Cities: Skylines is fantastic, but let’s be honest, understanding what’s really going on in your meticulously planned metropolis can feel like cracking a complex code. Traffic jams are obvious, but other issues lurk beneath the surface, hidden behind stats screens. Lego Skylines aims to change that, bringing a vibrant, family-friendly approach to city building while ensuring players aren’t left guessing about the challenges facing their citizens.
Transparency Through Play
“If there’s an issue, it should be visible in the world,” explains game director Lasse Liljedahl. “Everything you need to worry about or manage should be something you see while zooming in and out, not buried deep in information screens. That’s the goal.” This means no more abstract numbers; instead, expect visual cues that tell a story about your city.
Finding the Right Tone: Lego-fying Real-World Issues
Producer Joanna Ronkanen emphasizes the challenge of representing complex societal problems within the Lego aesthetic. “Crime happens in real cities, people get sick, there are fires – it made sense to have these features, but we had to find a family-friendly way to visualize them.” The team drew inspiration from recent Lego movies to strike the right balance between realism and humor.
“We try to incorporate that Lego humour,” Ronkanen says, pointing to the minifigure fireman in the trailer who’s more interested in grilling a hotdog than putting out flames. Liljedahl adds, “It’s mainly a game for adults because of the complexity, but it should be something your kids can watch at the same time when you play. There’s nothing that would be improper for them to see.”
The Delicate Art of Visualizing Homelessness
One of the most challenging aspects is how to represent sensitive issues like homelessness. “It’s not where we want it to be yet,” Ronkanen admits, “but we’ve been talking about it. We’re trying to make sure that it is visualized so you can see what’s happening without it being dark or anything because it’s family friendly.”
One idea being explored is a minifigure walking down the street with a cell phone, searching for apartment listings. Another suggestion is homeless minifigures carrying signs saying “house wanted,” drawing parallels to disgruntled rioting civilians in Anno 1800. The team recognizes the challenge and is committed to finding a solution that is both informative and appropriate.
More Than Just a Pretty Facade
After 40 minutes at Gamescom, it’s clear that Lego Skylines is more than just a reskin of Cities: Skylines. While some systems have been streamlined, others have been expanded upon. Connecting buildings to the power grid, for example, is now as simple as ensuring a road touches both the utility station and the building – no pylons needed! However, beautifying your neighborhoods and business districts has become more involved, rewarding players with increased happiness and productivity from their citizens.
Lego Skylines aims to be a fully-featured city builder that also communicates what’s happening in your city. This ambitious goal promises a unique and engaging experience for both seasoned city builders and newcomers alike. The challenge of visualizing complex issues like homelessness remains, but the team is committed to finding a solution that is both informative and true to the game’s family-friendly spirit.
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