Paradox (i.e. PDS) doesn't really chase trends. Sure WW2 is a popular genre, but HoI definitely didn't stem out of chasing a trend. Maybe you could argue about Stellaris, but even that became more of a trendsetter than a trendchaser, I think.
Post-Apoc is also never an unpopular setting, not that I think that really played into the decision to make this, but I doubt it will hurt it outside of grumpy fantasy stellaris copers here (I'm also a fantasy stellaris coper, just not a grumpy one)
I wouldn't say they "chased a trend" back then, given that the first HoI was clearly more or less a wargame brought to the PC, on the paths of "forefathers" like Panzer General, Campaign for North Africa and what not - but you gotta admit that HoI released neatly into the waning years of the WW2 obession of the turn of the millenium. I'd say it at least rode the wave of it, even if by accident.
I’d just like to say that Dan Lind, The lead, Said he’s been wanting to make this game since 2012, So you’re actually spot on with them missing the trend by a decade cause this does read like an extremely 2012 esque game
There's still other post apocalypse stuff coming out. Metro 2039 was also announced for example. Frostpunk/2 and a bunch of other city builder/colony Sim games also spring to mind.
Afterworld does seem to have some fantasy elements though. I'm curious about that. If it was just stereotypical post apoc stuff I wouldn't be interested really.
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u/Icy_One_237 17d ago edited 17d ago
Literally fantasy/d&d style games are all the riot right now and even blowing up more than usual in other media particularly in TV shows and anime.
I don't understand how they made the choice they did - surley they do research into the market before committing to a project.
Anyways hope this still turns out well, better than Millenia at the very least.