Paradox Interactive and Colossal Order, after a fruitful fifteen-year collaboration, are charting new paths. Colossal Order, the original developers of the beloved Cities: Skylines series, will pass the torch to Iceflake Studios, a fellow Finnish company under Paradox’s wing. This change marks a significant shift in the series’ development, promising fresh perspectives and opportunities for both studios.
New Beginnings for Cities: Skylines
Reports suggest that this pivotal decision was mutually agreed upon by both teams to ensure the best possible future for the Cities: Skylines franchise. Colossal Order will focus on exploring new creative endeavors while Iceflake Studios takes the lead on Cities: Skylines. The transition, scheduled for 2026, will see Colossal Order working closely with Iceflake to ensure a seamless handover.
The State of Cities: Skylines 2
When Cities: Skylines 2 debuted in 2023, it faced challenges with limited content and performance issues, which affected player reception. Despite ongoing efforts to improve the game, it maintains a ‘Mixed’ rating on Steam. This transition comes at a critical time, offering a chance for revitalization under Iceflake Studios’ stewardship.
Future Prospects
Iceflake Studios, known for its experience in city-building games, is poised to build on the existing foundation of Cities: Skylines. As they prepare to take over, they are committed to respecting the loyal community and enhancing the series with new content and experiences. In the interim, Colossal Order will continue updates throughout 2025, ensuring a smooth transition while also working on the awaited console version. The community eagerly awaits what lies ahead as both studios embark on this new chapter.
Colossal Order steps back from Cities: Skylines, passing the series to Iceflake Studios for a new era of development.