The city-building simulation game Cities: Skylines II has received its first major update since Iceflake Studios took over development from Colossal Order at the beginning of . This update marks a significant step for Iceflake as they begin to steer the future of the popular title.
A Transition of Development
Originally developed by Colossal Order, Cities: Skylines II launched in October as a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2015 game, Cities: Skylines. The sequel aimed to expand upon the simulation factors of its predecessor, including more detailed city and population simulations and improved traffic management. However, the initial release was met with criticism regarding performance issues and technical flaws.
The transition of development to Iceflake Studios was announced earlier, with the studio officially taking the reins at the start of . This change came after concerns about the game’s performance and the need for a dedicated team to address these issues and chart a course for future development. Paradox Interactive remains the publisher of the game.
What the Update Includes
While specific details of the update weren’t provided in the initial announcement, the release signifies Iceflake’s commitment to supporting and improving Cities: Skylines II. The update is described as “kicking off IceFlake’s journey with the city builder,” suggesting a focus on establishing a foundation for future enhancements. Further details are expected to be released through developer diaries and community updates.
Expanding the Cityscape: Tile Limits and Area
One of the key features differentiating Cities: Skylines II from the original is the expanded building area. The first Cities: Skylines game, even with user modifications, was limited to nine tiles covering approximately 33.1776 km2 (12.8099 sq mi). The remastered edition increased this to 25 tiles, covering 92.16 km2 (35.58 sq mi). Cities: Skylines II, however, allows players to build across a much larger area – up to 441 tiles, representing 171.33 km2 (66.15 sq mi). This substantial increase in available space means that each individual tile within the game is significantly smaller than in previous iterations.
Iceflake’s Plans for the Future
Iceflake Studios has already signaled its intention to involve the community in the development process. A recent developer diary, as well as posts on the Paradox Plaza forum and Reddit, indicate that upcoming changes will be presented to players with the option to choose which ones they want to implement. This approach suggests a shift towards a more collaborative development model, prioritizing player feedback and preferences.
Sini, the Community Manager at Iceflake Studios, announced the first official Dev Diary from the studio, emphasizing the team’s commitment to transparency and open communication with the player base. This commitment is further reinforced by the planned release of “City Corner” updates, focusing on visual improvements and other enhancements.
Delayed Console Release
The release of Cities: Skylines II on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S has been indefinitely delayed. Originally planned to coincide with the Windows release in October , the console version has faced unforeseen challenges, prompting Paradox Interactive to postpone its launch. No new release date has been announced.
Looking Ahead
The handover of development to Iceflake Studios represents a pivotal moment for Cities: Skylines II. The initial update, while lacking specific details, demonstrates a commitment to addressing the game’s shortcomings and building a strong foundation for future growth. The studio’s emphasis on community involvement and transparent communication suggests a positive outlook for the game’s long-term development. Players will be watching closely to see how Iceflake Studios shapes the future of this popular city-building simulation.
