Paradox Interactive released their August and final developer diary for Crusader Kings III. This one goes over several more features such as performance and AI, modding, legacies, and achievements. You can watch the full video below:
One of the biggest breakthroughs they had in improving both performance and AI was the introduction of systems versus programing individuals. This freed up more time to focus on other mechanics and significantly reduced crashes and other strange breaks. They delve further into how the AI was balanced in various ways to avoid too much player frustration.
After that they discuss how they've made the game more mod friendly to better support the community, and then on to the powerful impact that Legacies and Achievements have on your campaign.
According to Game Director Henrik Fåhraeus concerning the latest installment: "Crusader Kings III is a grand medieval simulator where you are free to live out any plausible ruler fantasy that we could think of -- but not without challenge. Seeing its predecessor explode in popularity was very satisfying, especially considering that user friendliness was never our primary goal. Now we have a chance to address an even larger audience."
The official site also details what to expect from the latest Crusader Kings title:
- Shape Your Dynasty: Guide unique characters through history, choosing lifestyles best suited to their personalities and your ambitions.
- Rewrite Medieval History: Dynasties will change and adapt to changes in family and politics, and religious beliefs are more firmly under your control.
- Build a Mighty Kingdom: Use your vassals’ fear of you as a weapon or call on familial obligations to persuade reluctant relatives to submit.
- Experience High Drama: Stranger than fiction stories leap off the screen, as characters plot against you and events push you to extremes.
- Learn as You Go: Guided advice to help newcomers navigate a rich medieval world. In-game suggestions tip you off to paths you might not have considered.
- The Usual Crusader Kings Fun: Keep a stubborn council in line, scheme against your overbearing uncle or marry the rich duchy…oops, I mean pious duke or duchess of your dreams.
Meanwhile, for those wanting to sharpen their skills for next year, Crusader Kings II‘s base game is now free to play for Steam. There’s also plenty of DLC content once you run through the main campaign such as the Monks and Mystics Expansion, Jade Dragon Expansion, and the Holy Fury Expansion.
If you’re a fan of board games, the Crusader Kings The Board Game was fully funded on Kickstarter just last year. Not only did Crusader Kings III launch for PC via Steam, it's also included in Xbox Game Pass for PC. Be sure to check out my very own extensive preview of the game here as well and stay tuned for my in-depth review of the title.