Paradox Interactive only announced the launch date of its new grand strategy game Victoria 3 yesterday. The developer dropped both a pre-order trailer and an exclusive live stream looking at the title’s gameplay. However, it’s now had to clarify some confusion around the game’s upcoming launch for PC.
It had been reported earlier that Victoria 3 would be launching on PC Game Pass on October 25, alongside its Steam release for PC. Paradox Interactive has now confirmed that this is not the case and the title will, in fact, be launching as a Steam exclusive. This means that not only will Victoria 3 not be heading to PC Game Pass, it won’t actually be making an appearance on the Microsoft Store at all. In a recent post on the Paradox Interactive forums, the team has clarified that “after discussion with our partners it was decided that Victoria 3 won’t be a part of Game Pass or Microsoft Store.”
To soften the blow somewhat, the post does remind any disappointed Xbox Game Pass subscribers that there are alternative strategy titles from Paradox Interactive already available on the subscription service. These include the likes of Crusader Kings III, Stellaris, Shadowrun Trilogy and Hearts of Iron IV. The developers also explain that there’ll be future partnerships with Xbox, which they look forward to sharing at a later date.
Victoria 3 is now available to pre-order. For those who may not have experienced the earlier games in the franchise, the gameplay centres around a transformational era in history. Revisit and rebuilt the world that the Victorians envisioned in this strategic title. Players will effectively be able to design and build their own historically set society, making choices on whether to run an industrialised, agricultural-based, radical or traditional world, amongst other options. You can check out the latest trailer for Victoria 3 right here to get a feel for the Victorian vibes yourself.
While this news of Steam exclusivity may come as a disappointment to those hoping to play Victoria 3 with their PC Game Pass subscription, the game is still on course to meet its October 25 release date on Valve’s popular platform. Set in a unique period of history at the turn of the 19th century, Victoria 3 promises to deliver an in-depth historical strategy and society simulation experience like none other. It’s fair to say that fans have been eager for this sequel since the success of Victoria 2, which delighted gamers well over ten years ago. With the long-awaited sequel not too far off, dedicated lovers of the franchise will be excited to dive back into the historical action. Even if they can only do so via Steam.
Victoria 3 is set to release on October 25 for PC via Steam.
