'Paradox Connect' To Add Social Features, Achievements

PC-based strategy game company Paradox Interactive this week announced Paradox Connect, an upcoming community networking feature that will soon introduce "Paradox Achievements." Stockholm-based Paradox, developer of games such as Crusader Kings and Hearts of Iron, said that the feature is an effort to create a "seamless experience between in-game play and between game sessions." Paradox Connect will integrate with the developer's forums -- players registered on the forum will automatically become part of Paradox Connect. The service, which Paradox called "an umbrella brand for all of Paradox Interactive's online activities," will link with social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, the developer said. The first Paradox Connect feature will be Paradox Achievements, which will award gamers points and special icons for "great feats in Paradox games." Paradox Connect's beta will begin in Q4 this year. Gamers will have a choice as to whether or not to take part in the achievement system. Paradox also stressed that Paradox Connect is not a form of DRM. Company CEO Fredrik Wester said that Paradox's games, considered to be some of the most complex strategy games available, are well-suited for achievements. "I bet we'll have an achievement for conquering the world as Tibet in Hearts of Iron 3, and those who manage to get it will want to showcase it," he said.