Maxis Boss: Tough SimCity Reviews are 'Fair'

Lucy Bradshaw, head of SimCity developer Maxis, has held up her hands and said that negative reviews on the beleaguered city simulation are fair.

Speaking in an interview with CVG, Bradshaw said, "We understand that there are some people who reviewing SimCity on its merits as a game, and some are reviewing it on its merits as a service. To that degree, I don't disagree with the way in which reviews have been handled.

"Some may call it unfair that we are being punished for our server issues, but it is fair. SimCity is an online game and everyone - fans and critics - have every right to expect the experience to be smooth from start to finish. My hope is that some of those reviewers will revisit the game now that we have smoothed out that experience."

Asked whether the game's always-online functionality means the game will eventually become inoperable, Bradshaw stated, "As far as I am concerned, the servers will stay on as long as there are people playing."

SimCity has been troubled by server issues since launch, prompting calls for refunds in some quarters. None has been forthcoming, though EA is offering a free download as a consolation prize.

More from Bradshaw in that interview.