Design challenge - EA TURNS THE SCREW
I began the latest design challenge earlier today. After upgrading a couple of buildings, I came to one which required one of the new items.
EASY - just request new upgrade plans!
WRONG
It was only then I discovered that access to the architect has been REMOVED from the design challenge. Accordingly I cannot upgrade those buildings because I don't have the new items, and I am not wasting time buying them from the railway shop.
So, the design challenge is no longer an option for me. This will be the same in the megabuildings, too, since you have to complete whatever challenge is set for you. So no more mega buildings for me, either! (*as you can see in the screenshots, access to the architect is no longer available in the design challenge).
In case this news doesn't dismay/depress you totally, let me paste a reply I have had from Customer Services regarding an earlier complaint about the new items appearing as upgrade requirements in the 'normal' game:-
To follow up on your question, let me share that newly added feature is going through beta testing and will soon be fully available to all players in the game.
So, please keep an eye on future updates which will be notified via in-game message.
Till that time I would advise you to refresh the required items to get new items requirement.
Obviously, he/she didn't know about the architect being removed from the design challenge, or didn't want to upset me with the news. Such a caring attitude EA has towards its players!
I would also share a portion of my response to Customer Support (who are unlikely to pay much attention to it or to me):-
'Why are you trying to screw money out of me in this way? It is a form of blackmail. I am not allowed to compete in the design challenge unless I pay for the privilege?
This has only just been implemented, as in the previous design challenge, I could request the architect to provide new plans
Up until now I have bought a great deal of extras for the game by cash. Perhaps the only thing EA understands is profit margins? Therefore, in protest at this policy of forcing money out of me in order to play the game, I will no longer purchase any extras for the game. Hopefully, many others will take this attitude, and maybe EA will take notice when their income from such sales drops dramatically?
I would be interested to hear you explanation/rationale for any access to the architect has been withdrawn in the design challenge?'
Like so many of you, I am angry, sad, upset and depressed about what is being done to a much loved game. I, too, formed a club, and have assembled a loyal group of players who love this game. So much collective hard work and effort will be for nothing if EA do not do a U -turn NOW, before they lose all those exceptionally loyal players who have devoted so much of their time, effort and THEMSELVES into creating truly amazing cities.
Along with so many of you, I just hope against hope that EA takes note of the reaction of their core players NOW.
