What OS are you running? The symptoms sound like a Mac upgraded to High Sierra; this post consolidates the EA response. They're working with Apple to find a solution.
If it's PC, have you installed any new programs recently? It's possible that you have a conflict. Try disabling any new programs and see if it helps SimCity. Keep in mind, SimCity is an older game - it does not support multiple monitors or Ultra High Def resolutions. (I run it fine on 1080p witha GTX 1070 8 GB).
Then give these tips a try, one at a time, checking to see if SimCity runs after each one:
- Make sure you have the latest graphics drivers and updated Origin
- If you have BitDefender (anti-virus program) or Nahimic 2 (MSI sound program) installed, disable or uninstall them. Both BitDefender and Nahimic 2 will block SimCity from launching.
- In Origin, right-click the SimCity icon and choose "Repair". Let it repair
- In Origin, right-click the SimCity icon, choose "Properties" and disable Origin in-game. It's a checkbox - mine says "Enable Origin In Game" and needs to be unchecked.
- Run SimCityRecovery - go to \Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\SimCity\SimCityRecovery. Right-click SimCityRecovery.exe and "Run As Administrator" (don't use shortcuts on the menu, run from the exe)
- Right-Click your SimCity desktop shortcut, choose Properties > Compatibility tab. Click the checkbox that says "Run this program in compatibility mode" and choose Windows 8 or 7.
- Through the same tab, set both Origin & SimCity shortcuts to "Run As Administrator"
- Try to run SimCity. If those settings didn't work, go back to the compatibility tab and run in reduced color mode (either choice, or try both)
- If that doesn't work, go back to the compatibility tab and check the box for "Override high DPI scaling behavior" Choose "Scaling Performed by Application".
If these don't help, please reply with your OS, whether the app is crashing or freezing, and any error messages you get. Good luck!