Cities: Skylines 2, the city-building game developed by Colossal Order and published by Paradox Interactive, has recently faced backlash from players due to the disappointing reception of the Beach Properties DLC. While the game has shown progress on the performance front, the negative feedback about the DLC has led to both developers issuing a joint statement apologizing for its state upon release.
The letter addressed to Cities fans, signed by Colossal Order CEO Mariina Hallikainen and Paradox Interactive deputy CEO Mattias Lilja, not only apologizes for the shortcomings of the DLC but also promises refunds for those who purchased Beach Properties. For players who acquired it through the Ultimate Edition, compensation in the form of three Creator Packs and three radio stations will be provided. Additionally, the DLC is being offered for free to those who have not yet made a purchase.
Despite the intentions for Beach Properties to signify a turning point for Skylines 2, it has been criticized for its lack of substantial content. Priced at £8.49 / $10, the DLC was essentially an asset pack with minimal new features, such as a few new buildings and plantable foliage. Surprisingly, there were no actual beach houses included in the pack, leading to further disappointment among players.
In response to the negative feedback, the developers have committed to making immediate changes to their development approach and communication with players. This includes a renewed focus on enhancing the base game and modding tools. As a result, the anticipated Bridges and Ports expansion has been pushed back to 2025. Furthermore, an “advisory meeting” is being planned to gather feedback from select Cities enthusiasts on potential improvements for the game.
While there remains hope for the future of Cities: Skylines 2, some players are skeptical of the developers’ promises, given previous disappointments and unmet expectations. Despite efforts to address the issues with the game and DLC, the trust of many fans has been shaken, leading to uncertainty about the game’s continued development.
Overall, the troubled release of Beach Properties serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by developers in delivering satisfying content to their player base. Moving forward, it will be crucial for Colossal Order and Paradox Interactive to listen to feedback, make meaningful improvements, and regain the trust of their community to ensure the continued success of Cities: Skylines 2.
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