14 DAY TRIAL // Video game publisher Electronic Arts has filed a trademark for the name SimOcean, suggesting that it might be interested in creating a water-based spin-off for its upcoming city building title SimCity.
The new game will be powered by an all-new engine created by maxis, called GlassBox, and it would make sense of Electronic Arts to explore how it might then be used in other projects.
The Anno 2070 strategy and city building title from Ubisoft, which was launched during 2011 and will get an expansion during the fall, is set on islands and oceans, and Electronic Arts might be interested in appealing to the same segment of players.
The new SimCity is a total reboot of the franchise and will focus on delivering a traditional city building experience, with zoning and citizen needs taking center stage.
The game will also be more connected than others in the series, with various cities influencing the entire region where they exist.