Offline Mode for SimCity being Explored

In March Maxis quoted that an offline mode for SimCity “didn’t fit with our vision” but now they have stated that they are working on the possibility.

“Right now we have a team specifically focused on exploring the possibility of an offline mode.” Buechener said on the SimCity Forum.

“I can’t make any promises on when we will have more information, but we know this is something that many of our players have been asking for.” He goes on “While the server connectivity issues are behind us, we would like to give our players the ability to play even if they choose not to connect.”

Maxim believes that an “offline mode would have the additional benefit of providing room to the modding community to experiment without interfering or breaking the multiplayer experience.”

What do you think of this, do you think an offline mode is possible for SimCity? And what would it add to your gaming experience? We want to see your thoughts in the comments.