SimCity BuildIt becomes the most-played game in SimCity history

SimCity BuildIt launched back in December 2014, and after six months of being available on iOS and Android devices, it has become the most-played SimCity game ever, EA Mobile has revealed.

SimCity BuildIt has nearly 40 million people playing it around the world, with most of those users located outside of the US and engagement and retention statistics considered to be “very high.” Players spend around 40 minutes per day playing, splitting that time over several five-six minute sessions.

In an interview with GamesBeat, EA Mobile vice president and group general manager Jason Willig says SimCity Buildit has become the most played game in the series’ 26-year long history. “I think SimCity BuildIt has taken off for a number of reasons,” he said. “First and foremost, it was made by a deeply experienced team with incredible creative and technical horsepower.

“[The] design is native to the mobile platform from the ground up, versus a PC port, incorporating elements like crafting, short sessions, and a balance of linear and sandbox gameplay. Those aspects, in combination with more traditional SimCity brand pillars like disasters, services and specializations, all wrapped in a gorgeous, 3D package, really spoke to consumers.”

Willig went on to praise the in-app purchase system in SimCity BuildIt, saying “progression in SimCity BuildIt is not tied to any type of micro-transaction.” Even though players aren’t required to spend any money to progress, doing so does help speed up progression.

Thinking back on all of the amazing SimCity games that have been released over the years, it’s amazing to hear SimCity BuildIt has become the most popular. It just goes to show how much mobile gaming has advanced over the years as more people are able to play games at their leisure wherever they are. We’ve played SimCity BuildIt in the past and we thought it was a solid experience, and one that’s worth your time if you’re a fan of the series.

[Via GamesBeat]

SimCity BuildIt becomes the most-played game in SimCity history