SimCity Finally Launches on the Mac With Native Version and Cross-Platform Servers

After being delayed for six months, EA has finally released the Mac version of the new SimCity. The game was originally set to come out in February of this year, but EA decided to delay it to "ensure a great experience" for players.

EA has repeatedly emphasized that the Mac version of SimCity is not a "port" of the PC game, but a fully native version designed specifically for the Mac using OpenGL. However, the game will include full cross-platform support to facilitate 'region play' where the cities of multiple players are connected to share utilities and citizenry, with PC and Mac Mayors able to play in the same regions.

Origin
SimCity's PC launch was more than a little rocky, largely because the game can only be played online. EA requires that the game be connected to its servers at all times.

At launch, SimCity's servers were overwhelmed with traffic and the gameplay experience was extremely poor. Today, EA seems to have ironed out most of the bugs and users are playing the game as intended.

EA on system requirements, viewable in full at the bottom of the purchase page:

In general, most Late-2009 iMacs, mid-2009 MacBook Pros, and mid-2010 MacBooks meet the SimCity's minimum specifications. Other systems not listed here may be able to run SimCity, but can experience graphical or performance issues and would require an OS upgrade.

SimCity is available through EA's Origin store at $40 for the standard game, or $60 for a Deluxe Edition that includes additional content. Purchases cover both platforms, so gamers who already bought SimCity on the PC will get the Mac version for free.

Top Rated Comments

Ellmer Avatar
131 months ago
You know, EA could've taken the money right out of my pocket had this game been available when Origin launched for Mac. But instead, the dust of excitement has subsided, and the awful, awful reviews have swayed me away.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jav6454 Avatar
131 months ago
Ohhhh a Tornado!!! And there goes half my district. Should be fun.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Cougarcat Avatar
131 months ago
Is this the first time any of the SimCity games have been available for the Mac? I remember playing this in 2000 on a PC.

Seems a little late :rolleyes:

Every version of Simcity since 1989 has been on the Mac, and almost every Maxis game.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ghostface147 Avatar
131 months ago
SimTown.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kiantech Avatar
131 months ago
I was really excited about this game until the whole PC fiasco.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iLilana Avatar
131 months ago
oh LOOK!

another crappy EA release
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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