The 2013 SimCity release controversy stems from one of the most disastrous video game launches in history, primarily due to EA and Maxis's decision to enforce an 'always-online' DRM system. Upon release, servers were unable to handle the traffic, leaving thousands of players unable to access the game they had purchased—even for single-player mode. Memes from this era typically feature the infamous 'Server Busy' loading screens, sarcastic takes on the 'benefits' of cloud processing, and critiques of corporate DRM policies. It serves as a lasting symbol of the friction between digital rights management and consumer experience, frequently resurfacing whenever a new modern game faces similar connectivity issues at launch.