A recent dev diary from Paradox Interactive has given fans an insight into where the game is now, what Paradox are doing and what they hope to bring to the game in the future.
Now that Heinlein and Leviathans are out, Wiz, the creator of the post, says: "My view is that we now have a very solid base game to build on, and that going forward it's time to scale up our ambitions. To make space even greater, so to speak."
"So what's next for Stellaris? I have talked a bit about the planned 'Banks' update, which will be a major update accompanied by a full-sized expansion. This is still the plan, but before we release Banks we have another update, dubbed 'Kennedy', which we aim to release before the end of the year. This will be a small update targeting a few specific key issues, such as precursor event chains and endgame crises, that we did not have time for in Heinlein. After that will be Banks, and while we will not be providing any details about the Banks update or accompanying expansion at this time, I will say that the author name chosen for this update may offer some clues."
They also want to outline to fans the key areas of the game that should be focussed on:
- Fleshing out the mid- and late game through the addition of more interesting narratives and 'galactic events' akin to Awakened Fallen Empires that shake up the galactic scene.
- Improving the internal workings of empires, making pops and leaders more interesting, and making empires feel more alive.
- Expanding on the ethics system, creating more unique playstyles and enhancing roleplaying.
There is also a list of features that they are looking into adding to the game, although they made this very clear that these are not promises but just ideas for what could be achieved, including different ship appearance for each empire, superweapons and planet killers and more potential for empire customisation. Do you appreciate their update to fans in this way?