Maxis Looking Into User Generated Content for SimCity

Maxis has posted on the official EA forums, explaining they are in the preliminary stages of studying how to implement user generated content for the latest SimCity.

2013’s SimCity was a financial success for EA and Maxis from the start. However, issues with the always online requirement leading to the game being outright unplayable for early buyers ruined EA’s and Maxis’ reputations, forcing them into a PR offensive. Maxis had to explain that they conceived of the game being always online themselves to get fans off EA’s back, and the extended delay in getting the game’s issues has ensured that the game will be remembered most for its launch woes.

This is a shame, since once the game was up and running, SimCity is not a bad game. In spite of the bruising Maxis’ name has received, much of the game’s fanbase has stayed. Maxis has apparently seen enough players stick around and ask about user generated content to warrant a response.

Maxis is opening up a new forum section to talk about user generated content and has laid out some proposed general guidelines. The mods and UGC should not jeopardize the game’s basic integrity or hurt the ability of other people to play. UGC that affects multiplayer is out. Acceptable UGC includes changing art assets, such as how buildings and vehicles look. Finally, Maxis will take disciplinary action when people break rules.

If you’re one of the loyal SimCity players who stuck around, how do you guys feel about this announcement so far? Will you be showing up on the forums to help get things off the ground, or will you wait and see if Maxis can do this right before jumping in?

Source: EA forums