As the anticipated release of the infamous city-builder game draws near, many players are wondering whether is Cities Skylines 2 multiplayer or not. The game is set to be released on October 24th, and with only 4 days remaining for its debut, you might also be curious about your potential ability to enjoy it with your friends.
In this article, we are going to quickly answer whether is Cities Skylines 2 multiplayer or not and explain why the developer went the latter route.
Is Cities Skylines 2 multiplayer or a solo adventure?
The highly anticipated sequel, Cities: Skylines 2, is set to launch without any multiplayer functionality, a decision that has stirred conversations among fans. Below, we’ll delve into the reasoning provided by the developers at Colossal Order for this choice and explore other noteworthy updates about the game.
The developer’s perspective
Colossal Order recently confirmed via a Twitter post that Cities: Skylines 2 will not feature multiplayer support upon its initial release. When questioned about the possibility of adding multiplayer later on, the developers explained that such an endeavor would demand a substantial investment of time and resources, potentially diverting focus from the core aspects of the game that are currently their top priority.
It's wonderful to see all the interest in Cities: Skylines II! 🙌 We'll have much more to share about the game in the future, but let's have a look at the questions we answered in March. 😁#CitiesSkylines #CitiesSkylines2 #CitiesSkylinesII pic.twitter.com/KBmiyxZP87
— Colossal Order (@ColossalOrder) April 4, 2023
It’s important to note, however, that this decision doesn’t entirely rule out the potential addition of multiplayer functionality in the future, as the studio might explore this avenue down the line.
Insights into development
Cities: Skylines 2 has been in active development for several years, and Colossal Order has been eagerly awaiting the opportune moment to unveil this highly anticipated sequel. The game is once again built on the Unity platform and will support modding. However, it’s worth mentioning that content created for the original Cities: Skylines will require adaptation for compatibility with the sequel.
Learning from history
The decision to forgo multiplayer functionality at launch resonates with lessons learned from the release of SimCity 2013. This title emphasized persistent, always-online progression, a choice that ultimately contributed to its downfall. Colossal Order’s cautious approach suggests a desire to steer clear of similar pitfalls and prioritize a robust single-player experience.
A glimpse into the future
While Cities: Skylines 2 may not incorporate multiplayer at the outset, there’s potential for the game to draw inspiration from the strengths of SimCity 2013 in the future. The sequel is poised to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor with a substantial post-launch content plan, promising an engaging and enduring experience for players.
As Cities: Skylines 2 continues its development journey, the decision to focus on single-player gameplay at launch reflects a deliberate choice by Colossal Order to ensure the core elements of the game receive the attention they deserve. While multiplayer functionality may not be on the immediate horizon, the future holds exciting possibilities for this highly anticipated city-building sim. Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of Cities: Skylines 2.
Meanwhile, if you haven’t yet pre-purchased the game, make sure to check out our article on the differences between the Cities Skylines 2 Ultimate and Standard editions to ensure that you are making an informed choice and serving your desires with the version you buy.
Featured image credit: Steam
