Even if 2k2 were to be the future of 2k1 then everything would've been completely contradicting for the past five years. Not to mention 2k2 would have Bellasera, Zormite, and Malenth right now instead of the original kingdoms.
Not to mention it doesn't make any sense seeing how these super power kingdoms had to leave but the city states could remain.
Also the technology levels dropped instead of rose.
It's the commonly accepted story that 2k2 is a new land of 2k1, as in they're in the same world. I didn't make this story - instead the five years of gameplay have.