One of the most exciting aspects of Paradox's library of grand strategy games is how long each of them is supported post-launch. Massive updates, free DLC, and large expansions are routinely dropped for many Paradox games. A recent shake-up within the company means that at least one game's DLC cadence is being paused for the foreseeable future, however. That game being Imperator: Rome, which was launched just two years ago.
In a lengthy messaged shared in the official Paradox Plaza community, portfolio manager Bevan Davies broke down some important changes at Paradox recently. He states that Paradox Development Studios is now composed of three distinct internal studios. Each studio is responsible for both a new game and the post-launch support of another. Unfortunately, as part of the split, Imperator: Rome was left without a team to support it going forward.
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Davies clarifies that Paradox decided that following the 2.0 launch of Imperator: Rome, the development resources being attached to the game would be better assigned to other projects in need. Given that the 2.0 update for Imperator: Rome arrived in mid-February, those staff adjustments have already taken place. That means that for the foreseeable future, the development of Imperator: Rome has been put on pause and there are no updates actively being worked towards.
That doesn't mean that Imperator: Rome will never receive another update, however. Paradox just put all of that work into Imperator: Rome's 2.0 update, after all. It'll be a shame if it didn't explore the new status quo of the game. With that in mind, Davies tells fans not to panic. Paradox leadership does plan to "regrow" a development team for Imperator in the long term. Right now, however, those resources are being dedicated to all of the other ongoing projects at Paradox.
In summary, Davies specifies that there will be no Imperator news coming as part of PDXCON when the digital convention runs from May 21-23. Further, there will be no new Imperator content whatsoever through 2021. That delay could last into 2022, of course, but Davies at least leaves the door open to that possibility.
The bright side of this Imperator news is that Paradox has put itself in a place where it's actively supporting its other games, while also priming up to launch other new games. Stellaris, Crusader Kings 3, and Hearts of Iron 4 all remain in active development. Plus, a new game is set to be revealed at PDXCON. It's disappointing that Imperator: Rome isn't being actively supported, too, but grand strategy fans will hopefully have plenty else to keep them happy.
Imperator: Rome is available now on PC.