In the evolving landscape of city-building simulation games, “Cities Skylines 2” (CS2), developed by Colossal Order, has been making waves, though not all of them positive.
Mariina Hallikainen, the co-founder and CEO of Colossal Order, addressed the mixed feedback from the gaming community in a candid manner. Her message to some fans: “Cities Skylines 2 might just not be for you.”
A Bold Stance Amidst Mixed Feedback
Since its launch, CS2 has been a subject of discussion for its real-time simulation and gameplay, with a focus on the intricacies of urban management, such as traffic and pedestrian AI. While the game has reached certain development goals set by Colossal Order, it has not been without its share of technical and performance issues.
These concerns have prompted the developers to work on patches and updates, with a significant one planned for early 2024, especially to enhance the modding experience, a cornerstone of the game’s appeal.
Hallikainen’s statement comes in the wake of feedback from players who have expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the game’s simulation system, including citizen behavior and economic elements.
Her response is a mix of realism and pragmatism, acknowledging that while some issues are being addressed, the core gameplay experience aligns with the developer’s original vision. This stance suggests an acceptance that CS2 may not resonate with all fans of the genre.
Technical Challenges and Future Promises
The journey of CS2 hasn’t been smooth sailing. The game’s performance standards have yet to meet the expectations of Colossal Order, leading to a delay in console releases and disappointment over the unavailability of modding support at launch. Despite these hurdles, Hallikainen assures that efforts are ongoing to enhance the game’s performance and deliver the much-anticipated modding support.
Interestingly, the predecessor of CS2, the original “Cities Skylines”, recently reported a higher player count on Steam, a testament to its enduring popularity.
This comparison draws attention to the challenges faced by sequels in living up to the legacy of their predecessors. Nevertheless, Colossal Order remains committed to evolving the CS2 experience, evidenced by the upcoming pre-release testing of the CS2 editor.
