Paradox Interactive and Colossal Order have decided to part ways after a successful 15-year collaboration. Colossal Order, known for its work on the Cities: Skylines series, will now pursue new creative opportunities. The development of Cities: Skylines 2 will shift to Iceflake Studios, another studio within Paradox.
The sequel launched in October 2023 but faced criticism for performance issues, particularly on consoles, which are still in development. In a statement, Mariina Hallikainen, CEO of Colossal Order, reflected on their long journey and thanked the gaming community for their support. She expressed optimism about the Cities franchise continuing under Paradox’s guidance and mentioned their plans for new projects.
Mattias Lilja, deputy CEO of Paradox, recognized their long-standing partnership and its impact on a dedicated community of players. He assured fans that they would continue to deliver content for Cities: Skylines.
Iceflake Studios will take over all aspects of ongoing development, including updates and console releases, starting in early 2026. Lasse Liljedahl, the studio manager, emphasized the honor of working on such a beloved franchise and expressed excitement for the future. He noted Iceflake’s experience in city-building games and the potential to enhance the series.
Meanwhile, Colossal Order is still finishing up projects, including bug fixes and upcoming features. Paradox, which has faced challenges in recent years—with the departure of other developers and the cancellation of certain games—remains focused on engaging its community. Lilja recently shared a commitment to listening to fan feedback more actively and being disciplined in their approach to innovation.
This shift comes at a time when user feedback is more crucial than ever. According to recent gaming industry surveys, 68% of players prioritize game updates and developer communication. This expectation adds pressure on companies like Paradox to evolve alongside their fan base.
Overall, both companies face exciting yet challenging futures—Colossal Order with new creative paths and Paradox striving to maintain its strong community and legacy.
