The Paradox Interactive Forums have word that Paradox Interactive and developer TaleWorlds are parting ways, and that TaleWorlds will retain the rights to the Mount & Blade series (thanks The Escapist). Word is they are marking the occasion by giving the gift of Early Access to Magicka: Wizard Wars: for those who own Mount & Blade on Steam

As of January 31st at 00:00 (UTC -08:00) Paradox Interactive will be handing over the reins for Mount and Blade back to the developer, TaleWorlds. It’s been five and a half years since Mount and Blade was released, five and a half years of sieges, tournaments and pitched open-field battles, and of course, the odd expansion or two!

We feel honoured to have fought beside you and at our final parting of ways would bid our farewells with a gift which has automatically been added to your Steam library.

What is your gift? One of our internal studios, Paradox North, is currently hard at work on a spell-casting action PVP game by the name of Magicka: Wizard Wars. As we know that you are all fans of fast-paced tactical combat we feel that you would be equally as adept with a robe and staff as you are with sword and shield, as such our gift to you is an invitation to our Early Access alpha of Magicka: Wizard Wars.

If you would like to know more about the game please do check www.wizardwars.com or our official forum at http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/...ka-Wizard-Wars.

Again, thank you for an exciting five and a half years!