Electronic Arts has confirmed recent reports of users being denied refunds for the digital version of the online-only, DRM-filled SimCity. The publisher updated their Twitter account yesterday to remind players that physical copies can be refunded within 14 days of delivery, however, it is their “general policy” to “not offer refunds on any products downloaded through Origin”.
The publisher later clarified their refund policy with Develop, stating that returns for digital purchases through Origin would only be offered in “exceptional circumstances”. Polygon pressed EA’s customer service to explain what it would take to get a refund for a digital purchase, and was told that it would have to be something along the lines of ” a buyer realizing their computer doesn’t meet a game’s system requirements”.
Basically, if your computer can’t run SimCity you can get a refund. If EA’s computer doesn’t allow you to play SimCity you are out of luck. Ironic.
Electronic Arts has apparently been feeling the heat from upset customers and has asked their marketing affiliates to “please stop actively promoting [SimCity]”, according to an email obtained by Polygon. In the email, which was sent out to their partners this morning, EA claims they have “deactivated all SimCity text links and creative and [they] ask [affiliates] to please remove any copy promoting SimCity from [their] website for the time-being.”
The email continues, “To be clear we are continuing to payout commissions on all SimCity sales that are referred, however we are requesting that you please stop actively promoting the game. We will notify you as soon as the SimCity marketing campaigns have been resumed and our promotional links are once again live in the Linkshare interface.”
Currently SimCity appears to still be experiencing server trouble in every region that it has launched in, with the exception of the UK. MCV is reporting that the launch of the game went off without a hitch in the UK last night, thanks to the addition of a third Europe East server. Sadly, that good news is isolated to UK gamers, as much of Europe is in the same boat as North America.
We will keep an eye on the SimCity server situation and update you with any additional information as it is announced.