Maxis has confirmed via Twitter that SimCity‘s update 10, which will add an offline mode, is in its “final testing.”

Since its release in March 2013, SimCity has required a constant internet connection to play it. During its launch period Maxis general manager Lucy Bradshaw said that making an offline version of the game was “just not possible”. In January however, general manager of Maxis Emeryville Patrick Buechner announced that an offline mode was in the works.

“What’s new is the Single Player mode, which allows you to play the game Offline by yourself,” Buechner explained. “And because your saved games in this mode are stored locally, you can save and load to your heart’s content.”

“Bringing the game Offline means big things for our wonderful community of Modders,” he added. “They can now make modifications to the game and its components without compromising the integrity of the Online game. Modding is a big part of our studio’s legacy and we’re excited to see what you guys create.”

(via CVG)