The studio Paradox Interactive is known for its historical strategy simulations on Steam. Paradox was considered the flagship studio from Sweden for many years. However, recently they have been facing some criticism for the way they release DLCs for their games. The latest criticism is aimed at the medieval simulation Crusader Kings 3.
This is the new DLC: Paradox has now introduced a “Content Creator” pack for Crusader Kings III (via steam): It is the 5th DLC to be released for Crusader Kings in 2024. It will be available on November 27.
The DLC brings new skins for the West Slavic culture created by creator Pierre “El Tyranos” Azuelos.
The skins consist of clothing models, headgear, a new sword, patterns, and embellishments – the highlight is the “Scerzbiec artifact,” a royal coronation sword.
The price on Steam is not yet known, but in other stores, the DLC is being sold for €5. Paradox is offering the Polish language as the 8th language for free. Here, they express their gratitude to modders.
The 1st DLC of 2024 was highly controversial because it brought plagues:
Strategy players complain about €20 DLCs that make them suffer
What is the problem with DLCs? Crusader Kings 3 regularly receives expansions that are sold together in a chapter pass or can be purchased individually. In 2024, the following have already appeared:
- The plague DLC “Legends of the Dead” for €20
- The major Byzantine expansion “Roads to Power” for €30
- The mini-DLC “Wandering Nobles” for €5
- A free “Couture of the Capets” skin pack
Two of the DLCs were controversial, one even highly controversial: “Legends of the Dead” has only 32% positive reviews on Steam. Players are annoyed by the random factor of the diseases that can suddenly appear and kill family members, even the player character itself.
Moreover, the price of €20 is criticized as too expensive, as for that much money there are only game mechanics, but too little new content in the game.
€5 DLC intended to be just “Cut Content” from the major DLC
The DLC “Wandering Nobles” was similarly harshly criticized: It stands at 56% positive reviews on Steam.
It is widely criticized as simply being content that was cut from the “good DLC,” Roads to Power, and sold separately.
The DLC actually only introduced a new lifestyle, Wanderers, along with some activities with new event chains, which can only be seen if you use the skill tree and unlock certain nodes.
“This isn’t The Sims”
This is what is happening now with the new DLC: The new DLC with the West Slavic cosmetics is currently being criticized even harsher in the first comments, as it only sells clothing items. And furthermore, the DLC isn’t even included in the season pass like the other content.
In the comments, it says:
- “They are now selling clothes – as if it were The Sims.”
- “This isn’t The Sims, you should include this content in the annual chapter pass, you greedy robbers.”
- “Overpriced DLC. The developers have found a way to churn out even more DLCs by hiring modders – Wow.”
Furthermore, the DLC is criticized for a new patch that now ruins the recently started campaign again.
Are there any positive voices? What somewhat redeems Paradox here is that they have added Polish for free, which earns them some bonus points from Poles who are genuinely pleased about it.
The double-edged sword of games-as-a-service
What lies behind it: Paradox Interactive has been a popular developer for many years – but the DLC policy has lately become a double-edged sword:
- On one hand, all 4 major strategy titles from Paradox remain relevant for many years and are continuously developed.
- On the other hand, every DLC is thoroughly scrutinized to see if it really offers “enough meat for the money.” If a DLC even brings mechanics that make players suffer – such as plagues that can wipe out half the court – it becomes especially difficult.
In the case of the current DLC or even the new DLC for Victoria 3, however, you can also see the deal:
In addition to the paid DLC, which may provide too little for some players, there are always free updates, which are sometimes more meaningful and provide more than the DLC itself.
Such free updates are cross-financed through the DLCs. However, Paradox can be accused of going too far with the DLCs. The criticism that “Wandering Nobles” with a skill tree and 3 activities should also have fit into “Road to Powers” is certainly understandable: The new €30 DLC for my favorite game on Steam turns a mighty Viking into a weakling.
