Upon the release of the Beach Properties DLC for Cities: Skylines 2, players were met with disappointment and frustration. The DLC, which was intended to mark a turning point for the troubled citybuilder, instead fell short of expectations. Many criticized the lack of new features and scope of the DLC, which was priced at £8.49 / $10. Despite the developers’ efforts to improve the game’s performance, the reception to Beach Properties was far from positive.
In response to the backlash, both developers Colossal Order and publishers Paradox Interactive issued a joint statement apologizing for the state in which Beach Properties was launched. The letter, signed by Colossal Order CEO Mariina Hallikainen and Paradox Interactive deputy CEO Mattias Lilja, promised refunds for those who purchased the DLC. Additionally, players who obtained the DLC through the Ultimate Edition of Cities: Skylines 2 were offered compensation in the form of three Creator Packs and three radio stations. The contentious DLC was also made free for those who had not yet made a purchase.
As the first major DLC since the game’s troubled launch, Beach Properties was expected to bring significant improvements. However, players found that the DLC was merely an asset pack, lacking any substantial new features. Furthermore, the mod tools that were released alongside the DLC were also criticized for being limited in functionality. The disappointment with Beach Properties further eroded the trust of players in the developers and publishers.
In their apology statement, Colossal Order and Paradox Interactive acknowledged the shortcomings of Beach Properties and expressed their commitment to making immediate and meaningful changes. They stated that there would be a renewed focus on improving the base game and modding tools. This commitment also led to the delay of the Bridges and Ports expansion, which was originally slated for release later in the year but is now postponed until 2025. Additionally, an advisory meeting is being planned to gather feedback from select Cities enthusiasts on potential improvements to Skylines 2.
Despite the troubled launch of Beach Properties and the setbacks in the game’s development, there is still hope for Cities: Skylines 2. The developers’ promise to make significant changes and prioritize the improvement of the base game and modding tools is a step in the right direction. While some players may remain skeptical due to past disappointments, the potential for positive changes in the future remains.
Overall, the troubled launch of Beach Properties DLC for Cities: Skylines 2 serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by developers in meeting player expectations. The need for transparency, communication, and a commitment to improvement is essential in rebuilding trust and delivering a positive gaming experience for players.
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