STOCKHOLM - 06 March 2024 - The rapid technological and societal changes of the Victoria Era allowed empires to compete in new lands with new means. The competition for resources and markets could turn fast friends into bitter rivals, as strong nations fought to extend and secure their power over weaker ones. Preserve and project your own empire in Sphere of Influence, a new expansion pack for Victoria 3, coming May 6, 2024.

Paradox Interactive's grand strategy simulation takes a diplomatic turn, with Power Blocs at the center of Sphere of Influence. Bully, bribe or befriend other nations in an effort to build a group that can act together towards a common goal. Smaller nations can seek security in a co-operative compact with a greater power, while major nations bring new subjects and middle powers into their orbit.

Historical content in the expansion is dedicated to The Great Game, the nineteenth century competition between the British and Russian Empires for influence and power in Central and South Asia.

See a trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9yae-7XGqA

• Fierce Competition: Use your Prestige to become a Great Power and create your own Power Bloc! Dominate other nations in a diplomatic arrangement to pursue common economic or ideological goals, whether promoting open trade around the world or spreading specific values to other nations.
• Power Bloc Customization:  Choose the identity and principles of your loose alliance, whether it be a group promoting ideological concerns like the Comintern, or an economy-oriented bloc pushing for cross-border market integration like the Zollverein. You can even customize colors and emblems for your bloc!
• "The Great Game": New events, journal entries and decisions inspired by the Russian and British rivalry in Central Asia, and a new Objective - you can play as any of the powers central to that conflict, including Persia and Afghanistan. A newly redrawn map highlights the many competing interests in this frontier between empires.
• Foreign Investment: Invest in the economic development of countries outside of your direct influence, making a profit from their financial success.
• Nationalization: Start a Diplomatic Play to seize foreign assets in your country and prevent your wealth from going overseas.
• Subject Interactions: Adjust the payments from your vassals and protectorates, meddle in their internal politics and more!
• Interest Group Lobbies: Domestic interest groups will pursue foreign policy objectives, promoting amicable relations with some countries and hostility with others nations or even influence the development of friendly lobbies in other nations.
• Power Bloc Monuments: Build majestic monuments to emphasise your bloc's influence and domination over world events.
• New Historical Flavor: New historical characters and companies, most centered on the Great Game content, as well as more events, new journal entries, Lobby related content, new clothing and event art.

Today also sees the release of the Trains Bonus Content Pack, a free pack for download by any who own Victoria 3. This pack includes ten new 3D models of trains players can see carrying goods and passengers on the map - five trains from the early days of steam and five trains from the golden age of rail expansion.

Victoria 3: Sphere of Influence will be available on 06 May 2024 for the suggested retail price of 29.99$ / 24.99£ / 29.99€.