Classic Games

SimCity

City building pioneer

SimCity invented the city-building genre, letting players zone, build, and manage urban development while balancing budgets, traffic, and the occasional disaster.

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Overview

Will Wright wanted to build cities, not destroy them. SimCity emerged from a level editor for a different game and became a genre. Players zoned land, laid infrastructure, and watched cities grow organically—or crumble under mismanagement. There was no winning, only the satisfaction of creation.

Fast facts

  • Developer: Maxis.
  • Designer: Will Wright.
  • Publisher: Maxis (original), various.
  • Genre created: City builder.

Core mechanics

ElementFunction
ZoningResidential, commercial, industrial
InfrastructureRoads, rail, power
ServicesPolice, fire, hospitals
BudgetTaxes, expenditure balance

Zone types

ZonePurposeDemand
ResidentialHousingPopulation
CommercialShops, officesJobs, services
IndustrialFactoriesJobs, pollution

Infrastructure

SystemNecessity
Power linesElectricity distribution
RoadsBasic transport
RailMass transit
PortsTrade, expansion

Simulation depth

FactorEffect
CrimeReduces land value
PollutionHealth, desirability
TrafficEconomic efficiency
Land valueTax revenue

Disasters

DisasterTrigger
FireRandom, spreads
FloodCoastal areas
TornadoRandom
EarthquakeRandom
MonsterPlayer-triggered
MeltdownNuclear plants

No winning condition

Revolutionary design:

  • No defined goal
  • Player sets objectives
  • Sandbox freedom
  • Endless play

Platform versions

PlatformFeatures
PC/AmigaOriginal
SNESDr. Wright advisor
MacEnhanced interface

The series

TitleYear
SimCity1989
SimCity 20001993
SimCity 30001999
SimCity 42003
SimCity (2013)2013

Influence

SimCity spawned:

  • City builder genre
  • Maxis simulation games
  • Educational use
  • Urban planning tool

See also