I suppose the idea is that while the SimCity Maxis studio met its true end later after SimCity(2013) [1], Maxis the company was destroyed earlier. They had originally tried and failed to make SimCity 3000 be a full 3D game. It was only designed into its successful form after the acquisition by EA.

This retrospective on the game provides some context of the state pre-EA Maxis was in when they started SimCity 3000.[2]

1. The Sims is again branded as developed by Maxis.

2. https://youtu.be/MngTH_mh_Is?si=ERGNYzGHeDkPXOO2