Imagine building something incredible for over 15 years with a trusted partner, then suddenly deciding to go your separate ways. That’s exactly what just happened in the gaming world, and it’s sending shockwaves through the entire industry.
On November 17, 2025, Colossal Order and Paradox Interactive announced they’re ending their partnership on Cities: Skylines II. This isn’t just another business announcement—it’s the dissolution of one of gaming’s most successful developer-publisher relationships that spanned more than 15 years and multiple hit titles.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Colossal Order developed Cities: Skylines II
- Paradox Interactive published the game worldwide
- The partnership lasted over 15 years across multiple titles
- The split affects major markets including United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, France, Japan, and South Korea
Why successful partnerships sometimes end
When a developer-publisher relationship lasts this long, you’d think everything must be perfect. But the reality is more complex. According to PCGamesN’s coverage, even successful partnerships can reach natural expiration dates.
Think about it this way: when a small developer first partners with a publisher, they often need funding, marketing, and distribution support. But after 15 years and multiple hit games, that developer might have outgrown those needs. They’ve built their own expertise, established their brand, and learned the business side.
The gaming landscape has also transformed dramatically since Colossal Order and Paradox first joined forces. Digital distribution through platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store has reduced publishers’ traditional value. Meanwhile, development tools have become more accessible, and community building through social media has changed how games find audiences.
What this means for studios considering publishers
If you’re a game developer thinking about signing with a publisher, this split offers crucial lessons. First, consider what you truly need from the relationship. Is it funding? Marketing expertise? Distribution networks? Or all three?
As Gaming on Linux reported, the Cities: Skylines franchise will continue with a new developer. This shows that intellectual property rights and creative control remain critical negotiation points.
Here are the key considerations for any studio:
- IP ownership: Who controls the intellectual property long-term?
- Creative freedom: How much input does the publisher have on development?
- Revenue sharing: Is the split fair for both parties as the game grows?
- Exit strategies: What happens if either party wants to end the relationship?
The risks of going solo vs. staying partnered
Going independent sounds empowering, but it comes with significant challenges. Without a publisher’s marketing muscle, even great games can struggle to find their audience. The financial safety net disappears, and the developer takes on all the business operations they previously outsourced.
However, the benefits can be substantial. Full creative control, higher revenue share, and direct connection with your community are powerful advantages. You make every decision without committee approval or publisher mandates.
This split affects gamers across major markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, France, Japan, and South Korea—all regions where publisher support traditionally matters most for localization and marketing.
The bottom line:
The Colossal Order-Paradox split represents a maturation of the gaming industry. Successful developers now have more options than ever before, and long-term partnerships need to evolve to remain valuable for both parties.
For studios considering publisher relationships, the key takeaway is simple: negotiate terms that allow for growth and change. What you need today might be different from what you’ll need in five years. Build flexibility into your agreements and always protect your creative independence.
The gaming world will be watching closely to see how both companies fare post-split. Their success—or struggle—will likely influence how future developer-publisher relationships are structured across the entire industry.
If you’re interested in related developments, explore our articles on Why PokĂ©mon’s First Permanent Theme Park Changes Everything and Why Lenovo’s New $200 Tablet Changes Everything for Budget Users.
