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[Rentahamster]

After 2 years of troubled development since its lackluster release, Paradox and Colossal Order are parting ways. Cities Skylines 1 is one of my favorite games of all time, and while I was looking forward to getting CSII, I ultimately decided against it because the early previews were so bad. I was hoping to pick it up once the devs fixed the game, but as of yet, I still have not purchased it. Hopefully the new developer can make headway, and that this isn't a sign of them giving up on the franchise.

https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/an-update-on-cities-skylines-ii.1873154/

After more than a decade of successful collaboration across numerous titles that we're both immensely proud of, Paradox Interactive and Colossal Order have mutually decided to pursue independent paths. The decision was made thoughtfully and in the interest of both teams - ensuring the strongest possible future for the Cities: Skylines franchise.

Development of the Cities: Skylines franchise will move to a different studio under Paradox Interactive's leadership and Colossal Order looks forward to building on its experience across new projects and exploring new creative opportunities. Both companies are excited for what the future holds while remaining deeply appreciative of our shared history and grateful to the Cities' community.

This means the Cities: Skylines franchise will move to a new developer, and we're pleased to announce that Iceflake Studios will be taking the lead. Based in Tampere, Finland, Iceflake Studios is one of Paradox Interactive's internal management game studios and is hard at work getting into the nuts and bolts of Cities: Skylines II. Specifically, Iceflake will take over all existing and future development for Cities: Skylines II, including free updates for the current version, continuous work on the Editor and console editions, as well as future expansions and content packs. This means that Cities players will be able to look forward to new updates and content drops for many years.

Additional info:
https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/studio-shift-frequently-asked-questions.1873693/

1. When is the studio shift happening?

Colossal Order will implement a few additional updates before leaving, including the Bike Patch, which includes the long-awaited addition of bikes, Old Town buildings, bug fixes, and general improvements to the game.

A Beta implementation of the asset support for the Editor, meaning access to Asset Mods, will also be available before year-end. Iceflake Studios will take the helm for all development from the start of 2026.

1. What will happen to Cities: Skylines II now?

Iceflake will take over all existing and future development for Cities: Skylines II, including patches and polish for the current version, continuous work on the Editor and console editions, as well as future expansions and content packs. It's a long-term commitment, and Cities players will be able to look forward to many new updates and content drops in the future.

1. Why was Iceflake chosen as the studio to continue development of Cities: Skylines II?

Iceflake brings strong experience in simulation and city-building games and has demonstrated the creativity, technical expertise, and passion needed to take on the development of Cities: Skylines.

1. What will Colossal Order do instead? / Will Colossal Order shut down?

Colossal Order will work on new projects and explore new creative opportunities. Follow @ColossalOrder or www.colossalorder.fi for their latest updates.

This isn't the first time Paradox has changed developers for a game. This happend before with Prison Architect 2.

Prison Architect 2 developer Double Eleven has been replaced by publisher Paradox Interactive after working on the series for nearly a decade

Out with the old and in with the new.

www.pcgamer.com

I haven't followed that game, so I don't know how that worked out for them. If it made the game better, than perhaps this is a good sign for Cities Skylines II. If it made the game worse, then welp.

 

[Insanemaelstrom]

Changing dev studios rarely works well. The new studio has to get their heads around the new established code base and that is a massive pain in the ass. It also takes a while.

Wouldn't expect improvements within few months of development changing to new studio

 

[Punished Miku]

Will Colossal Order shut down?

Colossal Order will work on new projects and explore new creative opportunities.

 

[Xcell Miguel]

Sad, Cities Skylines was their best project after the death of SimCity.

Maybe we can see a new Cities in Motion game from them now ? If they still own the IP.

 

[The Cockatrice]

Typical reaction from someone who loves corporate slop such as Starfield. Considering Paradox's garbage track record, how do we know it was a dev issue and not a publisher rush this game out or else issue?

 

[Punished Miku]

Typical reaction from someone who loves corporate slop such as Starfield. Considering Paradox's garbage track record, how do we know it was a dev issue and not a publisher rush this game out or else issue?

 

[The Cockatrice]

Make it bigger baby.

 

[Zathalus]

Isn't this like the third or fourth time Paradox has done this?