Stockholm, December 12 - Today, Paradox Interactive and Whatboy Games released Stellaris Nexus into early access on Steam (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1983990/Stellaris_Nexus/). This immersive sci-fi 4X experience offers players the opportunity to dive into single or multiplayer gameplay and complete matches from start to finish in about one hour. For those who have pre-purchased the game, Stellaris Nexus early access is now up and running, priced at 14.99€ / 12.99£ / 14.99$.

Discover more on Stellaris Nexus in the early access launch trailer: https://youtu.be/g8-dLZOzOMw

Stellaris Nexus packs all the thrilling diplomatic drama and epic space battles of a massive grand strategy game into a solo adventure or multiplayer showdown with up to five friends-all within about one hour. When played with friends, Stellaris Nexus brings together the tactical aspect of strategy games and the social aspect of tabletop games. As the leader of an intergalactic faction, players will start on the outer galactic rim with the objective to take control of the throneworld of Nexus, at the center of the galaxy. Winning will require players to craft a balance between their diplomatic maneuvers and their military ambitions, while developing their industry and starfleet. With nine different factions and a total of twenty-seven leaders to choose from, Stellaris Nexus offers a huge range of unique playstyles for all players to enjoy.

"We've long been big enthusiasts of Paradox's grand strategy games and have always loved the social experience of tabletop gaming. We strongly believed there was great potential in merging these elements," said Adam Doherty, Game Director at Whatboy Games. "We developed a prototype of a sci-fi strategy game playable in one hour and pitched it to Paradox Arc-they loved the idea! Together with Paradox, we've proved it is possible to create a compelling 4X experience you can finish during a lunch break. We are now thrilled to release the game into early access and to get players' feedback to polish and elevate this concept even further,'' added Dax Ginn, Studio Director, Whatboy Games.

"Stellaris Nexus achieves the near-impossible; providing a deep and challenging strategy experience that can be played start to finish in an hour. On top of that, it's a blast to play with friends over and over again. We're confident it's a perfect addition to Paradox's lineup," shared Gustav Groth, Executive Producer at Paradox Arc. "This early access phase gives the awesome team at Whatboy the chance to test their ideas, and grow the game together with the community."

• Your Hour of Power: Nothing beats the thrill of a deep strategy board game session with friends, and with Stellaris Nexus, you can play not one, but several sessions during an evening where "One More Turn" becomes "One More Game."
• Social Strategy: Choose from unique factions and leaders and play with up to 5 friends in turn-based multiplayer, or brave the Nexus online against strangers through skill-based matchmaking. Form unlikely alliances, execute bitter betrayals, or quietly plot from the shadows to take the victory!
• Diplomacy or "Diplomacy:" Starting from the safe haven of your homeworld, rapidly expand your reach across the galaxy to explore and occupy new systems to eventually take control of the galactic Throneworld: NEXUS! Military conflict and diplomatic dealings are available to you as you expand and explore, but so is the power struggle that plays out in the Galactic Council as rival empires exert their influence to cast votes in favor of new titles and resolutions that empower their faction or advance their immediate strategic objectives.
• Unique Factions & Leaders: Whether you're a roleplayer that wants to immerse in the universe of Stellaris, or you're a `by-the-numbers' strategist, `select from factions and leaders that alter how you approach each match that you play, offering a range of playstyles and ways to gain the upper-hand over your opponents.
• In the Rich Universe of Stellaris: Explore the universe of Stellaris in a different way, taking on the roles of well-established factions and leaders. Your destiny is in your hands as you craft your own emergent narrative in pursuit of galactic glory and domination.

Stellaris Nexus press kit can be found here (https://paradoxinteractive.files.com/f/fa4e3fe93fabc185).