A week after the “unofficial” announcement by Tilted Mill and Games for Windows, SimCity Societies has been announced by EA.

This excerpt from the article describes some of the gameplay we can expect to find in the game, which is expected to be released Winter 2008.

SimCity Societies introduces an all-new, revolutionary feature set for players to combine buildings that will produce or consume new kinds of resources called “social energies.” How you mix and match these resources - industry, wealth, obedience, knowledge, devotion, or creativity–determines the social energy of your city. Will your city be happy and creative, spiritual and knowledgeable, will it be wealthy and powerful or obedient and fearful? Its fate is in your hands!

Not only will players be able to build from any or all energies, but the cities will look and behave differently depending on the energy combinations the player makes. From futuristic metropolises and fantastical haunted cities to obedient Orwellian states and devout contemplative towns - what to combine and connect is up to the creator.

All current evidence indicates that SimCity Societies will be nothing like any SimCity we’ve seen yet. What do you think, are the changes for better or for worse?