The long-awaited sequel to a beloved strategy game is on its way, as Paradox Interactive has announced at PDXCON 2019 that Crusader Kings III is in development and will be released in 2020. The Crusader Kings series is composed of grand strategy games set in the Middle Ages, where the player must build their own dynasties through any means necessary.
Crusader Kings II was released in 2012 and it gained a huge fanbase among strategy fans, due to how it allowed historical figures to wage war across generations as epic conflicts played out on the battlefield and the bedchamber. The game has been receiving regular DLC updates, including one that added Charlamagne to Crusader Kings II. The modding scene for Crusader Kings II is one of the most popular aspects of the game, with one of the most famous transforming the world map into Essos and Westeros from Game of Thrones. The often incestuous nature of marriage among the nobility meant that it was easy to create a family as messed up as House Lannister.
Paradox Interactive has announced at PDXCON 2019 that Crusader Kings III is in development and it will bring the game into the 3D realm. A teaser trailer for the game has been uploaded to Paradox's YouTube channel. Crusader Kings III will use 3D character models for the first time and the maps have been given a graphical overhaul. We were given the chance to speak to the developers of Crusader Kings III at a press event at the beginning of PDXCON 2019 and they talked about how new features will be implemented to ease the barrier of entry and to make it easier for newcomers to learn how the game works, all without dumbing down the epic strategy gameplay that fans loved with the previous entry in the series. Crusader Kings III is one of several strategy games that will be published by Paradox Interactive in 2020, as Empire of Sin (announced during the last Nintendo Direct.) is also due to be released next year.
The main focus of the player's journey in Crusader Kings III is building a Dynasty, which can provide permanent upgrades over the course of the game. The player can improve their Dynasty by earning Renown Points, which are won by performing great deeds or exerting control over different regions. It's possible for the player to shape the genetics of their Dynasty, which can lead to entire family lines sharing the same body types over centuries of time. Religion is also a big part of Crusader Kings III, as they can define different aspects of the law of the land, such as the clergy only being restricted to specific genders.
Crusader Kings II attracted a huge audience of strategy fans who loved the game's take on rulership and warfare in the Middle Ages and Paradox Development Studios have been working hard to refine the gameplay that delighted so many into a new title. Crusader Kings III is coming to Steam and Xbox Game Pass for PC in 2020.
Source: Paradox Interactive