Im pretty sure that this new Simcity is built around a very robust multplayer component.
Apparently you will be able to (trade?) and interact (?) in some very meaningful ways with other cities, which are of course run by other players.
Im not even sure how it will be able to work in singleplayer if any of what they have said about it is even remotely true.
In any case, its a no buy from me anyway for two reasons. First Origin, second EA.
I have a nifty blue line!