We've now passed the two-year mark since Cities: Skylines 2 released for PC Game Pass, and after another couple of years attempting to optimise the console version for an Xbox Game Pass launch, Paradox Interactive has parted ways with the game's developer; Colossal Order.
In an update on Paradox's forums, the team says that the two companies "have mutually decided to pursue independent paths". The Cities: Skylines franchise will now move to Iceflake Studios, who will deliver "free updates for the current version, continuous work on the Editor and console editions, as well as future expansions and content packs".
"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."
We've been hearing about development issues with the console version of Cities: Skylines 2 for ages - the last update we posted here at Pure Xbox was that Colossal Order was struggling to get the Xbox version running around a year ago. It probably makes sense for a new team to take over, then, and we hope Iceflake can get to grips with the game and bring it to Xbox Series X|S — including Game Pass — ASAP.
In closing, Paradox noted that Colossal Order "will implement a few additional updates before leaving" - including the addition of bikes, Old Town buildings, and general bug fixes and improvements as it transitions away from development. We'll look to bring you an update when we hear about the console release; now coming from Iceflake Studios.