Stellaris Game Art Production: A Case Study of N-iX and Paradox Interactive Collaboration

Paradox Interactive, the creator of the grand strategy video game Stellaris, needed to release regular updates and downloadable content (DLC) for its games. The challenge was to create appealing game art assets within tight deadlines. The team had to follow distinctive art production guidelines provided by the client, which described a unique art creation pipeline. Another challenge was understanding the multiple races and their specific designs in Stellaris, a game with numerous galaxies and races with different styles and features. The team had to study the game carefully to produce art that matched the game style and ensure smooth project implementation. Additionally, the team faced the challenge of meeting tight deadlines at certain stages of the project, where they had to deliver all the assets in time for the DLC release.

Paradox Interactive is a leading global publisher of strategy games for PC and console. The company has developed and published a world-renowned catalog stretching back to 1999, with players hailing from all around the world. The publisher’s steadily-growing portfolio includes firmly established franchises such as the critically acclaimed Europa Universalis, Crusader Kings, Hearts of Iron, and Stellaris series created by Paradox Development Studio, the Age of Wonders series created by Triumph Studios, as well as award-winning titles such as Cities: Skylines, Pillars of Eternity, and more from a network of partner studios.