In the dynamic world of video gaming, developers often face challenges beyond the technical aspects of creating an engaging experience. One such challenge has emerged for Colossal Order, the developers behind the popular city-building game Cities: Skylines 2. Recently, the CEO of Colossal Order, Mariina Hallikainen, addressed an increasingly pressing concern within their community: the rise of toxic behaviors among players.
In Colossal Order’s ‘CO Word of the Week’ update, Hallikainen candidly discussed various ongoing improvements and developments in the game, ranging from modding support to console releases. However, amidst these updates, the CEO highlighted a worrying trend of growing toxicity in the gaming community. This issue, as described by Hallikainen, is not only directed towards the game’s developers but also between community members, creating a hostile environment that discourages engagement and collaboration.
The CEO expressed concern about the long-term impact of such behavior, fearing it could dampen the community’s spirit, stifle creativity, and hinder the modding culture that has become a vital aspect of the game’s ecosystem. To address this, Hallikainen extended an invitation to the community for suggestions on improving communication and interaction between the developers and the players. The CEO posed questions about the need for increased moderation or a potential reduction in developer engagement as means to manage the issue.
In a constructive approach to resolving the problem, Hallikainen encouraged players to offer feedback and disagree, but in a manner that is specific, detailed, and constructive. Emphasizing the importance of positive communication, the CEO reminded players that written communication can often misrepresent tone and intent. Thus, assuming good intentions and striving to maintain a friendly atmosphere is crucial.
This plea from Colossal Order’s CEO comes at a time when Cities: Skylines 2 has been navigating through a tumultuous launch period. The game, while highly anticipated, encountered several performance issues and bugs upon release. Despite these challenges, Colossal Order has committed to ongoing performance enhancements, aiming to resolve the most significant issues by mid-2024.
In summary, as Cities: Skylines 2 continues to evolve, its developers are not only focusing on improving the game’s technical aspects but are also deeply invested in fostering a healthy and respectful community. The effort to curb toxicity and promote positive interactions underscores the importance of community dynamics in the modern gaming landscape.
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