Here’s whatCities: Skylines 2’s new developer is updating first

In a surprising turn of events last November, publisher Paradox announced a significant shift in the development of Cities: Skylines 2, revealing that the beloved series developer, Colossal Order, would no longer be involved. This unexpected departure was described as a "mutual" decision. Now, the reins have been handed over to Iceflake Studios, known for their work on Surviving the Aftermath, and they are gearing up to implement a series of exciting updates for the popular city-building game. Recently, Iceflake shared insights into their development plans through a City Corner Developer Diary. The focus of their upcoming major patch will be on enhancing the game’s visual elements, particularly the user interface, which Iceflake acknowledges has caused some confusion among players. The team is committed to creating a more intuitive experience with a redesigned onboarding process for new cities. This will feature improved icons that are more expressive and context-aware, along with toolbars that boast clearer colors and a more coherent visual style. Additionally, although it may not be included in the initial patch, Iceflake is working on an in-game Encyclopedia that will allow players to easily access information on various gameplay topics. When it comes to the aesthetics of the cities, Iceflake is set to incorporate the popular "recolor" patch, allowing players to customize colors for buildings, props, and vehicles directly within the base game. Future updates will also extend this customization to trees, plants, and other elements, although this feature will be rolled out in subsequent patches. With these enhancements on the horizon, the community is eager to see how Iceflake will shape the future of Cities: Skylines 2, bringing fresh life to the beloved franchise.