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Global Warming Heats Up 'SimCity'

by Tim Stevens on October 11, 2007 at 09:22 AM


In the next iteration of the legendary 'SimCity' game series, 'SimCity Societies,' earthquakes, tornadoes and other natural disasters will be joined by global warming as a new gameplay element that can plague your custom-built, in-game world. To power your in-game society, you can now opt for cheap, traditional, polluting power that will raise carbon levels in your virtual cities, or you can go with low-carbon options that will result in a much more green-friendly gaming experience.

Hey, that sounds pretty educational and forward-thinking -- but hold on just a minute. This inclusion of green power isn't some altruistic partnership between EA and Al Gore to help change the world. Rather, it's sponsored by oil giant BP, a company trying desperately to re-brand itself as anything but a petroleum peddler. In the game, those who utilize BP Alternative energy sources will find lower levels of in-game carbon dioxide, which reduces the risk of droughts and heat waves. It's just another micro-management factor 'SimCity Societies' gamers will have at their disposal to keep their virtual citizens happy.

Despite this stomach-churning example of corporate synergy at its absolute filthiest, we have to say, judging from the trailer above, that we're still psyched to play 'SimCity Societies' when it's released mid-November.

From Boing Boing

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Tags: BP, Global Warming, GlobalWarming, SimCity

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