Sim City’s (and EA’s by extension) woes seem to be nearing an end, as the company is ramping up server capacity. EA also finally seems willing to extend an olive branch to angry consumers by offering a free game to affected players. Whether it’s enough to gain back player trust and avoid backlash against the company’s online-only games in the future remains to be seen, but if the strategy worked for Sony in the wake of last year’s credit card information leak, it’s more than likely to work here.
“The server issues which began at launch have improved significantly as we added more capacity,” Maxis GM Lucy Bradshaw said. “But some people are still experiencing response and stability problems that we’re working fast to address.
“And to get us back in your good graces, we’re going to offer you a free PC download game from the EA portfolio. On March 18, SimCity players who have activated their game will receive an email telling them how to redeem their free game.
Understanding the Server Issues
The server issues that plagued Sim City at launch were primarily due to the game’s always-online requirement, which necessitated a constant connection to EA’s servers. This requirement led to significant bottlenecks as thousands of players tried to access the game simultaneously. The servers were simply not equipped to handle the massive influx of players, resulting in long wait times, frequent disconnections, and an overall frustrating experience for many.
EA’s decision to increase server capacity is a crucial step in resolving these issues. By adding more servers, the company aims to distribute the load more evenly, reducing the likelihood of server crashes and improving overall stability. This move is expected to enhance the gaming experience for all players, allowing them to enjoy the game without the constant fear of being disconnected.
EA’s Olive Branch: A Free Game
In an effort to appease disgruntled players, EA is offering a free PC download game from its portfolio to those affected by the server issues. This gesture is not just a token of goodwill but also a strategic move to regain player trust. On March 18, SimCity players who have activated their game will receive an email with instructions on how to redeem their free game. This offer includes a variety of popular titles from EA’s extensive library, giving players a chance to explore other games they might enjoy.
This approach is reminiscent of Sony’s response to the infamous PlayStation Network hack in 2011, where the company offered free games and services to affected users. Sony’s strategy was largely successful in mending its relationship with its user base, and EA is likely hoping for a similar outcome.
However, the success of this strategy hinges on more than just the free game offer. EA needs to ensure that the server issues are fully resolved and that future online-only games are better prepared to handle large numbers of players. Transparency and communication with the player base will also be key in rebuilding trust.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Online-Only Games
The Sim City debacle has sparked a broader conversation about the viability and desirability of online-only games. While the always-online model offers certain advantages, such as real-time updates and multiplayer capabilities, it also comes with significant risks. Server issues, internet connectivity problems, and the potential for cyber-attacks are all concerns that developers and publishers need to address.
For EA, the lessons learned from the Sim City launch could inform the development and release strategies of future titles. Ensuring robust server infrastructure, conducting extensive stress tests, and maintaining open lines of communication with players are all steps that can help mitigate the risks associated with online-only games.
In conclusion, while EA’s efforts to resolve the server issues and offer a free game are commendable, the company must continue to prioritize player satisfaction and trust. By learning from past mistakes and implementing more robust systems, EA can pave the way for a more stable and enjoyable gaming experience in the future.
Source EA Blog
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