In a surprising turn of events, the leaders behind the development of the highly-anticipated video game, Cities: Skylines 2, have openly acknowledged ongoing performance issues. Despite admitting that the game isn't up to standard just yet, they've also affirmed their decision to proceed with the scheduled release on October 24 for PC.

Colossal Order, the developer, and Paradox, the publisher, jointly stated, "Cities: Skylines 2 is a next-gen title, and naturally, it demands certain hardware requirements”. Despite advances in development, they realize they haven't hit the performance benchmarks they aimed for.

This unusual step of issuing a pre-release performance warning underscores Colossal Order's commitment to transparency. The company stated, despite potential performance glitches, they're optimistic about the game's long-term prospects. They intend to go ahead with the release, confident that the unique gameplay and features of Cities: Skylines 2 will make for a worthwhile gaming experience.

Post-release, Colossal Order and Paradox plan to continually improve the game's performance over the coming months, stating “Our ambition is for Cities: Skylines 2 to be enjoyed by as many players as possible, and we're committed to ensuring it reaches its full potential.”

However, it should be noted that high-end hardware is required for optimal performance. Both development teams have highlighted the possibility of some PC gamers experiencing performance issues, stressing that outcomes will vary depending on individual PC configurations and graphics settings.

The planned release for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S versions of Cities: Skylines 2 have been delayed until Spring 2024. Both companies have granted refunds to those who had pre-ordered these versions.

As for modifications, Paradox confirmed that modding will be available shortly after the PC launch. When it releases on console, console players will be able to use asset mods as well, making Cities: Skylines 2 one of the few games that allow cross-platform mods. The game, however, will not support other platforms such as Steam Workshop, deciding instead to depend on Paradox Mods to allow easier in-game accessibility and cross-platform modding compatibility.