In May, Cities: Skylines bid farewell to its last downloadable content (DLC) pack as its developers, Colossal Order, pivoted towards the highly anticipated Cities: Skylines 2. However, the urban planning game has surprisingly re-entered the spotlight with the release of a new DLC titled “Mountain Village,” reintroducing players to its rich modifiable world. This new content arrives a mere eighteen months after the second installment launched, raising questions about prioritization and the ongoing support of the original title.
The “Mountain Village” pack brings 45 new buildings that offer players the opportunity to create rustic and scenic environments, fulfilling a desire among fans for updates that enhance their creative expression. What is particularly noteworthy is that much of this content traces back to the community, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between developers and fans in the gaming community. Nevertheless, Colossal Order has assured players that the development teams for both Cities: Skylines and Cities: Skylines 2 are distinct, indicating that the nurturing of the original game won’t detract from work on its sequel. Instead, Tantalus, known for their adept handling of console ports, has taken charge of this latest DLC, allowing for an efficient rollout of new content.
Despite its initial hype, Cities: Skylines 2 launched with an array of performance woes and bugs, overshadowing the excitement surrounding its release. Initial players were left searching for improvements, and the first DLC pack’s lackluster reception even prompted refunds and a public apology from the developers. These missteps serve as critical reminders of the unpredictable nature of game development. However, returning to Cities: Skylines with the Mountain Village Creator Pack could be seen as an opportunity for redemption for both the developers and the community.
Valuing the Community
Rather than viewing this move back to the original game as a retreat, it’s essential to recognize it as an acknowledgment of its dedicated player base. Many long-time players cherish the first installment and may not be ready or able to transition to the sequel. This thoughtful decision to release more content provides continuity and validates the community’s ongoing passion for the game. It beckons the question: should other developers take a similar approach to original titles, ensuring they do not alienate dedicated fans?
The Mountain Village creator pack is currently available on Steam, where players can also find the base game at a steep discount of 75%. This decision not only encourages past players to return but invites new ones to explore the charm of Cities: Skylines. In an industry that often rushes to the next big release, it’s refreshing to see a game that continues to nurture its roots. For many fans, the original Cities: Skylines remains an irreplaceable experience, and with the new DLC, there’s much to rediscover in this beloved urban simulation.