Paradox Interactive Crusader Kings III Art Blast

Three Years of Crusader Kings III: Where Real Strategy Requires Cunning

Friends, vassals, and aspiring rulers of all realms, gather around! Today marks a momentous occasion, the third anniversary of Crusader Kings III! Three years of intricate politics, calculated betrayals, fortuitous alliances, and of course, shrewd, cunning strategy.
In a game world pulsing with vibrant life, you have exercised your divine rights and worldly schemes to expand your dominions, navigated a medieval tapestry of intrigue so complex it would make Macchiavelli blush, and lived out countless stories, each more epic than the last.

The tagline “Real strategy requires cunning” isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s the unspoken rule of every nuanced decision you make, from the lofty throne room to the shadowy alcoves of your castle. And what better way to celebrate this milestone than to showcase the game’s awe-inspiring art? This isn’t just pixel manipulation; this is a veritable Sistine Chapel of the digital age, capturing the essence of a world teeming with historical grandeur and human complexity.

A sprawling vibrant world

The art in Crusader Kings III captures not only the high courts filled with haughty nobles, but also the bustling life of the villages, the solemn atmosphere of monasteries, and the bristling tension of battlefields. Each stroke resonates with the same meticulous research that has gone into faithfully recreating the Middle Ages, from the snow-covered expanse of the Nordic lands to the sizzling mystique of the Horn of Africa.

Larger-Than-Life Characters

Over the years, you’ve built legacies through characters that transcend mere game mechanics, made possible by an art style that effortlessly fuses historical accuracy with archetypical exaggeration. Whether you’re grooming your genius heir, plotting with nefarious spies, or leading men-at-arms into glorious battle, every visage and emotion rendered makes the gameplay not just an activity, but an experience. These larger-than-life characters you’ve raised, loved, hated, and occasionally had executed, exemplify the very motto of real strategy requiring cunning.

A Testament to Our Community

But let’s not forget the brilliant minds behind the screen. Yes, we’re talking about you, the players, who have found ingenious ways to adapt, improvise, and conquer. The stories you’ve written, and the art you’ve shared, have amplified what Crusader Kings III means to everyone. This third anniversary is as much yours as it is ours.

What’s Next?

As we step into the fourth year, we assure you, this dynasty is far from over. Expect new expansions that take you to uncharted territories, both geographically and thematically. Prepare for even more detailed political intrigues and dramatic events that will test your strategic cunning to its limits.

Anniversary Special

And what’s a celebration without gifts? We’re thrilled to announce a special anniversary gift for our long-time fans, which includes some of our best artwork made available to you on our website for a limited time so that you may enjoy the art outside of the usual constraints.

Three years ago, we invited you to take command of your house and expand your dynasty. Today, your empire stretches across continents, and your lineage boasts of Kings, Queens, Dukes, and Duchesses whose deeds are the stuff of legends. But remember, in the ever-changing landscapes of Crusader Kings III, your next decision could either immortalize your reign or relegate you to a mere footnote in history.

As we move forward, keep the motto close to your heart and mind:
“Real strategy requires cunning.”

Here’s to more sieges and weddings, to more knights and tournaments, and most importantly, to you, our esteemed community. Onward, to ever greater glories!

Long may your dynasty reign.

Lenni Olinsson
Art Director – Crusader Kings III

Art Direction

Lenni Olinsson – Art Director

Concept Artists

Jon Astrup Hällkvist – Concept Artist

Jon Astrup Hällkvist – Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Jon Astrup Hällkvist – Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Jon Astrup Hällkvist – Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Jon Astrup Hällkvist – Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Jon Astrup Hällkvist – Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Jon Astrup Hällkvist – Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Jon Astrup Hällkvist – Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Jon Astrup Hällkvist – Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III

Ecbel Oueslati – Illustrator / Concept Artist

Ecbel Oueslati – Illustrator / Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Ecbel Oueslati – Illustrator / Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Ecbel Oueslati – Illustrator / Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Ecbel Oueslati – Illustrator / Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Ecbel Oueslati – Illustrator / Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Ecbel Oueslati – Illustrator / Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Ecbel Oueslati – Illustrator / Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Ecbel Oueslati – Illustrator / Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Ecbel Oueslati – Illustrator / Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Ecbel Oueslati – Illustrator / Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Ecbel Oueslati – Illustrator / Concept Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III

2D Artist/Illustrator

Petter Lundh – Lead 2D Artist 

Petter Lundh – Lead 2D Artist  – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Petter Lundh – Lead 2D Artist  – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Petter Lundh – Lead 2D Artist  – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III

Pavel Golovii – Illustrator

Pavel Golovii – Illustrator – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Pavel Golovii – Illustrator – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III

Character Artists

Nils Wadensten – Lead / Principal Character Artist

Nils Wadensten – Lead / Principal Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Nils Wadensten – Lead / Principal Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Nils Wadensten – Lead / Principal Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Nils Wadensten – Lead / Principal Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Nils Wadensten – Lead / Principal Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Nils Wadensten – Lead / Principal Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Nils Wadensten – Lead / Principal Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III

Joakim Hammarslätt – Character Artist

Joakim Hammarslätt – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joakim Hammarslätt – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joakim Hammarslätt – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joakim Hammarslätt – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joakim Hammarslätt – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III

Oskar Ivarsson – Character Artist

Oskar Ivarsson – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Oskar Ivarsson – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Oskar Ivarsson – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Oskar Ivarsson – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Oskar Ivarsson – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Oskar Ivarsson – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Oskar Ivarsson – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Oskar Ivarsson – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Oskar Ivarsson – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Oskar Ivarsson – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Oskar Ivarsson – Character Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III

Environnent Artists

Joacim Carlberg – Lead Environment Artist

Joacim Carlberg – Lead Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joacim Carlberg – Lead Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joacim Carlberg – Lead Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joacim Carlberg – Lead Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joacim Carlberg – Lead Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III

Anton Leirnes – 3D Environment Artist

Anton Leirnes – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Leirnes – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Leirnes – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Leirnes – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Leirnes – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Leirnes – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Leirnes – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Leirnes – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Leirnes – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Leirnes – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III

Joel Masko – 3D Environment Artist

Joel Masko – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joel Masko – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joel Masko – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joel Masko – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joel Masko – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joel Masko – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joel Masko – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joel Masko – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Joel Masko – 3D Environment Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III

UI Artists

Celine Jensen – 2D UI Artist

Celine Jensen – 2D UI Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Celine Jensen – 2D UI Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Celine Jensen – 2D UI Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III

Anton Holmqvist – 2D UI Artist

Anton Holmqvist – 2D UI Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Holmqvist – 2D UI Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Holmqvist – 2D UI Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Holmqvist – 2D UI Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Holmqvist – 2D UI Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Holmqvist – 2D UI Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Holmqvist – 2D UI Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Holmqvist – 2D UI Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Anton Holmqvist – 2D UI Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III

Technical Artist

Wei-Lune Tang – Technical Artist

Wei-Lune Tang – Technical Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III
Wei-Lune Tang – Technical Artist – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III

Technical Animator

Emelie Verdugo – Technical Animator


Emelie Verdugo – Technical Animator – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III

Emelie Verdugo – Technical Animator – Paradox Development Studio – Crusader Kings III

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About the author

Daniel is the Industry Manager for ArtStation.