The launch of Crusader Kings III is only a month away now and Paradox Interactive has released a brand new developer diary to delve into even more features of the game.

This diary includes a deep dive into character portraits and how they change over time. Each character has a DNA stream that determines their appearance based on their parents. Over time, characters' features change greatly due to age, lifestyle, and even disease. (There's even a medieval barbershop):

This also covers changes made to the vassal contract system, which has been updated since it was first discussed in a past dev diary, and discusses how user testing has been applied to the development of the game. Check out some of the past dev diaries here, here, and here.

The release date for Crusader Kings III was revealed to be September 1st in a new story trailer, with the game making its initial debut through a story trailer. Said trailer highlighted the title’s theme of using both cunning and alliances to strengthen your kingdom and secure its dynasty for generations to come. Crusader Kings III will be the most recent installment of the popular strategy game franchise Crusader Kings from Paradox Interactive,

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. Crusader Kings III will launch for PC via Steam and is included in Xbox Game Pass for PC. Be sure to check out my very own extensive preview of the game here as well to see all these gameplay mechanics and more in action.