Paradox Interactive offers a brand new video developer diary from Europa Universalis IV, focused on the power of religion in the upcoming empire-building sequel. Here's word on the trailer, a livestream planned for tomorrow, and following the theme of a number of items this evening, a new preorder bonus:

Project Lead Thomas Johansson details the intricacies of religion in countries throughout the world, and how differences between sects can both benefit and hinder your progress to historical greatness. Will you allow reformation when it rears its head in Europe or stand your ground for Catholicism? Will you forego Christianity entirely and become a champion of the Muslim or Buddhist faiths?

On Wednesday, July 3rd, emperors and empresses should make themselves comfortable in their screen-facing thrones for an epic Europa Universalis IV live stream. The broadcast starts at 6 pm GMT/ 7 pm BST/ 8 pm CEST / 11 am PDT, head to the official Paradox Interactive Twitch TV channel to see religion in action: twitch.tv/paradoxinteractive

Strategy fans can fulfill their quest for global domination by pre-ordering Europa Universalis IV. The pre-order bonus for the month of July has been revealed today—The Purple Phoenix DLC—and the details of its contents can be found here: www.europauniversalis4.com/buy. Anybody who pre-orders Europa Universalis IV, regardless of when they pre-order, will receive all DLC included in the pre-order campaign including secret, yet-to-be-revealed pre-order bonuses.