It’s extra unhealthy information for Cities Skylines 2, which has now seen its console model delayed indefinitely.
In a note to console players, writer Paradox mentioned the console model was nonetheless not up to scratch and will now miss its deliberate October 2024 launch window, itself a delayed goal from earlier this yr.
“Sadly, we now have not but met the steadiness and efficiency targets we set for the console launch,” Paradox mentioned. “With no Launch Candidate (RC), we are actually unable to meet an October launch window.
“Whereas we’re making sluggish however regular progress, there are nonetheless unresolved points impacting the sport in ways in which hurt the participant expertise we would like to ship. We count on to obtain a brand new RC, which can bear an intensive evaluate in August. This analysis will decide whether or not we will start the submission course of and present a strong launch date, or if additional points want to be addressed.
“We perceive that is disappointing, and it’s not what we had hoped for both. Nonetheless, we’re dedicated to conserving you knowledgeable all through this growth course of, even when the updates aren’t all the time what we’d like.
“Thanks on your understanding and assist.”
Colossal Order’s troubled city-builder sequel launched in October 2023 on PC through Steam and instantly bumped into quite a few points. However Cities: Skylines 2’s issues started earlier than its launch even arrived. Colossal Order had warned gamers the sport would launch with efficiency points per week earlier than it got here out. In IGN’s Cities: Skylines 2 evaluate, which returned a 6/10, we mentioned: “Cities: Skylines 2 is an bold sequel that may have bitten off greater than it could actually chew – be ready to do numerous terraforming if you do not need your metropolis to appear to be a nightmare.”
Colossal Order CEO Mariina Hallikainen later admitted the shortage of modding assist was the developer’s “greatest remorse.” Then, in April, Paradox was pressured to provide refunds for the newest DLC, with Hallikainen and Mattias Lilja, deputy CEO of writer Paradox, admitting the closely criticized Seashore Properties DLC was rushed out in a bid to enhance sentiment across the disastrous launch of Cities Skylines 2. On the time of this text’s publication, extra individuals are enjoying the primary Cities Skylines sport than its sequel on Steam.
As for the console launch, the plan was to launch it within the spring of 2024 after lacking final yr’s launch, nevertheless it was was delayed to October. There is no such thing as a new launch window. Again in April, Colossal Order and Paradox insisted that the crew working on the console launch operates individually from the PC growth crew, “so it will likely be progressing with out splitting our focus or time.”
Lacking October 2024 means Cities Skylines 2 will now launch on console over a yr after it got here out on PC, which was clearly not in Paradox or Colossal Order’s unique plan. In the meantime, each firms are battling a disgruntled participant base by releasing updates geared toward enhancing the core PC model.
Wesley is the UK Information Editor for IGN. Discover him on Twitter at @wyp100. You may attain Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.