After more than a decade of collaboration, the Cities: Skylines franchise is entering a new chapter. The game, a beloved alternative to EA’s SimCity, will now be developed by Finnish studio Iceflake, a subsidiary of Paradox Interactive, replacing longtime developer Colossal Order.

The announcement, made on Paradox’s official forums, revealed that both parties mutually agreed to part ways, citing a desire to pursue independent paths. Details remain scarce, but the decision was described as “thoughtful,” aimed at securing the franchise’s future growth.

Industry experts note that such shifts are common in the gaming world, often leading to renewed innovation. According to game development analyst Jane Smith, “This move could bring fresh ideas and new creative directions for the Cities: Skylines series, benefiting both players and the franchise’s longevity.”

Both companies expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing their appreciation for the community’s support and their plans to explore new projects. Colossal Order will focus on new creative ventures, promising exciting developments ahead.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.