Maxis: ‘We’ve reduced [SimCity] crashes by 92% from day one’

SimCity fans will be happy to know that the bulk of server problems plaguing the launch of the highly anticipated game are almost completely solved. In a Sunday update regarding the game's status, Maxis GM Lucy Bradshaw broke the much-welcomed news.

"I’m happy to report that the core problem with getting in and having a great SimCity experience is almost behind us," Lucy said. "Our players have been able to connect to their cities in the game for nearly 8 million hours of gameplay time and we’ve reduced game crashes by 92% from day one."

"A combination of optimizing our server architecture and response times, deploying these enhancements on both a series of new and the original servers and issuing a few critical client updates has achieved getting virtually everyone into the game and, once in, having a great time building cities and sharing regions."

EA and Maxis will continue to monitor each server and gameplay metrics to "ensure that the service remains strong and game is playing great."  Lucy went on to thank SimCity players for their faith in the game and in the studio.

"You bought the game with the understanding that we’d quickly fix the server issues.  For that support – that incredible commitment from our fans — we are deeply grateful.  As the general manager of Maxis, I want you to know that we cherish your faith in us, and the love you’ve shown for this franchise."

As a peace offering to those who were affected by SimCity's early problems, EA will be gifting a free game download from their portfolio. On March 18, if you have activated SimCity, you will receive an email explaining how to redeem your free game.