Improvement on Cities: Skylines 2 is altering fingers after writer Paradox Interactive and developer Colossal Order have “mutually determined to pursue impartial paths.”
In a forum post, Paradox introduced Cities: Skylines’ growth could be shifting to one in every of its inner studios, Iceflake. The studio will take over “all current and future” growth updates for Cities: Skylines 2 and proceed growth on the sport’s long-delayed console variations.
As for Colossal Order, the studio will ship a number of extra updates earlier than Iceflake absolutely takes over. These will embody a serious replace that can add bikes, Outdated City buildings, and different enhancements. A beta model of the sport’s editor with mod-asset help will even arrive earlier than the top of the yr. Iceflake will then take over the franchise at first of 2026.
Within the discussion board put up, Colossal Order Mariina Hallikainen mentioned the studio by no means may have imagined Cities: Skylines would grow to be a franchise performed by thousands and thousands.
“We’re assured the franchise will proceed to thrive below Paradox’s management,” Hallikainen mentioned. “As we transfer ahead, we’re excited to channel our expertise, creativity, and fervour into new initiatives that align with our long-term imaginative and prescient.”
Iceflake might be sharing its personal plans for Cities: Skylines 2 growth within the coming weeks, and is working with Colossal Order to make sure a easy transition, in accordance with the discussion board put up. Iceflake Studio supervisor Lasse Liljedahl mentioned taking up the franchise is “an immense honor and an excellent duty,” whereas noting the developer has a protracted historical past of creating city-building video games, like 2021’s post-apocalyptic city-builder Surviving the Aftermath.
“We see a robust basis and a lot potential ready to be unleashed and I can not wait to point out you what we now have deliberate for the following chapter of this unimaginable sport,” Liljedahl mentioned.
The discussion board put up does not state a particular motive for why Colossal Order and Paradox are going their separate methods, however the launch of Cities: Skylines 2 wasn’t precisely easy. Previous to launch in October 2023, Paradox warned gamers concerning the sport’s efficiency points.
After launch, Colossal Order acknowledged numerous efficiency issues and said its objective was to proceed optimizing the title in order that it may run at a steady 30 frames per second. In response to the sport’s tough launch, its Seaside Properties DLC was made free, with further content material added to the sport’s Final Version. Cities: Skylines 2 presently sports activities a “Combined” person overview ranking on Steam, whereas the unique Cities: Skylines has “Very Constructive” evaluations.