Colossal Order and Paradox Interactive split with Cities: Skylines going to a new developer

Colossal Order and Paradox Interactive have ended their partnership on Cities: Skylines, with it moving onto a new developer.

The announcement posted on the Paradox forum notes they've "mutually decided to pursue independent paths "with the decision being made "thoughtfully and in the interest of both teams - ensuring the strongest possible future for the Cities: Skylines franchise". So now further development of the Cities franchise will move to Iceflake Studios, who Paradox acquired back in 2020. Iceflake will be taking over all existing and future development of Cities: Skylines II so that players "will be able to look forward to new updates and content drops for many years".

Iceflake Studios will take the helm from the start of 2026, with a couple bits left to add in from Colossal Order.

Statements from the post:

“For over fifteen years, the Cities Series and our partnership with Paradox have been a defining part of our journey at Colossal Order. When we set out to create Cities in Motion, we never imagined it would grow to become a cherished franchise with a passionate, loyal community of millions of players around the world. We want to thank everyone at Paradox for their trust and collaboration, and of course the community for the incredible support that has made Cities what it is today. We’re confident that the franchise will continue to thrive under Paradox's leadership. As we move forward, we’re excited to channel our experience, creativity, and passion into new projects that align with our long-term vision.” Mariina Hallikainen, CEO of Colossal Order

“Our partnership with Colossal Order is one of the longest-running relationships we've enjoyed here at Paradox. Four games, dozens of expansions, and a community of millions of Cities players; it's remarkable how much we've achieved together. We have deep respect for the Colossal Order team and we look forward to seeing where they go from here. On our end, we’re eager to continue working for the passionate Cities: Skylines community and make sure to provide them with more content and new experiences.” Mattias Lilja, Deputy CEO of Paradox Interactive

“Taking the reins on a genre-leading franchise like Cities is an immense honor and a great responsibility. There's a huge, loyal community out there and I want to say to every member of that community that we will humbly carry this legacy with respect, together with all of you. Iceflake has the capacity and capability to get started. We have a decade worth of experience from making city building and management games. We see a strong foundation and so much potential waiting to be unleashed and I can't wait to show you what we have planned for the next chapter of this incredible game.” Lasse Liljedahl, Studio Manager of Iceflake Studios