Hearts of Iron IV announced; toning down learning curve

Hearts of Iron was one of the first games Paradox made, and it's been, ho ho, close to its heart ever since. Having released three expansions for Hearts of Iron III, Paradox today finally announced Hearts of Iron IV. While the WW2 grand strategy series will still be complex as all heck, this time Paradox plans to make the learning curve less terrifying.

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Hearts of Iron was one of the first games Paradox made, and it's been, ho ho, close to its heart ever since. Having released three expansions for Hearts of Iron III, Paradox today finally announced Hearts of Iron IV. While the WW2 grand strategy series will still be complex as all heck, this time Paradox plans to make the learning curve less terrifying.

"It shouldn't be a chore to play the game... we want the learning curve to be slightly easier," Paradox Development Studio manager Johan Andersson said in announcing the game at a press event today. "Obviously, it won't be as easy to pick up as Candy Crush, but that's a good thing."

"I don't mean dumbing down the game, then you alienate your customer base," he explained.

As ever, Hearts of Iron IV will let players rewrite history as any nation in World War II, from the big hitters to smaller countries simply hoping not to be crushed. They'll control its research, manufacturing, diplomacy, espionage, and, of course, battles, in overwhelming detail.

Hearts of Iron IV is slated to launch in "early 2015" on PC, Mac, and Linux. All Paradox has to show of it for now is some concept art and this teaser trailer:

From The Chatty
  • reply
    January 23, 2014 9:00 AM

    Alice O'Connor posted a new article, Hearts of Iron IV announced; toning down learning curve.

    Hearts of Iron was one of the first games Paradox made, and it's been, ho ho, close to its heart ever since. Having released three expansions for Hearts of Iron III, Paradox today finally announced Hearts of Iron IV. While the WW2 grand strategy series will still be complex as all heck, this time Paradox plans to make the learning curve less terrifying.

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      January 23, 2014 9:33 AM

      It was kind of needed. I've play EU III and CKII a ton but when it comes to Hearts of Iron it's a little insane in terms of trying to figure it out.

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      January 23, 2014 10:07 AM

      I remember a few years ago making this exact complaint here about HOI, of it being hopelessly complex in lacking a tutorial. And was told it was fine the way it was, just ask around on the forums, etc. I had trouble believing Paradox was getting the sales it would like because of this. Looks like they realize it, too. Took them so long though that I doubt I'll bother trying it again.

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      January 23, 2014 10:37 AM

      Rebirth'd

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      January 23, 2014 3:12 PM

      [deleted]

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      March 12, 2014 6:10 AM

      This is the wrong direction. I can understand that making it less complex to play invites more players to the game, but I'm going to buy Masters of the World, because it seems more accurate and complex. Maybe you will be able to compete directly with a better version of 'Ruse', but it's not Hearts of Iron IV, it will be Hearts of Plastic I.

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