Swedish publisher Paradox has reported record quarterly revenues thanks, in part, to the successful launch of Crusader Kings III, which amassed over 1 million sales in one month. 

According to the company's interim report for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, revenues increased by 75 percent year-on-year to SEK 494.8 million ($57.4 million), while operating profit rose by 102 percent to SEK 187.7 million ($21.7 million) over the same period. 

Explaining that upswing, Paradox chief exec Ebba Ljungerud said the recent quarter has "to a large extent been about the launch of Crusader Kings III," and praised the threequel for its positive critical and consumer reception, and for selling over 1 million units on PC. 

Ljungerud suggested those numbers are proof that sticking with franchises and methodically developing them over time can lay the groundwork for long-term success. 

"Crusader Kings III is, like most of our successful games, the result of several iterations of the game," they continued. "Often the first game in a franchise is not a success, but instead lays the foundation for future sequels by building a player base, a brand, and the knowledge to gradually de­velop better games."

Looking ahead to the next quarter, Paradox is preparing to launch a new strategy game, Empire of Sin, and said the project "represents a step outside our usual comfort zone with its role-playing elements and 1920s gangster theme."