The makers of are to release an offline version of the game for download.

The news comes after repeated problems with the most recent release of the city-building game, which required players to be online.

Requiring connection to the internet was seen as an attempt to curb piracy, but some users struggled to log in.

The launch was beset by problems, with many gamers reportedly waiting 30 minutes or more before they could start to construct a city.

The new offline game will come as a free download with update 10 and will be available to all SimCity players.