Crusader Kings Developer Announces Stellaris, Sci-Fi Grand Strategy Game

Paradox Development Studios, creator of Crusader Kings and Europa Universalis, has always focused on the past--its titles explore the formation of real-world empires and Earth-bound emperors. But at Gamescom today, Paradox announced a new direction--the future. And that path leads right through the cosmos.

Stellaris is a sci-fi grand strategy game. It's set in outer space, with procedurally generated planets and solar systems. A Paradox spokesperson told me there are thousands to explore, and a multitude of alien races to meet, converse with, and learn about.

The gameplay comprises empire-building, exploration, diplomacy, military pursuits, and even a ship designer. You can play as numerous different species, each with their own traits, backstories, and engineering styles. There's also a plethora of random AI species to encounter.

Stellaris' announcement trailer shows rolling vistas on a desert planet, massive star clusters, and a lone starship as it discovers new systems, each with their own planets and remote outposts alike.

Paradox is focusing on creating emergent gameplay, which will ideally stem, the Paradox spokesperson told me, from exploration and diplomacy.

Stellaris is slated for an unannounced release on PC, Mac, and Linux. For more news from Gamescom 2015, head over to GameSpot's hub here.