Games from Paradox Interactive after a while end up building up quite a lot of DLC, it's how they support their games for so long but it's quite daunting for new players - perhaps this new subscription for Hearts of Iron IV may help.
What they've done on Steam is add a new Hearts of Iron IV - Expansion Subscription which for a monthly, 3-monthly or yearly fee gives you access to the entire DLC collection for the game. It includes all the main expansions, plus the smaller DLC packs. Considering there's 16, it might not be a bad deal since it includes all future DLC. If you stop the subscription, you then lose access.
Paradox has no plans to switch to this style completely, as it's just an additional option available for their existing games. This isn't the first time they've added a subscription option, with Crusader Kings II also having one although that game does have quite a lot more DLC available and the base game is free.
Also, Paradox announced a new Career Profile screen for Hearts of Iron IV that will be available that looks something like this:
You can buy Hearts of Iron IV on Humble Store and Steam.
How long before we see some kind of Paradox Pass to get all their games and DLC under a single subscription? I certainly wouldn't count it out.
But I believe this is an terrible direction that paradox is taking here.
They could also just release a big bundle of DLCs for a big price reduction.
But no, they choose to take the subscription path were you own nothing, pay a monthly or yearly fee.
Just no, there are already more then enough subscription services that try to rip you off.
What I mean to ask, once your subscription ends, does the DLC that was released during your active subscription remain on your account like a game pass?
Or does it get removed?
If it stays on your account, I could see it being worthwhile.
If I remember correctly, this is the team behind the City Skyline GT-R city building games, if so that ones DLC could sure use this.
Coming from a huge Paradox fan.
Now if they'd give you credit for your subscription fee, and allow to redeem that in their store to own however many DLCs you can buy for it, that might be something I could get behind.
Hmm, how does this one work? Is it like a game pass?
What I mean to ask, once your subscription ends, does the DLC that was released during your active subscription remain on your account like a game pass?
Or does it get removed?
If it stays on your account, I could see it being worthwhile.
From the article, it appears once you stop paying, you lose access.
I'm conflicted a bit by it. I know the idea is to get the subscription, forget about it, and overpay in the long run. But I must admit, it might not be bad for casual pay, presuming you pay upfront to buy the base game, schedule your play time within the subscription window, and cancel it quickly when you are done playing.
I've never purchased anything "subscription" for the PC, I just can't shake the feeling it is a scam, even when it isn't. But I can't knock it for those interested in it.
Like ALL game publishers, the more successful they've become, the more user unfriendly they turned. Many, many years ago, EA used to be the likeable underdog, too...
Last edited by mao_dze_dun on 18 February 2022 at 9:12 pm UTC
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