Paradox Interactive announces the release of the Art of War expansion for Europa Universalis IV, their grand strategy sequel for Windows, Linux, and OS X. They show off the expansion in a new launch trailer, which is accompanied by a new version 1.8 patch which includes features for the base game as well as the add-on. They announced this as a reference to Machiavelli, but are now shifting to Sun Tsu:

"Sun Tzu said that it is best to win without fighting at all, but if one must fight, preparation is the key to victory," says Martin Anward, lead designer on Art of War. "With over nine hundred new provinces, over a hundred new nations and the addition of major religious wars that ravage a continent, preparation will be essential in the Art of War if you hope to guide your nation through four centuries of expanded, enriched gameplay and emerge as one of the winners of history."

Inspired by the passion and tragedy of the Thirty Years War, Art of War brings the military aspects of Europa Universalis IV into high relief by adding new military mechanics. New challenges await your empire, but new opportunities as well. If you are starved for manpower, why not turn your vassal into a March, and use its soldiers to buttress your own? Force the Holy Roman Empire to convert to Protestantism and undo centuries of tradition.