The End of a Partnership: Cities: Skylines’ Future Unveiled
In a shocking turn of events, the beloved Cities: Skylines franchise has announced a major shift. The long-standing developer, Colossal Order, and its publisher, Paradox Interactive, have decided to part ways, leaving many fans curious and a bit confused.
The official forums of Paradox revealed this news on Monday, stating that the two companies had “mutually decided” to go their separate paths. While the announcement was brief, it hinted at a thoughtful decision made in the best interest of both teams. But here’s where it gets intriguing: no specific reasons were given for this split.
“The decision ensures the strongest possible future for the Cities: Skylines franchise,” the announcement reads. It’s a bold move, leaving fans to speculate on the reasons behind this unexpected breakup.
A New Era for Cities: Skylines
Stepping into the spotlight is Iceflake, a Finnish studio and now the new developer for the Cities franchise. Iceflake, a subsidiary of Paradox, was acquired back in 2020, shortly after the release of their post-apocalyptic game, Surviving the Aftermath. This game has garnered a loyal following, thanks to consistent updates and DLC, which seem to be Iceflake’s forte.
Paradox has confirmed that Iceflake is already “hard at work” on Cities: Skylines II, taking over the reins for future updates, expansions, and content packs starting from 2026. Additionally, Iceflake will be responsible for the highly anticipated console ports of Skylines II, originally planned for a 2023 release alongside the PC version.
The Future of Urban Simulation
With this transition, the future of Cities: Skylines looks promising. Iceflake’s experience in crafting engaging post-apocalyptic worlds and their focus on regular updates could bring a fresh perspective to the franchise. However, it’s natural for fans to have concerns and questions. Will Iceflake maintain the spirit of the original game? How will they handle the challenges of urban simulation? And what does this mean for the long-term vision of Cities: Skylines?
Your Thoughts Matter
As a fan of Cities: Skylines, what are your thoughts on this developer change? Do you think Iceflake can live up to the legacy of Colossal Order? Or do you have concerns about the future of the franchise? Share your opinions and let’s discuss! The gaming community thrives on diverse perspectives, so don’t be shy. Your voice matters in shaping the future of this beloved urban simulation game.