Ask Paradox (almost) Anything Thread (no support/tech or code questions)

[Shams]

We're actually, right now, discussing modding and user generated content for our games and it's fairly tricky. The ideal situation is to support mods properly - ie not only provide the tools to make the mods, but also a central hub where we can distribute, promote and highlight the coolest ones. Maybe even have you guys rate and promote the ones you like. The system should make using mods easier for you guys - especially for those of you a bit hesitant to get into modding. It should also be easy to load and unload mods and in the best of worlds this system should work in conjuncture with all versions of our games - the ones sold via Steam and the other distribution platforms.

As you can imagine this is a bit ahead in the future, but it's on the roadmap.

/s

 

[Shams]

In your head does this look a bit like an appstore?

More complex - the app store is so damned simple - imagine something in between an appstore, the TF2 store and maybe a crafting menu of sorts - think of your game as a character inventory slot - you just drag and drop mods that are "compatible" and see how it effects your game.

I'm just freebasing right now - but it's being discussed

/s

 

[Shams]

Sounds like a cool idea. Especially the rating part. Maybe a short review section too.

Freebasing? Is that what you meant to say?

Yes It's actually become a "normal" swedish expression meaning - "I've gone off on a weird tangent here, bear with me" - as freebasing means "smoking just about anything" - at least to us.

/s

 

[SolSara]

Oh, hi there, I have a question:

When were you planning on telling us about the new CK2 Paradox staff avatars?? Holy crap, they look awesome!

More info here: http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?574433-Paradox-Development-Studio

 

[Kallocain]

Oh, hi there, I have a question:

When were you planning on telling us about the new CK2 Paradox staff avatars?? Holy crap, they look awesome!

I'm glad you like it!

 

[Shams]

Would someone from Paradox please reply to this thread : Defenders of Ardania. Has the game been released in the UK? The GAME store appears to be shipping the PC version and Amazon.co.uk is similarly stating the game is in stock and can be purchased. The product details say the title was released on 25 Nov 2011. With the game using Steam it may be a preload version which would explain why it is available before its official release date given as Q1 2012. However Play.com is only accepting pre-orders for the game with the date of release given as 30 March 2012 which would tie-in with the information currently available about the PC release from Paradox. Like Unholydog I'm from the UK and would buy this in a heartbeat if it is available now. I would appreciate an answer to the thread started, thanks.

I would also like to ask about city building and Civilization® style games, would PI be interested in developing something along these lines?

The new avatars are gorgeous, best avatar design I've seen. Kudos to the artist.

The PC version has not been released yet. We've only released the ipad version!

Hold on just a little bit longer - it's on its way!

/s

 

[Captain Gars]

Posts about how to register EU: Rome moved to the Forum Help section instead:

http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?575181-EU-Rome-registration-key

 

[artfox]

I've not been keeping the best track of this thread, so sorry if you've answered this before:

How do you see the company develop in the next 5, 10, 15 years? Would you like there to be more developer teams, or just keep it small yet well-formed?

I hope we won't grow that much (in personal). The current model of few and highly competent people is so much better than a large group of people alienated from the projects.

 

[Shams]

I'd say Paradox will grow and change immensely over the next 5-10 years - on the other hand I don't see our internal games changing anywhere near in the same amount.

You'll see the same kind of quality games with regular updates for many years to come.

So no Europa Universalis Kinect Bowling edition.

/s

 

[Shams]

What is the biggest coupon for steam you signed up for

coupon? huh?

/s

 

[Darkrenown]

I am still not sure what you mean, but a lot of our stuff is 60% off right now:
http://store.steampowered.com/publisher/Paradox Interactive

 

[Captain Gars]

So no Europa Universalis Kinect Bowling edition.

Why are you shooting down all my pitches?

 

[Darkrenown]

I had some great Kinect ideas, but I am forbidden from ever mentioning them again

 

[podcat]

On that sort of note, when do you think the Clausewitz engine will have outlived it's usefulness for the core development team?

its getting on its last legs, but only crazy people replace everything at once when it comes to software. We continuously replace parts and have plans for bigger updates.

 

[podcat]

What would any potential new engine do that Clausewitz couldn't?

updating engine is mostly about making workflow easier for the team so you can focus on the more important stuff when making a game. For example the map engine for CK2 is much more powerful and easier to work with than the one for HoI3 (no need for generating caches! yay!)

 

[podcat]

So just like making coding and programming easier and mor eefficient, that sort of thing? I have to say despite my dedication to Paradox and its games, I still don't have even the vaguest idea how any of that stuff works. It's still all an incredible mystery to me.

yes but not only. making scripting easier ( = time to make more and cooler events), making map changes easier and creating interfaces faster for the art team as well. Of course having an updated engine means you get a lot more capabilities as well.

 

[Captain Gars]

Are there any of your games which you're no good at?

All of them. For me playing games is mostly about roleplaying and immersion so I rarely bother to figure out how to do every little detail in the best possible way.

Who was behind the camera asking the questions in the video?

In which video?

 

[Castellon]

An interesting discussion guys, but if you want to continue it you should start a thread on the topic, it is going off topic for this one.

 

[Shams]

Guys, how about the Rome question?
http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum...ing-Thread&p=13213828&viewfull=1#post13213828

Possible but not probable. They've got way too much other fun stuff cooking.

/s

 

[Castellon]

It is a mask.

He actually looks like Mr Burns from the Simpsons.
(Castellon's Christmas present is he gets to look for a new job)