In an unexpected turn of events, the beloved city-building game, Cities: Skylines, is set to enhance its gaming experience once again. Following the release of its sequel, Cities: Skylines 2, last year—an installment that notably struggled with its launch performance—Colossal Order decided to revisit their original title. The introduction of the “Mountain Village” creator pack brings a delightful array of 45 new buildings, designed specifically for players looking to build charming and idyllic locations reminiscent of pastoral life. This move signals a profound recognition of the first game’s enduring popularity.
One standout feature of this new expansion is its community-centric approach. Many downloadable content packs (DLCs) for Cities: Skylines have historically been crafted by passionate members of its player base, and the Mountain Village creator pack is no exception. The developers at Colossal Order have delegated the implementation of this content to Tantalus, a studio known for its expertise in console ports for the game. The development team stated that their focus remains steadfast on Cities: Skylines 2, and that no resources were diverted from the sequel to create this new DLC. This collaborative effort illustrates the studio’s commitment to both games and highlights a refreshing trend within the gaming industry: the acknowledgment of player creativity.
Challenges with the Sequel
Despite the excitement surrounding this new DLC, it’s essential to address the elephant in the room—Cities: Skylines 2 launched with considerable challenges. Players encountered numerous bugs and performance issues, leading to a rocky reception. The first DLC for the sequel was particularly controversial, with many players voicing their dissatisfaction and even receiving refunds. In the backdrop of these challenges, Colossal Order’s choice to continue supporting the first Cities: Skylines seems less like retreat and more like an opportunity to cater to a loyal fanbase that remains enamored with the original game.
This decision to re-engage with Cities: Skylines is a commendable acknowledgment by the developers that many players are still invested in the first game. The nostalgic allure of the original, combined with its robust modding community, ensures that Cities: Skylines continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Rather than abandoning this fanbase in favor of focusing solely on the sequel, Colossal Order is embracing the spirit of community that first defined the game’s success.
With the Mountain Village creator pack now available on Steam—and the base game being offered at a reduced price—players are encouraged to explore this new content. As fans dive into quaint village settings and creative ambitions, it becomes clear that this expansion not only breathes new life into Cities: Skylines but also sets a precedent for how games can evolve while respecting their history. The approach taken by Colossal Order stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between developers and their community, bridging the gap between nostalgia and innovation.