mezmer-games posts

They really mean it this time (we hope)! After announcing an April 20 release date for Stalin vs Martians and then delaying the game at the very last minute, publisher Paradox Interactive has now announced that the downloadable arcade-style RTS will now be released on Wednesday, April 29.

The game with the terrific title is being handled under Paradox's new Mezmer Games label for independently developed games that are released exclusively via digital download networks. Several download services like Steam, Gamersgate, Direct2Drive and Impulse are are still giving gamers a way to purchase Stalin Vs Martians for 20 percent off its normal $19.99 price before its release.

Whoops! It looks like one of the games in our release week feature won't be coming out this week after all. Paradox Interactive just sent over word that today's planned digital download release of the arcade RTS game Stalin Vs Martians won't happen after all. The game has now been pushed back to launch sometime later in April

The press announcement did not give a solid reason for the delay, saying that it was pushed back " . . . due to the long march across the Siberian tundra." However the game's pre-order discount of 20 percent is still in effect and will continue until the game is finally released.

Yes you are basically playing the Stalin role as you command the Soviet Union's army in 1942 against a massive invasion. Not against the Nazis but by goofy looking Martians coming to take over the world. The game itself is designed to be more of an arcade experience than a deep RTS game. But you can't beat the whole idea behind the game which was made by three development teams (Black Wing Foundation, Dreamlore and N-Game).

The press release also mentions that trailers for the game have been a huge hit on YouTube: we can't imagine why but check out an example after the jump.

Successful PC game publisher Paradox Interactive just had a changing of the guard in terms of its leadershop. This week the company unexpectedly announced that Fredrik Wester, previously the Executive Vice President of Paradox, has been named as the company's new CEO. The press release doesn't mention what happened to the previous CEO Theodore Bergquist.

Unlike a lot of publishers in this current economy, Paradox is actually increasing its release of games including upcoming titles like Hearts of Iron III, Majesty 2 and others. They also launched a new publishing imprint this year, Mezmer Games, which will concentrate on independent games via digital distribution.

While Paradox Interactive first made this announcement a couple of weeks ago, this week the publisher officially launched the web site for their Mezmer Games division. The new publishing arm is designed to give independent game developers a way to release their titles via digital download.

The company's web site has also launched which in addition to promoting the games themselves is designed to be a community site for people to discuss the company and their titles. Currently Mezmer games has two titles set for release this spring; the quirky RTS game Stalin Vs Martians and the fantasy turn based strategy game Legio.

Paradox Interactive continues to be successful as a publisher of PC-only game titles and this week the company held a press event for the European media. Thankfully IGN has a press release from Paradox which gives info on the company's future games.

In addition to new info on Majesty II and Hearts of Iron III, Paradox revealed that a multiplayer expansion for the acclaimed open world RPG Mount & Blade is in the world. The untitled expansion from developer Taleworlds will add support for up to 32 players in team deathmatch mode. Improvements to the game's graphics and AI will also be added.

In addition, Paradox announced the launch of a new brand, Mezmer Games, which is "designed to provide promising independent developers a digital distribution outlet for their games in addition to marketing support." One of the games that will be released under the banner is the quirky RTS game Stalin Vs. Martians.