Europa Universalis IV Release Date! And some bad news... for some...

[son_of_montfort]

It seems Paradox has just posted the release date for EUIV as August 13 (although no official announcement as I can see, but it is up for pre-order on various sites). So not long to wait for a much-improved (if previews can be believed) version of the best Early Modern State sim!

Now the "bad news" - even the requirements dialog on Gamersgate states, under DRM, that Steamworks and Steam activation is required. This is a step away from what they have normally done, allowed GG to sell non-Steamworks version (my CKII is not attached to Steam) and then have other online retailers sell the Steam codes. From what I can see, all copies of EUIV will require Steam.

That is not a problem for me, but I understand that many of you have issues with this sort of thing.

[Kushan]

Really looking forward to this one.

From what I've been able to pick up from interviews, podcast, etc. the main reason for incorporating steamworks is that the MP side of the game is now handled by steam.

[Nefaro]

Now the "bad news" - even the requirements dialog on Gamersgate states, under DRM, that Steamworks and Steam activation is required. This is a step away from what they have normally done, allowed GG to sell non-Steamworks version (my CKII is not attached to Steam) and then have other online retailers sell the Steam codes. From what I can see, all copies of EUIV will require Steam.

That is not a problem for me, but I understand that many of you have issues with this sort of thing.

I use Steam often enough, but I'd rather have an extra option not to do so. 

Pdox stated after CK2 that they were gonna go Steam-only, as so many other publishers have been doing.  The primary reason most of the cite is so that they don't have to create patch installer files and upload them to various retailers.  You could call that "just being lazy" or "saving time" I suppose.  I just don't like one retailer cornering so much of the market, especially when it does stuff such as later changing User Agreements and forcing you to agree to them if you want to continue playing the games you purchased.  Another is their absolutely terrible customer service. 

My experience hasn't been very good with Steam when anything gets buggy with their software or services.  When it works, it's palatable.  When it's jacked, it's one of the worst.  I still purchase many of my Steam game codes from other retailers in the hope that they don't get an absolute monopoly on the game retail industry but that may happen anyway.  :-\

The real question with EU4 is whether you can run it without the Steam client open.  If you can do so, as with many Paradox games, then it's not so bad.

[eyebiter]

Will there be any import for saves from Crusader Kings 2 -> EU4?

[MetalDog]

Will there be any import for saves from Crusader Kings 2 -> EU4?

I knew that was a feature of Paradox games.  Have you ever done it?  And what was the result?

[Arctic Blast]

I'm actually very interested in this one. The dev diaries sound good, and I like the changes they've made to the systems vs. previous games.

[Nefaro]

Will there be any import for saves from Crusader Kings 2 -> EU4?

I always heard there were often some screwy outcomes in the ones that supported it.  But I don't think it's been supported in the EU3 series.. only the earlier EU2/Victoria stuff (and a user created importer for the original CK->EU2 ??).  Pretty sure they dropped that.

[undercovergeek]

I'm actually very interested in this one. The dev diaries sound good, and I like the changes they've made to the systems vs. previous games.

+1 - ill be there day1

[PanzersEast]

Day 1 purchase for me.  Too much good stuff being incorporated and lessons learned from CK2 etc.... Steam does not bother me, I have learned to accept and embrace it, life is easier that way... Steam I am your vassal.



PE

[JasonPratt]

I for one welcome our my new Steamy overmistress of the Renaissance!

[sandman2575]

As a noted local celebrity, I can be of use in helping her round up slaves to toil in her sugar mines!

[WallysWorld]

GG has the preorder site up with the "Extreme Edition":  http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-EU4DEE/europa-universalis-iv-digital-extreme-edition

[Boggit]

Will there be any import for saves from Crusader Kings 2 -> EU4?

I knew that was a feature of Paradox games.  Have you ever done it?  And what was the result?

I've done it from Victoria Revolutions to HOI2 Doomsday. It worked more or less fine. I think one or two undiscovered central African locations were blacked out, but otherwise it was a good enough port.

[Boggit]

Will there be any import for saves from Crusader Kings 2 -> EU4?

I always heard there were often some screwy outcomes in the ones that supported it.  But I don't think it's been supported in the EU3 series.. only the earlier EU2/Victoria stuff (and a user created importer for the original CK->EU2 ??).  Pretty sure they dropped that.

The CK2 > EU2 importer worked fine IIRC, I saw some screenshots supporting that view a while back.

[Nefaro]

Will there be any import for saves from Crusader Kings 2 -> EU4?

I always heard there were often some screwy outcomes in the ones that supported it.  But I don't think it's been supported in the EU3 series.. only the earlier EU2/Victoria stuff (and a user created importer for the original CK->EU2 ??).  Pretty sure they dropped that.

The CK2 > EU2 importer worked fine IIRC, I saw some screenshots supporting that view a while back.

Do you mean CK2>EU3?

And wasn't that a user mod?  Or is Paradox still including such a feature in vanilla games?