New info revealed about CK!

[Nikolai]

At last, after a long time without getting much new info, we have got some more info/clarification about CK!

There have long been rumors about there being a split of CK into one game from Paradox and one from Snowball. After what has been posted today, this seems to be wrong.

We are still developing the Crusader Kings that is based on the idea we had from the very beginning. During the summer of 2003, in order to increase production speed, we moved production to an inhouse team.

In othewrt words, Snowball's out.

On how much the game per now is like the "original" from Snowball's tome as developer:

Yes.. to a 95-99% degree.

For example.. Some changes have been done...
- We've added 2 new scenarios.. 1187 & 1337.
- You can also play vassals and any count thats around.

On question whether the game would be released with fewer features than advertised:
-

Why would Crusader Kings NOT have the features we have advertised?
All these features mentioned are present in Crusader Kings, and I've personally coded the genetic system for CK

Now I'm coding fulltime on Crusader Kings... and I deliver my games on the schedule I promise.

As a comparison.... I've done Eu2, Hearts of Iron and Victoria during the time-period we had larger external teams working with CK, but they failed to deliver on time.

On whether there are more than one CK and how it is built:

1) There is only one Crusader Kings. Developed by Paradox Entertainment.
2) No. We are using the code we originally designed for CK. A heavily modified Eu2 engine, with all code written by Paradox Entertainment employees.

The link: http://www.europa-universalis.com/fo...hreadid=117653

[Kyle]

I was starting to think CK was vaporware...guess Paradox was tired of waiting for Snowball.

[Asmodean]

That's more like it

I have been wondering all along why they would have an external developer code a game that was so much like the game they made in-house.

Asmodean

[JCG]

In Paradox I trust...if Snowball independently makes another game (using the name they've been using for the Russian version, "Crusaders", IIRC...which is what several people seem to believe upon reading the stuff on their forum), well, more power to them...

But I won't be expecting as much from them.

[uglyduck]

Well - I am glad that the situation has finally been explained! - its very hard to sit here and bite my tongue ....

[Mordoch]

Originally posted by uglyduck
Well - I am glad that the situation has finally been explained! - its very hard to sit here and bite my tongue ....

I have to admit I was very puzzled on why you were bashing Snowball like that previously. Paradox was keeping things so tight, that even as a closed beta tester for Victoria, I had no idea what was going on until the general announcement!

[uglyduck]

Originally posted by Mordoch

I have to admit I was very puzzled on why you were bashing Snowball like that previously. Paradox was keeping things so tight, that even as a closed beta tester for Victoria, I had no idea what was going on until the general announcement!

Secret Squirrel stuff

Unfortunately Paradox have a tendency to keep too much under wraps. If they were a little more open with their customers it wouldnt hurt their fan base one iota.

No one appears to want to take the initiative though. I, personally, think it is better to be open and honest about things like this, foul ups, "obvious bugs" etc. Hiding things just creates a rift between the customer and the developer whilst honesty can actually increase a customer base.

Just my thoughts - what do I know?

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Asmodean
That's more like it

I have been wondering all along why they would have an external developer code a game that was so much like the game they made in-house.

Asmodean

thats what firaxis did with Sid Meiers Antietam! They had an external developer do it, though it was based very closely on Sid Meiers Gettysburg. The external developer was headed by a fellow Microprose alum who was close to Sid, I think.

[St Leo]

Originally posted by JCG
using the name they've been using for the Russian version, "Crusaders"

"Krestanostsy", Russian for "Crusaders" or "Cross-Bearers".

[ravagon]

Originally posted by JCG
But I won't be expecting as much from them.

If the rumour-mill is even close to accurate you won't be expecting it soon either.

CK I haven't really followed too closely but that's largely been because there hasn't been too much to follow.
I might pay a little more attention now.