Earlier today Swedish game publisher Paradox Entertainment AB announced that it had partnered with UK-based Virtual Programming Ltd. to bring Europa Universalis II to the Macintosh. It’s an historically-minded empire-building strategy game that puts you in the role of a leader of nations on a quest for global dominance.
While Paradox developed the Windows release of Europa Universalis II itself, it has licensed the Macintosh rights to Virtual Programming Ltd. Virtual Programming Ltd is known to Mac gamers most recently for its efforts to bring Wipeout 2097 to the Macintosh platform. It is also developing Macintosh versions of Payback, a Grand Theft Auto-style action game; Tzar: Burden of the Crown, a real time strategy game; and KickOff 2002, an arcade-style soccer game.
Paradox Entertainment CEO Theodore Bergquist and Virtual Programming managing director Paul Lesurf echoed each other’s sentiments when they both indicated hope that this partnership would result in future Macintosh conversions of Paradox games. Paradox’s other titles include the original Europa Universalis (licensed for the Mac by another company but ultimately not released); Crusader Kings; Hearts of Iron; and Legion.
Despite the name, Europa Universalis II does not focus specifically on Europe. Players control a nation in search of global dominance from the period starting in 1419 to 1820. You can choose from over one hundred nations, including many in Europe and Asia, as well as North American and African tribes.
“Virtual Programming Ltd are extremely pleased to bring Europa Universalis II to the Mac platform. Our goal is to seek quality, entertaining titles that will reward the Mac gamer, and Europa Universalis II is one such title,” said Lesurf.
The companies hope to see the Macintosh conversion of Europa Universalis II released this holiday season.