I was In Stockholm - NATIONAL AWAKENING News!

Summary

The video delves into upcoming DLC content for *Victoria 3*, focusing on the 'Springtime of the Peoples' and features like Montenegro's unique raiding mechanic, which allows it to finance itself before potentially becoming a nation-state. The speaker explores the Balkans' political dynamics, touching on Serbia's and Bulgaria's nationalistic struggles, and the cultural complexities of empires like the Russian and Ottoman Empires. The DLC promises deep gameplay changes, including national identity building, labor unions, and the prospect of expanded raiding mechanics, creating excitement among content creators and players alike.

Takeaways

• 😀 Montenegro's new raiding mechanic in *Victoria 3* allows the country to sustain itself through raiding, providing a unique gameplay experience.
• 😀 This raiding mechanic is flexible, enabling players to raid different nations, and could potentially be expanded into a global mechanic if players find it engaging.
• 😀 Montenegro starts as a disorganized collection of communities, with the option to become a more unified nation-state or even rejoin Serbia.
• 😀 The Ottoman Empire can prevent Montenegro from raiding by annexing or making it a tributary, introducing more strategic gameplay choices.
• 😀 The idea of a raiding mechanic could be extended to other historical examples, like Chinese pirates after the Opium Wars or Barbary pirates, adding variety to naval gameplay.
• 😀 Serbia's content revolves around its dynastic struggles, similar to *Victoria 3*'s France and divided monarchist mechanics.
• 😀 Bulgaria aims to become the Prussia of the Balkans, with a focus on militarization, adding new challenges for players in the region.
• 😀 The creation of Yugoslavia is influenced by religious identity, with different outcomes depending on whether it's formed as a Catholic or Orthodox nation.
• 😀 The Great Eastern Crisis and the Eastern Question will allow Russia and Austria to intervene in the Balkans, potentially freeing or colonizing territories like Bulgaria and Bosnia.
• 😀 *National Awakening* focuses on the process of nation-building, with a system that could integrate cultural acceptance, similar to the Russosphere mechanic in the Russian Empire.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the National Awakening DLC in *Victoria 3*?

The main focus of the DLC is to introduce the concept of 'National Awakening,' where nations or regions with weak or fragmented structures can build a sense of identity and transition into fully developed nation-states. This includes various mechanisms such as raiding, the Balkan dynamics, and the Springtime of the Peoples.

How does the raiding mechanic work in Montenegro?

Montenegro, initially a collection of fragmented communities, relies on raiding as its primary source of income and state-building. The player can raid other regions, and the Ottomans can either annex Montenegro or make it a tributary to stop this activity. This mechanic is designed to transition Montenegro into a full nation-state over time.

What makes Montenegro's gameplay different from other countries in *Victoria 3*?

Montenegro's gameplay is unique due to its reliance on raiding rather than traditional state-building. The country starts with minimal infrastructure and focuses on survival through raiding. This sets it apart from more developed nations and offers a fresh gameplay experience.

Can the raiding mechanic be applied universally to other countries in the game?

No, the raiding mechanic in the DLC is not universal. It’s primarily designed for Montenegro, but the devs are open to the idea of expanding this mechanic if players find it interesting. It remains a specific feature tied to the context of Montenegro's early state-building.

How does the DLC address the concept of the Springtime of the Peoples?

The Springtime of the Peoples is explored through various events and dynamics, particularly in regions like the Balkans. It highlights national revolutions, uprisings, and the formation of new identities, especially in states such as Serbia, Montenegro, and Bulgaria.

What role does Serbia play in the new content for the Balkans?

Serbia is presented as a nation grappling with a dynastic struggle, where various factions vie for power. The content seems to draw parallels to France’s divided monarchists, with Serbia trying to navigate internal tensions while engaging in the broader geopolitical challenges of the Balkans.

What are the key differences between forming Yria and Yugoslavia in the game?

Yria and Yugoslavia represent different national identities. Yria forms as a Catholic nation, while Yugoslavia forms as an Orthodox nation. This distinction influences the political, cultural, and religious dynamics in the region.

How does the DLC address the 'Eastern Question' and the fate of the Balkans?

The 'Eastern Question' is part of the broader geopolitical struggles, where Russia is encouraged to free Bulgaria, while Austria is urged to take control of Bosnia and turn it into a colony. This content explores how major powers attempt to shape the fate of the Balkans during this period.

What is the Russosphere, and how does it affect cultural integration within the Russian Empire?

The Russosphere refers to regions within the Russian Empire that have been integrated culturally over time. These regions experience greater cultural acceptance due to their long association with Russia. If they leave the empire, however, this cultural bond may erode.

How might raiding as a mechanic impact naval gameplay in *Victoria 3*?

Raiding could potentially open up new dynamics in naval gameplay, particularly if geopolitical order breaks down. The devs mentioned the possibility of expanding the mechanic to sea raiding, inspired by historical pirate ages, like the Barbary Pirates or Chinese pirates after the Opium Wars. This would introduce more flexibility and strategic options for players with coastal nations.