Cities: Skylines II Announced, Coming to PC, XSX, and PS5 in 2023

Since releasing in 2015, Cities: Skylines has done a great job of carrying the torch dropped by EA and Maxis when they abandoned Sim City, becoming one of the most consistently popular games published by Paradox Interactive. Since its initial release, countless Cities: Skylines expansions and DLC packs have been rolled out, but there’s been no word on an actual sequel. Was a sequel even necessary many wondered?

Well, apparently it is, as just minutes ago during today’s Paradox Announcement Show, Cities: Skylines II was officially unveiled. Developed by series creators Colossal Order, gameplay details for Cities: Skylines II remain somewhat vague, as the reveal trailer was strictly cinematic. That said, it seemed to tease things like a dynamic season and weather system, the ability to construct large skyscrapers, and perhaps lively citizen and traffic AI. You can check out the first trailer for Cities: Skylines II, below.

The Steam page for Cities: Skylines II is already up, and provides a few more tantalizing hints about the game…

“Create and manage your own city without restrictions. Offering a deep simulation and a living economy, Cities: Skylines II will challenge your decision-making skills and allow you to build the cities of your dreams. Get ready for a new epic scale in the most realistic city builder – ever.

Here your city will evolve and react to your decisions. A dynamic and ever-changing world that is both challenging and rewarding. Use your creativity and strategic planning skills to grow your city into a thriving metropolis that will attract businesses, residents, and tourists alike. From residential neighborhoods to bustling downtowns, the possibilities are endless. Navigate through the complexities of running a city and keep up with the needs and demands of your citizens. See your city grow and transform over time. With stunning graphics that are as beautiful as they are detailed, Cities: Skylines II will bring your city to life.”

I’d like some more concrete details, but it sounds like larger cities and a more detailed economic simulation are going to be a selling point. It also sounds like we’re going to be seeing a big bump in visual quality. While the new trailer is purely pre-rendered, it does seem to go out of its way to feature a lot of reflective surfaces — perhaps a hint actual Skylines II gameplay will feature ray tracing?

Cities: Skylines II launches on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5 sometime in 2023. The game’s trailer also features a Game Pass logo, hinting it may be a Day 1 release. What do you think? Ready to get building again?