Jon Shafer, the lead designer on Civilization V, has joined the ranks of Paradox Interactive. He’s creating a new team within the Swedish developer, and their first game will be a grand strategy title.

While details are scant, we know Shafer will be the director on their new game, and they’re working on “the next big title in [Paradox’s] catalogue” Shafer notes: “since I’m starting up a brand new team, I’m going to be doing some recruitment of my own, if you want to pass along the word to [people] who are interested in working on a grand strategy game at Paradox.”

Previously, Shafer worked at Firaxis for a programming internship at the young age of 19, moving on to server as designer and programmer on two Civilization IV expansions. Following this, he was given lead on Civilization V when he was only 25. He then moved on to work at Stardock on the Elemental series, only to work on a passion project via the Kickstarter-funded Kickstart At the Gates, which hasn’t been released yet.

“I’m filling out my grand strategy bingo card,” he joked. “I started at Firaxis, went to Stardock, and now I’m at Paradox.”

What kind of grand strategy game would you like to see from Shafer and Paradox? Sound off in the comments below!