# Crusader Kings

> 2004 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q1070633](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1070633)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusader_Kings_(video_game))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/crusader-kings

## Summary  
**Crusader Kings** is a 2004 grand‑strategy video game set in the medieval Byzantine Empire. Developed by the Swedish studio **Development Studio** and published by **Paradox Interactive** (with distribution by Nobilis), it launched on 27 August 2004 for Microsoft Windows and later macOS.

## Key Facts  
- **Release date:** 27 August 2004.  
- **Developer:** Development Studio (Sweden, headquartered in Stockholm).  
- **Publisher:** Paradox Interactive (Swedish publisher) and Nobilis (distribution).  
- **Genre:** Grand‑strategy, real‑time strategy, computer wargame, historical video game.  
- **Platforms:** Microsoft Windows (Steam) and macOS; available on CD‑ROM and via digital distribution (Steam).  
- **Game modes:** Single‑player and multiplayer.  
- **Engine:** Europa Engine.  
- **Ratings:** USK 0 (Germany), ESRB “Everyone”, PEGI 3.  
- **Composer:** Inon Zur.  
- **Series:** First entry in the *Crusader Kings* series (followed by *Crusader Kings II*).  

## FAQs  
### Q: What type of game is Crusader Kings?  
**A:** It is a grand‑strategy wargame that blends real‑time and historical simulation, letting players manage medieval dynasties and territories.  

### Q: Who created Crusader Kings?  
**A:** The game was developed by the Swedish studio **Development Studio** and published by **Paradox Interactive** (with distribution by Nobilis).  

### Q: When was Crusader Kings first released and on which platforms?  
**A:** It launched on 27 August 2004 for Microsoft Windows and later became available for macOS, both as a CD‑ROM and via digital download (Steam).  

### Q: Does Crusader Kings support multiplayer?  
**A:** Yes, the title offers both single‑player and multiplayer modes.  

### Q: What rating does Crusader Kings have for age suitability?  
**A:** It carries a USK 0 rating in Germany, an ESRB “Everyone” rating in the United States, and a PEGI 3 rating in Europe.  

## Why It Matters  
*Crusader Kings* marked a pivotal moment for Paradox Interactive and the grand‑strategy genre. As one of the early titles built on the Europa Engine, it demonstrated how deep political and dynastic simulation could be combined with real‑time gameplay. Its focus on medieval dynastic management introduced a narrative‑driven approach that influenced later strategy games, most notably its direct sequel, *Crusader Kings II*, which expanded the concept into a globally acclaimed franchise. By offering both single‑player and multiplayer experiences, the game broadened the audience for complex strategy titles and helped cement Paradox’s reputation for niche, historically rich games. Its modest ESRB “Everyone” rating made the intricate mechanics accessible to a wider age range, fostering a community of players interested in historical role‑playing and strategic depth.

## Notable For  
- First grand‑strategy title in the *Crusader Kings* series, spawning a long‑running franchise.  
- Early use of the Europa Engine, which became Paradox’s standard for later strategy games.  
- Integration of both single‑player and multiplayer modes in a historically focused strategy game.  
- Composer Inon Zur’s orchestral score, adding cinematic depth to the medieval setting.  
- Wide distribution: released on physical CD‑ROM and digitally via Steam, pioneering dual‑format releases for the genre.  

## Body  

### Development  
- **Developer:** Development Studio, a Swedish video‑game developer founded in 1995, based in Stockholm.  
- **Publisher:** Paradox Interactive (founded 1999, Stockholm) and Nobilis handled distribution.  
- **Engine:** Built on the Europa Engine, later used across many Paradox titles.  

### Release & Distribution  
- **Launch date:** 27 August 2004.  
- **Physical format:** CD‑ROM.  
- **Digital format:** Available through Steam and other digital storefronts.  
- **Platform support:** Microsoft Windows (primary) and macOS (added later).  

### Gameplay & Modes  
- **Genre classification:** Grand‑strategy, real‑time strategy, computer wargame, historical video game.  
- **Game modes:** Supports both single‑player and multiplayer sessions.  
- **Narrative focus:** Set primarily in the Byzantine Empire, emphasizing dynastic politics and territorial control.  

### Technical Details  
- **Software engine:** Europa Engine.  
- **Input device:** Computer keyboard.  
- **Language:** English (primary interface language).  

### Ratings & Classification  
- **USK:** 0 (Germany).  
- **ESRB:** Everyone (United States).  
- **PEGI:** 3 (Europe).  

### Music & Audio  
- **Composer:** Inon Zur, noted for orchestral video‑game scores.  

### Series & Legacy  
- **Series entry:** First installment of the *Crusader Kings* series; succeeded by *Crusader Kings II* (listed as part 1 in the series hierarchy).  
- **Impact:** Established a template for dynastic grand‑strategy games, influencing subsequent Paradox releases and the broader strategy‑gaming community.  

### Identifiers & External Links  
- **Official website:** <http://www.crusaderkings.com/> (English).  
- **IMDB ID:** tt0389893.  
- **Steam application ID:** 204940 (Windows).  
- **Various database IDs:** Freebase /m/079rt6, Metacritic, IGDB, etc., confirming its presence across major gaming reference sites.  

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*All information above is drawn directly from the provided source material and reflects the documented attributes of the 2004 video game **Crusader Kings**.*

## References

1. Steam
2. Mod DB
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. GOG.com
5. Giant Bomb
6. Source