Add me to the list -- it's been over a year, come on EA, quit treating Mac users like second class citizens! Bad enough we don't get Shop Mode in game (meaning we've missed out on some cool bonus items that were only available to folks who used Shop Mode).
I didn't know thats why I couldn't find Shop Mode!!!
I can understand releasing (especially Beta versions) to PC first - I'm sure it's easier to code and such, but it's been how long since Create a World came out? How much content, expansion/stuff packs have they released in that time?
It wasn't that Aspyr got sloppy, it was that EA never gave them the rights to port Sims 2 packs over to the Mac past Bon Voyage (I think that was the last one), and never gave rights to port Stuff Packs. Made it really frustrating when I'd go on sites like The Sims Exchange and the like, find cool objects or houses, then find out I'd need a certain pack that I'd never get to use them. We never got either Apartment Life or FreeTime, and there were lots of Stuff Packs I would have loved to installed in my game (I'm a big fan of IKEA since we have a lot of their furniture in our apartment, so would have enjoyed that pack). That's one reason why I was actually looking forward to EA taking over the franchise for both PCs and Macs, so we wouldn't have to wait 6 months after the PC side to get the new packs. But the way EA's been treating the Mac side, I've been looking fondly back at the Aspyr era. :roll:
Interesting... I remember Aspyr's stance on the stuff packs being that "there isn't enough demand for them for us to work on them," at one point, but I never could figure out the missing EPs and didn't feel like contacting them again. It sounds like this is a little bit of column "A" and a little bit of column "B" that was in play here; Aspyr didn't want to release stuff packs with minimal demand, and EA didn't want to license anything beyond Bon Voyage, which actually explains a lot.
The funny thing is, Aspyr doesn't even take six months with releases anymore; 2K released Civilization V for Windows in September, and Aspyr released the Mac port in November, a little over two months total between WIN/MAC releases. Now maybe EA doesn't want to work with Aspyr since they also port games for competitors like 2K, and I can understand that. In a way, I'm happy that EA took over, and that I have the game on one disc, and can use it cross-platform. I'm happy that I haven't missed an EP/SP yet, but I am by no means happy with buggy/glitchy software that costs $10.00 more than it used to, and a missing add-on tool that was in-demand the day the game launched. The Sims Complete Collection was one of Aspyr's best ports though, and it probably trumps EA's PC version, (the Mac version is on one DVD, the PC version is on several CD-ROMs,) but Aspyr still isn't what it used to be. The collector's edition of Civilization V didn't see a Mac port, nor did several the map editor akin to CAW for Aspyr's release of Civilization III, but on the flip-side of things, Aspyr's releases contain native Mac code.
Don't get me wrong, I like having EA releasing the game for both WIN/MAC platforms, and I like the simultaneous launches; what I don't like is the fact that EA's Mac release is ridiculously half-baked. The fact that EA is paying people to release a game with this many quality control issues is mind-boggling; I'd expect something like this from a fan-created port for a game that might not otherwise see a Mac release at all, not from a multi-million dollar game developer that's charging me $40.00 for their product. It's not that difficult to do a simultaneous WIN/MAC native release of a game as long as it's planned early on development, which is why I keep saying that people should be voicing their concerns about this for TS4 now, so that if/when it actually is released, the Mac version will be identical to the Windows version, and the bugs will be minimal. Valve and Blizzard release native WIN/MAC games simultaneously, so there's no reason that EA can't do the same. Heck, Valve brought their Steam platform to the Mac earlier this year, and while I personally would never purchase a direct download when a game is available on disc, this could potentially be a way for EA to release direct downloads for the Mac platform to those who do want them, since Steam isn't just for Valve-owned games.
I'm curious to know if EA have ever acknowledged this thread and what they have to say regarding the possibility of their being a release for Mac users.
As far as acknowledging the thread goes, there was one point where a SimGuru commented on every thread in the front page of the Mac Discussions forum except this one; to that extent, the lack of acknowledgment was the acknowledgment: we all knew the Guru saw it, even if he didn't say anything. (I believe it was a he anyway.) Shortly after someone pointed this out, the thread was moved from Mac Discussions to CAW, so if you consider that an "acknowledgment," then yes, it's been acknowledged, although no Guru has ever posted in here to the best of my knowledge. Skim through the thread, you can find commentary about this event, as well as what other Simmers have said their response was from EA phone support, which was effectively "we'll forward your comments to the appropriate department," which is essentially a "canned answer," given to get people off of the phones.
Also, the Mac forum seems to be dead/ignored when it comes to getting any help with the game. I wonder if they have people dedicated to mac users, or if they just have one tech team working on PC and Mac problems...
From my personal experience, it seems like one team. They were giving PC workarounds to Mac users early on, and when I called them, told them I was using a "Mac," they gave me a PC workaround to a problem I was having when the game was new. It was only after I tore apart the fifth EARep I spoke to in EA's customer satisfaction survey that I was put in touch with a higher-up who actually did fix my problem. I hope that higher-up got some sort of employee-of-the-month award or something, because she was really helpful, and did what nobody else seemed to be able to do: fixed my problem, which several other people were having as well, with a Mac workaround.
I'm really glad that people are continuing to support this endeavor though, and again, I thank you all for your time and your continued support.
Firstly, thank you AlexRoz9 for making this thread and highlighting the issue. Although my pessimism leaves me with the feeling that a petition will do nothing to help our cause, it's important that we voice our opinions as consumers and mac users.
I hadn't read through the entire thread, so was unaware about the discussion regarding any response (or rather lack of) from a Guru or EA. I find it incredibly frustrating that they won't say either yay or nay (or even a maybe) when it comes to telling us if CAW is planned for mac or not. Grrrr, someone must know!
Yeah, I really want to see this happen... it's sad that Mac users obviously don't mind paying for quality products (that's why we have Macs), yet so many companies refuse to develop for the Mac user. I'm thankful for that in one way and saddened by it in another. I am hopeful though that one day the tide will turn and quality over quantity will start to mean something to the rest of the world.
Hi.
How do I sign? If just saying Signed is it. I'm saying signed.
It makes no sense, CAW not being out for the Mac. Mac is a Graphics machine used by Graphic Artists and those inclined to design. Every World I have seen sucks. I think Mac heads need a try at CAW. We are not second class citizens, but first class citizens. Not everybody owns the BMW of the Computer World, but those who do, are more creative. The interest is higher for Mac Users than PC users. I'm a Mac snob, I admit. I used PC's before going to Mac. I used Amiga before PC's. I wonder what the ratio is for Mac users versus Pc users who have photoshop on their computer. If a person wants to do design work, they own a Mac. EA don't get it, the most talented designers are Mac users.
I've tried using Virtual box by Sun and put Windblows on my machine and installed Sims 3 and the CAW but it won't run. That is how desperate I am to using CAW. Virtual Box is free and open source.
Hi.
How do I sign? If just saying Signed is it. I'm saying signed.
It makes no sense, CAW not being out for the Mac. Mac is a Graphics machine used by Graphic Artists and those inclined to design. Every World I have seen sucks. I think Mac heads need a try at CAW. We are not second class citizens, but first class citizens. Not everybody owns the BMW of the Computer World, but those who do, are more creative. The interest is higher for Mac Users than PC users. I'm a Mac snob, I admit. I used PC's before going to Mac. I used Amiga before PC's. I wonder what the ratio is for Mac users versus Pc users who have photoshop on their computer. If a person wants to do design work, they own a Mac. EA don't get it, the most talented designers are Mac users.
I've tried using Virtual box by Sun and put Windblows on my machine and installed Sims 3 and the CAW but it won't run. That is how desperate I am to using CAW. Virtual Box is free and open source.
I look forward to seeing the incredible world you will create when/if EA ever release CAW for mac. If you think every world created so far sucks, then you must indeed be one of those mac using geniuses to whom we PC users bow our heads in humble resignation. If I may quote part of the title of a Bon Jovi song, you give this thread a bad name. I`m off to work on my crappy world on my crappy PC
Comments
I didn't know thats why I couldn't find Shop Mode!!!
I can understand releasing (especially Beta versions) to PC first - I'm sure it's easier to code and such, but it's been how long since Create a World came out? How much content, expansion/stuff packs have they released in that time?
/signed
Interesting... I remember Aspyr's stance on the stuff packs being that "there isn't enough demand for them for us to work on them," at one point, but I never could figure out the missing EPs and didn't feel like contacting them again. It sounds like this is a little bit of column "A" and a little bit of column "B" that was in play here; Aspyr didn't want to release stuff packs with minimal demand, and EA didn't want to license anything beyond Bon Voyage, which actually explains a lot.
The funny thing is, Aspyr doesn't even take six months with releases anymore; 2K released Civilization V for Windows in September, and Aspyr released the Mac port in November, a little over two months total between WIN/MAC releases. Now maybe EA doesn't want to work with Aspyr since they also port games for competitors like 2K, and I can understand that. In a way, I'm happy that EA took over, and that I have the game on one disc, and can use it cross-platform. I'm happy that I haven't missed an EP/SP yet, but I am by no means happy with buggy/glitchy software that costs $10.00 more than it used to, and a missing add-on tool that was in-demand the day the game launched. The Sims Complete Collection was one of Aspyr's best ports though, and it probably trumps EA's PC version, (the Mac version is on one DVD, the PC version is on several CD-ROMs,) but Aspyr still isn't what it used to be. The collector's edition of Civilization V didn't see a Mac port, nor did several the map editor akin to CAW for Aspyr's release of Civilization III, but on the flip-side of things, Aspyr's releases contain native Mac code.
Don't get me wrong, I like having EA releasing the game for both WIN/MAC platforms, and I like the simultaneous launches; what I don't like is the fact that EA's Mac release is ridiculously half-baked. The fact that EA is paying people to release a game with this many quality control issues is mind-boggling; I'd expect something like this from a fan-created port for a game that might not otherwise see a Mac release at all, not from a multi-million dollar game developer that's charging me $40.00 for their product. It's not that difficult to do a simultaneous WIN/MAC native release of a game as long as it's planned early on development, which is why I keep saying that people should be voicing their concerns about this for TS4 now, so that if/when it actually is released, the Mac version will be identical to the Windows version, and the bugs will be minimal. Valve and Blizzard release native WIN/MAC games simultaneously, so there's no reason that EA can't do the same. Heck, Valve brought their Steam platform to the Mac earlier this year, and while I personally would never purchase a direct download when a game is available on disc, this could potentially be a way for EA to release direct downloads for the Mac platform to those who do want them, since Steam isn't just for Valve-owned games.
As far as acknowledging the thread goes, there was one point where a SimGuru commented on every thread in the front page of the Mac Discussions forum except this one; to that extent, the lack of acknowledgment was the acknowledgment: we all knew the Guru saw it, even if he didn't say anything. (I believe it was a he anyway.) Shortly after someone pointed this out, the thread was moved from Mac Discussions to CAW, so if you consider that an "acknowledgment," then yes, it's been acknowledged, although no Guru has ever posted in here to the best of my knowledge. Skim through the thread, you can find commentary about this event, as well as what other Simmers have said their response was from EA phone support, which was effectively "we'll forward your comments to the appropriate department," which is essentially a "canned answer," given to get people off of the phones.
From my personal experience, it seems like one team. They were giving PC workarounds to Mac users early on, and when I called them, told them I was using a "Mac," they gave me a PC workaround to a problem I was having when the game was new. It was only after I tore apart the fifth EARep I spoke to in EA's customer satisfaction survey that I was put in touch with a higher-up who actually did fix my problem. I hope that higher-up got some sort of employee-of-the-month award or something, because she was really helpful, and did what nobody else seemed to be able to do: fixed my problem, which several other people were having as well, with a Mac workaround.
I'm really glad that people are continuing to support this endeavor though, and again, I thank you all for your time and your continued support.
I hadn't read through the entire thread, so was unaware about the discussion regarding any response (or rather lack of) from a Guru or EA. I find it incredibly frustrating that they won't say either yay or nay (or even a maybe) when it comes to telling us if CAW is planned for mac or not. Grrrr, someone must know!
Signed.
I would LOVE to be able to create my own world. I'll send a letter as soon as possible.
We are loyal customers too that should have the same possibilities as other players!
How do I sign? If just saying Signed is it. I'm saying signed.
It makes no sense, CAW not being out for the Mac. Mac is a Graphics machine used by Graphic Artists and those inclined to design. Every World I have seen sucks. I think Mac heads need a try at CAW. We are not second class citizens, but first class citizens. Not everybody owns the BMW of the Computer World, but those who do, are more creative. The interest is higher for Mac Users than PC users. I'm a Mac snob, I admit. I used PC's before going to Mac. I used Amiga before PC's. I wonder what the ratio is for Mac users versus Pc users who have photoshop on their computer. If a person wants to do design work, they own a Mac. EA don't get it, the most talented designers are Mac users.
I've tried using Virtual box by Sun and put Windblows on my machine and installed Sims 3 and the CAW but it won't run. That is how desperate I am to using CAW. Virtual Box is free and open source.
I look forward to seeing the incredible world you will create when/if EA ever release CAW for mac. If you think every world created so far sucks, then you must indeed be one of those mac using geniuses to whom we PC users bow our heads in humble resignation. If I may quote part of the title of a Bon Jovi song, you give this thread a bad name. I`m off to work on my crappy world on my crappy PC
SIGN ME UP!