Unveiling the Ultimate Multiplayer Potential in Cities Skylines 2

Highlights

Cities Skylines 2 has the potential to thrive with the addition of multiplayer, as it could allow players to build cities together and trade resources.

The failure of SimCity 2013's multiplayer was primarily attributed to its forced implementation on players and subsequent server overload. However, amidst these shortcomings, the game did offer intriguing features that could serve as inspiration for other city builders.

In contrast, Cities Skylines 2 has already laid the groundwork for multiplayer functionality by allowing players to establish connections with other cities in its single-player mode. Taking it a step further, empowering players with the ability to govern these interconnected cities would elevate the game to new heights.

After years of providing support for Cities Skylines, the highly anticipated sequel, Cities Skylines 2, has finally been released. This new installment takes all the positive aspects of the first game and significantly improves upon them, offering an outstanding city simulation experience. It reaffirms why Colossal Order is the ideal studio to lead the city builder genre, especially considering the shortcomings of SimCity 2013. Nonetheless, the inclusion of SimCity 2013 as an exclusive feature could greatly benefit Cities Skylines 2 if given the opportunity.

SimCity 2013 introduced numerous significant changes to the series' traditional gameplay, most notably the addition of multiplayer functionality. While this decision proved to be controversial among players, the underlying concept held great potential. The ability to construct cities alongside friends creates an exciting prospect for success, which is why it should be a feature embraced by Cities Skylines 2. The game already seems to possess the ideal setup for such a feature, and hopefully, the studio will follow through with its implementation.

Cities Skylines 2 Could Thrive with Multiplayer

Cities Skylines 2, unlike SimCity 2013, does not include multiplayer features. Players are required to create their own saved games and construct cities independently. The game only allows interaction with the larger community outside of the actual gameplay. This choice aligns with the primary focus of the genre, which is to provide enjoyable single-player simulators. However, if implemented correctly, multiplayer has the potential to elevate the concept to new heights.

SimCity 2013 failed partly because it did not execute multiplayer effectively. Instead of being an optional mode, multiplayer was enforced upon players upon launch. They were unable to play the game without establishing a connection to the servers, which proved to be extremely challenging due to the server overload. This resulted in an unplayable game, which is never a favorable outcome. Furthermore, players quickly noticed the significant limitations imposed by the mandatory multiplayer aspect of SimCity 2013.

Despite the poor execution of SimCity 2013's multiplayer, the concept itself remains intriguing and worthy of consideration for other city builders. The ability for players to construct cities alongside one another and collaborate on building up an entire region, engaging in trade and collective efforts towards constructing great works, was undeniably enjoyable when the servers functioned properly. This is precisely why Cities Skylines 2 should strive to elevate this concept to new heights.

In its current iteration, Cities Skylines 2 already exhibits hints of this feature within its single-player mode. Through the creation of public transportation such as trains and airports, players can establish connections with other cities, albeit represented by a mere icon and name. Nevertheless, it contributes to a sensation of a dynamic, bustling world. The next step for Colossal Order is to grant players control over these other cities, enabling them to delve into an entirely new realm of gameplay.

Instead of restricting players to building within limited areas, Cities Skylines 2 could offer players unrestricted freedom to construct their dream cities. Players could establish trade and public transportation routes with other players rather than nonexistent cities. Additionally, players would have the opportunity to explore and admire the cities created by other players. Introducing this feature voluntarily would greatly enhance the overall experience of Cities Skylines 2. Being a part of a world filled with cities created by players would create a unique and special atmosphere. Hopefully, such a feature is already being planned for the game.

Cities Skylines 2 is currently available on PC, with a version for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S scheduled to be released in Spring 2024.