What is Parodage? Report on the Stage Event "All About Paradox" Fully Explained by Masahiro Toko [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/908/G090831/20250928009/
Editorial Department: S.K.Y. Photographer: Shuji Sasaki | 2025/09/28 02:37 (UTC)
At the 4Gamer.net booth during Tokyo Game Show 2025, a stage event titled “Everything about Paradox” was held featuring speaker Shoji Toko. The emcee was familiar voice actress Tomomi Isomura.
During this event, Mr. Shoji explained the history and games of Paradox Interactive while introducing the latest DLCs for “Europa Universalis V” and “Stellaris”—the “Shadows of the Shroud” expansion—as well as the newest DLC for “Crusader Kings III,” titled “All Under Heaven.”
Tomomi Isomura
Shoji Toko
Paradox Interactive is a game company headquartered in Sweden, founded in 1999. It is best known for its Grand Strategy genre of games.
Grand Strategy typically centers on warfare while incorporating elements of national management—such as politics, economics, and diplomacy. One unique feature of Paradox games is that players can start with any country, no matter how small. Because many titles are based on historical events, the starting conditions are often unequal.
Grand Strategy games can be difficult to understand, as it’s often unclear what constitutes a “win.” Mr. Shoji referenced the manual for Crusader Kings, which states: “In this game, there are no winners—just as in our history. But just as in our history, there are clear losers—the families that have been extinguished.”
Mr. Shoji explained that even if you conquer the world in a Paradox game, there is no victory screen; instead, when the end year arrives, it simply says “Game Over” and ends abruptly. Therefore, there is no explicit win condition as a standard game.
He emphasized that games become much more enjoyable not by trying to achieve an external goal like defeating opponents or conquering the world—but rather by setting your own personal goals and striving to accomplish them.
For example, in the “Hearts of Iron” series—centered on World War II—you might choose Poland and try to survive Germany’s invasion. Or in the “Europa Universalis” series, you could play as the Inca Empire and aim to avoid being conquered by Spain. The ability to define your own goals beyond simply destroying enemies is one of the core charms of Paradox games.
Related article
Final installment? A usual (but pitiful) country to rescue! “Hearts of Iron III: Oh, The World War II” Episode 10 is the Poland Special
Poland endured a harsh fate during World War II, facing invasion from both Germany and the Soviet Union. With no chance against two superpowers militarily, what possibilities remain for Poland in Hearts of Iron III? This is Episode 10—the final installment—of our series “Hearts of Iron III: Oh, The World War II.”
[2010/06/11 20:01]
- Keywords:
- PC: Hearts of Iron III (Complete Japanese Edition)
- PC
- Strategy
- Single-player
- Paradox Interactive
- CyberFront
- Hearts of Iron III: Oh, The World War II
- Military
- Europe
- War-themed
- Strategic level
- World War II
- Writer: Shoji Toko
- Series
Related article
Final installment of the series “History Moved Then… or Didn’t”: The Inca Empire and Its Kindred Spirits (the same hole)
As the world moved into modern times, this series attempted to forcibly fulfill the long-held dreams of nations that missed out on the wave—using “Europa Universalis III.” In this final episode, we ask: how could the Inca Empire have entered the modern era despite being swiftly destroyed by Spain?
[2008/04/08 19:05]
- Keywords:
- PC: Europa Universalis III: Napoleon’s Ambition (Complete Japanese Edition)
- PC
- Paradox Interactive
- CyberFront
- Single-player
- Strategy
- Europe
- Management
- Strategic level
- Historical
- PC: Europa Universalis III (Complete Japanese Edition)
- Series
- Writer: Shoji Toko
- EU3: When History Moved… or Didn’t (Europa Universalis III: Napoleon’s Ambition)
Having introduced the appeal of Paradox games, Mr. Shoji then shifted focus to their popularity in Japan. Titles such as “Europa Universalis II” released in 2001, “Victoria: An Empire Under the Sun” in 2003, “Crusader Kings” in 2004, and “Hearts of Iron II” in 2005 gained widespread popularity—and earned them the nickname “Paradox games,” cultivating a devoted fanbase.
Some people might assume that Paradox Interactive only makes “Paradox games,” but Mr. Shoji clarified this isn’t true. The company also publishes indie titles, such as “Magicka”, released in 2011 and selling over one million copies, and “Mount & Blade”, launched in 2008 with a strong following among Japanese fans. Back when the indie game boom hadn’t yet arrived, Paradox was already supporting independent developers—proving they were ahead of their time.
By the way, the creators of “Magicka” later developed “Vallheim.”
In 2006, Paradox launched its own digital distribution platform for games called GamersGate. Though it didn’t support Japanese, many core gamers at the time used it—Mr. Shoji himself even purchased expansion packs for Paradox games through this service.
Next came a presentation of Paradox’s flagship titles:
● Crusader Kings series
This series covers the period from around 800 AD to the Norman Conquest (c. 1066) through the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Instead of managing entire nations, players control noble families—aiming to prosper and avoid extinction.
These “families” are akin to Japanese daimyo houses like the Oda or Tokugawa. Players can choose a vassal house serving different rulers. While early entries focused only on Europe, the series has expanded over time. The latest DLC for Crusader Kings III, “All Under Heaven,” now includes Japan and all of Southeast Asia.
● Europa Universalis series
The title, derived from the Latin phrase meaning “Universal Europe,” reflects its focus on European expansionism. The setting spans roughly 1400 to 1800 AD worldwide, depicting a time when Europe expanded globally.
● Victoria series
This game covers the global stage from around 1836 to 1936—the era of imperialist flourishing. It’s set during what is often called “Pax Britannica,” where Britain held overwhelming dominance. The Victoria series became known for its long delays between sequels, a fact even acknowledged officially with humor.
● Hearts of Iron series
This series takes place from 1936 to 1948 and centers on World War II. It covers the entire globe, depicting world war in literal terms. Compared to other Paradox series, warfare is far more central—making it especially popular among Japanese fans.
● Stellaris
A Grand Strategy game set in space, where various alien species compete for galactic dominance. However, conflict isn’t always warfare—it’s often diplomacy or exploration. Players can create their own unique races with high freedom. Unlike other Paradox titles that use Earth-based maps (mostly known), the galaxy is largely uncharted, offering significant exploration elements. The latest DLC, “Shadows of the Shroud,” has just been released and is recommended even for newcomers to Paradox games.
● Cities: Skylines series
A city-builder game developed by Colossal Order from Finland. Its charm lies in its attention to detail—no gimmicks or exaggerations—but deep simulation of urban systems. The game also offers fun through mods and DLCs, allowing players to build dioramas for enjoyment.
Finally, Mr. Shoji introduced Paradox’s upcoming new titles:
● Europa Universalis V
The latest installment in the series, covering from the start of the Hundred Years’ War in 1337 to Queen Victoria’s coronation in 1837. Mr. Shoji noted that while it has become more accessible, it’s also growing increasingly complex. Players can delegate various tasks to AI, allowing for a step-by-step understanding of gameplay.
● Stellaris: Shadows of the Shroud
The newest DLC for Stellaris greatly expands psychic abilities. Instead of just stronger attacks, players now gain access to an entirely separate layer—the realm of psychic phenomena—where exploration and contact are possible. It includes events that simulate how society would change if people suddenly awakened psychic powers. The expansion explores “what-if” scenarios in worlds where psionics exist.
● Crusader Kings III: All Under Heaven
This latest DLC expands the CK3 world from China all the way to Japan and Southeast Asia. Set between 800 AD and 1453 AD, it even allows players to experience the Heian period. You can play as Fujiwara no Michinaga or Minamoto no Yoritomo and explore alternate histories of the Fujiwara or Minamoto clans. The game incorporates unique social systems from Japan and Southeast Asia, offering fresh Paradox-style interpretations.
That concludes the summary of this stage event. Starting with Paradox Interactive’s history, moving through explanations of “Paradox games,” and ending with previews of new releases—there was plenty to enjoy in this richly detailed presentation.