A representative of EA has confirmed to Joystiq some new details regarding SimCity, and we have some good news and also some bad news.
The good news: You will be able to purchase a digital copy of SimCity outside of Origin.
The bad news: It will be REQUIRED that you are connected to Origin while you play.
Okay, let's back this truck up and take this one step at a time. Recent EA titles available digitally on the PC have been exclusive to Origin since the software platform came out last year. Many people, including myself, have been upset by this since Steam and other services have been home to our libraries for nearly a decade. Having to segment our digital game library and having no choice on the matter is definitely something worth being upset over. However, SimCity will break this trend by making itself available for purchase on more than just Origin. Thank goodness.
However, since an Origin connection will be required during play (presumably to combat piracy) all the above really does is give you an option of where to buy the game from. It looks like you'll still have to worry about Origin invading your privacy, and chances are that EA will make you download the damn thing too. To make matters worse, you'll have to have an internet connection and it will not only authenticate your copy, but probably share user data with EA.
This is just one of many reasons why EA is one of the most disliked game development companies on the planet, as you may have seen in our recent article, "Electronic Arts In Running For Consumerist's Worst Companies In America". If you're as outraged by these recent trends regarding EA, make sure to speak out. It makes a difference.
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam — with companions by his side — sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected?
