Paradox Interactive has recently surprised fans by releasing new paid DLC for the original Cities: Skylines game, despite concluding its release roadmap over a year ago. This unexpected move comes as Cities: Skylines 2 continues to face challenges following its troubled launch last year.
Initially, Paradox had shifted its focus to Cities: Skylines 2 after wrapping up support for the first game in May of the previous year. However, ongoing issues with the sequel, including delays in post-launch DLC plans and negative player feedback, prompted the publisher to reevaluate its strategy. As a result, new paid DLC packs, themed around mountain villages and alpine landscapes, have been launched for Cities: Skylines 1.
The three new DLC releases include the Mountain Village Pack, Map Pack 3, and the Radio Station Alpine Tunes music pack. Despite these additions, Paradox emphasized that no resources were diverted from Cities: Skylines 2, and the original game’s developer, Colossal Order, remains dedicated to improving the sequel.
Furthermore, Paradox has announced plans for eight free community-created region packs inspired by iconic global cities, set to release for Cities: Skylines 2 in the near future. This decision to support both games simultaneously reflects the company’s commitment to its fan base and the Cities: Skylines franchise as a whole.
The release of new DLC for Cities: Skylines 1 comes at a challenging time for Paradox, as the company has faced setbacks across multiple projects in recent years. From the delay of Prison Architect 2 to the troubled development of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, Paradox has been navigating various obstacles within its portfolio. CEO Fredrik Wester has acknowledged these issues and expressed a commitment to making better decisions moving forward.
In conclusion, the unexpected release of new DLC for Cities: Skylines 1 demonstrates Paradox Interactive’s dedication to its community and the longevity of its popular city-building franchise. As players enjoy the new content, the future of both Cities: Skylines games remains uncertain but filled with potential for growth and improvement.