Paradox Interactive, one of the most beloved publishers and developers of strategy games, held a major announcement show this week. The Paradox Announcement Show revealed three new major game titles, two new indie games (via Paradox Arc), as well as several expansions to existing games — all arriving later this year.
As a reminder, Paradox previously announced a major sequel, Age of Wonders 4, which is also due out later this year!
Cities: Skylines 2
Developer: Colossal Order
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Release: 2023
The original Cities Skylines is celebrating its eight anniversary. It’s expanded with dozens of DLC packs and expansions over the years, but now it’s time for a full-on sequel. Cities: Skylines 2 promises a dynamic and reactive simulation, living economy and transportation systems, modern mod support, and next-gen visuals.
“Cities: Skylines reset the bar for city building games when it launched eight years ago, and we are incredibly proud of its impact. We built a thriving community around Cities and introduced many to city building for the first time,” said Mariina Hallikainen, CEO, Colossal Order. “Now, we’ve brought the years of experience we’ve gained to take a new step forward in the city builder genre, again, for our community and new players”.
The Lamplighters League
Developer: Harebrained Schemes
Platforms: PC, Xbox
Release: 2023
The Lamplighters League is the next game by the developers of Battletech and the Shadowrun trilogy. It’s a new IP set in an alternate 1930s full of mystery and occultism. It’s also a turn-based tactical RPG, but mixes in some pre-battle real-time stealth opportunities. You’ll be able to recruit from a team of outlaws, each with their own stories and special abilities.
“Harebrained Schemes is all about weaving tactical gameplay that challenges your mind with narrative and characters that engage your heart,” said Christopher Rogers, game director, Harebrained Schemes. “For years, we’ve been privileged to tell stories in cherished settings like Shadowrun and Battletech. Because The Lamplighters League is set in a new world, it allows us the creative freedom to simultaneously create narrative that supports gameplay and gameplay that supports narrative. We love these characters and hope that players and fans enjoy getting to know them while exploring each one’s unique abilities the way we did. I cannot wait to share everything we’ve been working on.”
Life By You
Developer: Paradox Tectonic
Platforms: TBA
Release: 2023
Beyond the teaser trailer, we know absolutely nothing about this all new-game announcement. But it certainly looks like The Sims, dunnit? Paradox successfully eclipsed the once mighty SimCity series with Cities: Skylines, so if any game can one-up The Sims, it may be this one! We’ll know much more when the Life By You announcement event airs on YouTube on March 20.
Other announcements include DLC for Crusader Kings 3, Europa Universalis 4, and Surviving the Aftermath, as well as two new indie games published by Paradox Arc: Machabellum, and Knights of Pen and Paper 3.
Machabellum is a real-time PvP auto-battler, where players drop large armies of mechs and robots onto an increasingly chaotic battlefield. It’s releasing on May 11 via Steam Early Access.
Knights of Pen and Paper 3 is the second sequel to the cheeky, mobile-friendly pixel adventure. It’s out now, though glancing at Steam reviews, perhaps it was released a bit prematurely.
It’s going to be a great year for fans of strategy games!
