible places you might find the answer:

Tutorial:Switch Language and Driving Sides

SimcityLocale.dat

And if those don't help try typing this into Google: simcitylocale.data <language>

where <language> is the one you are looking for. I tried both spanish and french and there were several possibilities in those respective languages. (Which I can't read.)

[rsc204 21,866]

The CD version installs many locales as standard. My GoG version comes with a special installer to switch locales. But to my knowledge Steam simply don't offer you this facility, deciding which language to install based on where you are located in the world. I hate it when companies do this, as an Englishman living in Germany, the last thing I want is anything in German.

I did a quick search on Google and without having the Steam version to personally verify things, that seems to be the case here. I don't understand why these choices can be offered by one vendor, but not others, but that seems to be the crux of the issue.

So yes, you can tell the game to change the language, with a command switch; Steam Game Library, Right Click SC4, "Set Launch Options". But nothing will change in practise without the correct locale file. Technically no one can distribute such locale files legally, so unless Steam offers a way to install the locale file you need, you are stuck.

[CorinaMarie 29,896]

1 hour ago, rsc204 said:

Technically no one can distribute such locale files legally, so unless Steam offers a way to install the locale file you need, you are stuck.

What is that technicality? I cannot imagine how that one file could be considered pirating since the only peeps who could use it already own the game. It's not like that dat file would let someone play without the game itself. We also see Maxis's intent when selling the initial CD version was that they all be included for the end user. Unauthorized hacking and stripping by Steam should not inconvenience the common person imo.

[rsc204 21,866]

24 minutes ago, CorinaMarie said:

Unauthorized hacking and stripping by Steam should not inconvenience the common person imo.

Well I'd argue it was authorised, somewhere there is a deal (contract) between Steam and EA, but who could possibly know the ins and outs of that?

The fact is, every file included on a disk or as part of a digital download are intellectual property. Should one seller decide not to provide you with everything, doesn't make it OK for others to re-distribute them. Software licences are complex and mostly unfair with regards to consumer rights. Whilst I don't see the problem ethically, laws are not as simple. In reality, no one is likely to get into trouble for doing so, but that doesn't mean that you aren't breaking the agreement under the EULA if you do. The only way to be certain you are not in breach of said EULA, would be to get express written permission from EA, which you aren't going to get. It sucks, but that's how it is.

[CorinaMarie 29,896]

Since this particular data file in and of itself cannot be construed as pirating by any stretch of the imagination it falls under Fair Use. The same as the patches and add-ons made by Maxis. See the disclaimer on Screwpile Developments site.

[rsc204 21,866]

4 hours ago, CorinaMarie said:

Since this particular data file in and of itself cannot be construed as pirating by any stretch of the imagination it falls under Fair Use.

No I'm sorry it really doesn't. Fair use doesn't apply to commercially owned IP.

Quote

C. Further Restrictions. Your right to use the Software is limited to the license grant above, and you may not otherwise copy, display, seek to disable, distribute, perform, publish, modify, create works from, or use the Software or any component of it, except as expressly authorized by EA.  Unless expressly authorized by EA, you are prohibited from making a copy of the Software available on a network where it could be used by multiple users. You are prohibited from making the Software available over a network where it could be downloaded by multiple users.  You may not remove or alter EA’s trademarks or logos, or legal notices included in the Software or related assets. 

IP Law is very complicated. This is why I used the term "Technically". To my knowledge, whilst EA have made certain parts related to modding exempt from the above EULA, re-distribution of unmodified files is not included within that.

[TekindusT 3,809]

 

10 hours ago, rsc204 said:

I hate it when companies do this, as an Englishman living in Germany, the last thing I want is anything in German.

The struggle is real. Have the same problem, hate it as well.

As an answer to the OP: I got to mod the language of my SC4 some time ago, and it still works, both in the CD and Steam versions. I duplicated one of the original SimCityLocale.DAT, and did my edition/modding on ILive's Reader. That's irrelevant to this case, what is relevant is that I pasted this new "SimCityLocale_New.DAT" in the Plugins folder, just like another mod. It overrides the original language text strings with the text strings included in that SimCityLocale_New.DAT.

What the OP can do is duplicating the Locale file of the desired language coming with the game and pasting it into Plugins. It should do the trick.

[CorinaMarie 29,896]

5 hours ago, rsc204 said:

No I'm sorry it really doesn't. Fair use doesn't apply to commercially owned IP.

IP Law is very complicated. This is why I used the term "Technically". To my knowledge, whilst EA have made certain parts related to modding exempt from the above EULA, re-distribution of unmodified files is not included within that.

Well. Phooey. That is completely asinine on their part. I firmly believe their game (or any other) should not be distributed thru warez sites or such. However, when a component is required to play the game the end user has a right to expect to receive all of the original content when paying real money for it. Does Steam pre-warn the purchaser that the game has been compromised? If not, they might be in violation of the implied warranty that the game purchased from them will function the same as the original CD versions.

It would seem then there needs to be a rather large campaign against Steam and their devious policies. It would actually take more work to write a routine to eliminate portions of the original content than to just sell the complete package. Is this insidious method indicative of all of Steam's game offers? Or do they just bork SC4?

[rsc204 21,866]

Steam is one of the worst things to happen to gaming if you ask me. Their almost total monopoly over PC games is a sad reflection of consumer apathy when it comes to our rights and the service we should expect. Just a glance at how GoG operate shows the night and day difference in approach between the two. GoG try hard to make sure what you buy works, they listen to customer feedback and try to give the gamer the best possible experience, all without DRM. They'll also refund your purchase if you can't make it work. We all know PC's are not consoles, sometimes for whatever reason, a game just won't work on a particular machine. Shops knew this too, they would also refund purchases, back before they sold Steam Codes in boxes at least. Try to get a refund from Steam, it's like the holy grail of refunds.

Whereas Steam do bork games, often with needless DRM and other restrictions. I'm not sure they deliberately removed such localisation options, it's likely more of an oversight. The problem is, when such oversights are pointed out, they simply don't care. Origin are much the same, selling the worst version of SC4 there is. Just look at how much of a fuss Tarkus (Alex, NAM Team Leader) had to make to get EA to sell a version that was patched. Because not only were they selling the only unpatched digital version, it was also un-patchable.

Steam's creditability was punctuated for me by one simple lie in the beginning. They promised gamers, should something happen to prevent their games, which used DRM, from calling home in future. For example the company going bankrupt or some such. They would distribute some sort of master key, unlocking the DRM, ensuring purchased games would never simply expire. This is the lie they used to convince gamers their DRM was safe.

However, this simply must have been a lie. Because any individual who distributed such a key or was involved in such an act, would be personally liable to prosecution under the Digital Millennium Act in the US and similar laws worldwide. Therefore, unless they were naïve idiots - making multi-million dollar deals I might add - they knew this simply could never happen. However Steam needed DRM, because without it, their business model would simply never have worked. For at the time, the publishers were unwilling to allow such digital distribution without DRM.

I can't find a link to the exact reference, but I believe it was Gabe himself that said they would do something like this. Only in a very cagey and non-committal way. I'm sure others can remember this.

Since then, Steam has evolved into one of the worst monopolies there is. Ultimately, when a company has to work hard for your business, the consumer benefits. But when they don't, the consumer suffers. I'd tell people to vote with their wallets, but such a war is already lost, most people simply don't care. So no campaign is needed, if you think DRM is bad, simply don't give Steam your money. That said, a quick glance at the profits and market share of Steam should tell you all you need to know.

[NCGAIO 562]

Just for information ... all were distributing the same Origin version at the beginning of sales.

The GoG facility also brought the same version 1.610 for Americas although the consultation for  file properties pointed as a 1.641 version.
addition to the DLL and the suppression of SafeDisk

 Maxis exe 1.641( GoG) & 1.610 = 7.524.352 (size bytes) 

Maxis exe ( RTPatch 6.50) 1.638 = 8.407.514

And with all the changes that have been made to sell the game now seems to be somewhat useless discussion about what would be cool because if taken literally what was quoted above would make many  illegal mods too.

So distribute support material without  intended of  sales for profit is something for which EA certainly would not pay any attention.

For the topic -  How to Switch Languages and Driving Sides

[Brother vanStone 3]

I see this is many years later, but to anyone else having this issue:

In Steam, right click on the game. Go to properties, under the general tab you will see "language" and a box to select one right at the top.