Colossal Order ceases Cities: Skylines development as new studio steps in

Colossal Order ceases Cities: Skylines development as new studio steps in

Major Changes Ahead for Cities: Skylines Franchise

In a surprising turn of events, Paradox Interactive announced significant changes concerning the beloved Cities: Skylines franchise. Originally developed by Colossal Order since its inception in 2015, the studio is set to part ways with the publisher, marking a notable shift right after the release of the first expansion for Cities: Skylines II—a title that faced considerable delays over the past year.

Details on the Split

This decision, characterized as mutual, provides both Paradox Interactive and Colossal Order the opportunity to “pursue independent paths.”In a move that signals a new direction for the franchise, Paradox has chosen Iceflake Studios as the new developer for future Cities: Skylines projects.

CEO’s Statement on the Transition

Reflecting on the journey of the franchise, Mariina Hallikainen, Colossal Order’s CEO, expressed gratitude towards Paradox for their collaboration and to the dedicated community that has embraced the game since its debut. She stated, “We’re confident that the franchise will continue to thrive under Paradox’s leadership and are excited to focus our creativity on new projects.”

Current Status of Cities: Skylines II

Initially set to launch for PC and consoles in 2023, Cities: Skylines II has yet to be released on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Paradox previously indicated that the console versions were not viable for launch due to performance concerns. Furthermore, the PC release encountered numerous technical issues, prompting a temporary halt to planned DLC and expansions to prioritize fixes.

Cities Skylines II

Upcoming Updates from Colossal Order

Before entirely transitioning, Colossal Order will deliver several updates for Cities: Skylines II. These will introduce features such as biking, Old Town architecture, and essential bug fixes, alongside the eagerly anticipated beta release of the asset editor for modding enthusiasts.

Iceflake Studios Takes the Helm

Newly appointed Studio Manager of Iceflake Studios, Lasse Liljedahl, acknowledged the weight of stepping into this role with a genre-defining franchise. He reiterated their commitment to honoring the legacy of Cities: Skylines, saying, “We see a strong foundation and so much potential waiting to be unleashed.” The studio, with a decade of experience in city-building and management games, is well-prepared to take on this exciting challenge.

Looking Ahead

Beginning in 2026, Iceflake Studios will take responsibility for ongoing updates, bug fixes, and downloadable content. They will also address the pending console release. However, as of this announcement, no specific timeline has been provided for these developments. Notably, Iceflake Studios has collaborated with Paradox in the past on other successful titles, such as Surviving the Aftermath.

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