Paradox Interactive has announced Imperator: Rome.

The new 4X strategy game is being developed in-house by Paradox, with Johan Andersson (Hearts of Iron III, Crusader Kings II, Europa Universalis IV, etc) leading the project. A release is set for sometime next year across Windows PC, Mac, and Linux.

Featured above, you can view the debut teaser trailer for a game that Paradox is positioning as a way to answer questions like “What if Caesar never lived? How would western civilization have progressed to today?” and “What if Italy was never fully unified under Roman control?”, and so on.

“The masters of historical strategy have returned to the days of legions and legends,” the developer said. “Paradox Development Studio is happy to announce Imperator: Rome, an upcoming grand strategy game set in the classical world from the glory days of Athens to the establishment of the Roman Empire four centuries later.

“Rule any nation on the most detailed Paradox map ever stretching from the Pillars of Hercules to the far reaches of of India, allowing you to build an empire to dwarf that of Alexander. Govern republics or monarchies, balancing the factions, and keeping the loyalty of your most capable generals.”

Here’s some concept art, and the first screenshots:

Here’s a rundown on the game:

Alexander. Hannibal. Caesar. These great men and dozens like them shaped the destiny of a continent. Mighty kings, clever generals and would-be gods made their mark on the ancient Mediterranean. Around this sea, close knit nations tested their mettle and virtue against each other in fierce combat, their cultural and political legacy now inseparable from what we understand as Western Civilization. But nothing was guaranteed. Can you change the course of history in Imperator: Rome?

Key Features:

• Character Management: A living world of characters with varying skills and traits that will change over time. They will lead your nation, govern your provinces and command your armies and fleets. We also introduce our new, more human-like character art.
• Diverse Populations: Citizens, freemen, tribesmen and slaves – each population with its own culture and religion. Whether they fill your armies, fill your coffers or fill your colonies, keep an eye on their happiness – your success depends on their satisfaction.
• Battle Tactics: Choose your approach before battle to counter the stratagems of your foes.
• Military Traditions: Each culture has a unique way of waging war. Romans and Celts have different options available to them. Unlock unique bonuses, abilities and units.
• Different Government Types: Manage the senate in a Republic, hold your court together in a monarchy, answer to the clans in a tribal system.
• Barbarians and Rebellions: Migrating barbarians may sack or settle your best land, while disloyal governors or generals can turn against you – taking their armies with them!
• Trade: Goods provide bonuses to their home province. Will you take advantage of stockpiles for local strength or trade excess goods to spread the wealth around?
• Provincial Improvement: Invest in buildings, roads and defences to make your kingdom stronger and richer.

For now, you can visit the official Imperator: Rome website here and its Steam page here.