International Women's Day takes place on March 8 every year, and it celebrates the accomplishments of women throughout history. Unfortunately, women have been largely omitted from the code of historical-oriented video games, relegated to the wayside in favor of their male counterparts.
Paradox Interactive intends to mark International Women's Day with the release of a free update for its hit historical title Europa Universalis IV, adding 100 great women of history to the game. Each character can be generated through various event triggers (a weak regency, a colonial empire, certain ideas, etc.). Players will then have choices about how to use this talented woman. Some may join your court as advisors, some might be suitable for riskier employment as rulers or leaders.
Thomas Johansson, the head of Paradox Development Studio, says that the upcoming free DLC does something important for the company’s flagship title.
"It's no surprise that the role of women in history isn't as well known as that of men,” Johansson says. “Europa Universalis, admittedly, hasn't done a lot to foreground their contributions. We thought that International Women's Day was the best time to do a little bit to help balance the scales and introduce our audience to some very interesting people."
The Women's History DLC will be available for all owners of the game on March 8, 2015.