Seduction is a well-known and widespread diplomatic mechanic in "Crusader Kings" that can grow a dynasty by legitimizing it through the birth of a bastard child, feeding off other courts, or simply increasing the reputation of a future spouse. Numerous characters can be seduced, including the rose bush, and many court dramas can be started this way. Men can also gain fame by seducing female rulers. Yes, somewhere in the world right now, when I open a window, all I hear is the sound of me sighing.

It's a fun gameplay system with many options, so it's no surprise to see it return in Crusader Kings 3. In his last development blog before launch, programmer Magne Skaalan told an interesting story about temptation as an example of a situation where developer Paradox had to put the brakes on its own AI. He said, "[Non-military AI] helps make this world feel like it's actually alive. Sometimes you have to set limits on how the AI interacts with the player so that it doesn't become overwhelmed or frustrated. A classic example of this is seduction, where at various stages of the game we have had to adjust the rules so that the player, playing a woman instead of a man, is not seduced 100 times at any given time. That, sadly, may be quite realistic in some ways, but it is not an experience one would want in either the game or in reality.

I like the way Skjæran adds "in real life," and then smiles a little and shrugs his shoulders, suggesting that in reality there may be many people who enjoy hundreds of temptations, but not, of course, the consequences of being blackmailed for 20% of your annual income, as in "Crusader Kings"! I like the way you put it.

Crusader Kings 3 will be released on September 1, with a standard edition and a Royal Edition that includes the expansion pass and the Holy Roman Empire costume collection. It's a great game, and you can read our review for more details.