23rd of August 1956 – Pierre Morel, a security guard reportedly employed by Rizian Royal Gold CEO Russello “Rusty” Montoro, was briefly detained on Saturday following a physical altercation outside an exclusive club in Porte Drazon. Eyewitnesses described a confrontation involving Morel, who is believed to be affiliated with Palantor Security Solutions, a private military firm with longstanding ties to the Arcasian government.
Morel was released from custody within hours. Authorities have not provided a clear explanation for the swift release, and no charges have been filed. Both RRG and Palantor declined to comment.
Palantor’s presence in our Kingdom has, until now, been limited to discreet, high-level contracts. Their role in Montoro’s personal security detail has never been officially acknowledged, yet this public incident has pulled the veil back on the company’s activities on Rizian soil.
In recent years, Palantor has expanded its international footprint, diversifying its client portfolio beyond traditional state contracts, according to their latest financial disclosures. The firm’s growing global ambitions, and apparent access within Rizia, raise fresh questions about influence, immunity, and oversight.
Who are these men protecting Rusty Montoro? And more importantly, who, if anyone, holds them accountable?
Exciting times ahead! The much-anticipated 3.1 “Sovereign” Update for the Kingdom of Rizia is on the horizon, packed with a range of new content. In this broadcast, we’ll be showing fresh visuals from the update, offering a first look at the latest war mechanics, aircraft systems, economy changes, and more. Stay tuned as we reveal details leading up to launch!
We also have an announcement about the price of the Kingdom of Rizia, along with its biggest discount yet. During the upcoming Steam Spring Sale, you’ll have the chance to pick up the game at its lowest-ever price before a permanent price increase.
Finally, we sat down with our Game Designer Laurence for an exclusive deep dive into the “Sovereign” Update. Let’s explore what’s coming!
Kingdom of Rizia PC Price Increase & Deepest Discount Yet
To reflect the ongoing hard work and continuous improvements to the Kingdom of Rizia on PC, we will be adjusting the price from $9.99 to $14.99 after the launch of the 3.1 “Sovereign” Update. This aligns with the game's depth and development effort while maintaining its value.
Before the price increase, we’re offering a unique opportunity to get Rizia at its best value. During the Steam Spring Sale from March 13–20, the game will be available at a 20% discount, its biggest discount ever on PC!
If you’ve been waiting to embark on your royal journey or know someone eager to join the Kingdom, this is the perfect time. Let the Golden Gates of Rizia welcome you as you unravel its story and explore its world before the new update and price increase. A brighter chapter lies ahead, and we can’t wait to experience it with you!
With this change, the PC price will now match the price of the game on mobile, ensuring consistency across platforms.
Developer Interview with Game Designer Laurence
Today, we sit down with Laurence, one of our Game Designers, to dive deep into the latest changes and additions to the game. From refining war mechanics to introducing a brand-new aircraft system, Laurence shares insights into the design process, the challenges faced, and the exciting new strategic possibilities that await players. Let’s hear more about what’s coming in Update 3.1 Sovereign Update!
“Having been part of the Torpor team for a year and a half now, I was lucky enough to work on the war mechanics from the early stages. Over time, I’ve had the chance to refine, expand, and deepen the mechanics, hoping to create a challenging but enjoyable strategic gameplay experience.
With the Sovereign Update, we’re introducing my favorite feature: the aircraft mechanics. This new feature takes war mechanics to new heights—literally—by incorporating air support, airstrikes, and cooldown periods for different actions. Use them strategically or as a last-ditch effort.
Another key focus of the update was improving accessibility. We realized the war production panel wasn’t as intuitive as we wanted. To address this, we added a short tutorial to help players make the most of the feature early on.
Beyond warfare, I also had the opportunity to implement multi-tiered decisions that build on each other. I love including small moments of humor—tiny nods or bits of jest—to provide some levity without detracting from the game’s serious themes.
Seeing players engage with the mechanics we’ve worked so hard on is always the most rewarding part of the process. I can’t wait for everyone to dive into Sovereign and experiment with the war mechanics from a fresh perspective.”
Upcoming Feature: Archetype Selection
With the 3.1 Sovereign Update, we're introducing the Archetype Selection feature, allowing players to carry over past choices in a new way. When starting a Sordland or Rizia Story, those who prefer not to replay a previous one can now select an Archetype to define the protagonist’s past decisions.
Each Archetype has a title and characteristics describing their personality and political orientation, shaping the impact they would have had. For example:
“When I start my new run through the Kingdom of Rizia but don’t feel like replaying Suzerain, I can select an Archetype to represent Anton Rayne. In this run, I’m feeling a little chaotic, so my President Rayne Archetype will be a radical reformer who aggressively opposed the Old Guard. This will shape how the past influences the present in my new playthrough.”
If you have completed a previous Story, you can also select your own past playthroughs as an Archetype, allowing your unique decisions to carry over without needing to replay. We can’t wait to see how players use this feature to craft new narratives!
Upcoming Feature: Economy Graph
We’re also making key improvements to how the economy is displayed in Suzerain. Inspired by community feedback, the “Sovereign” Update will introduce two major changes:
The top-left HUD indicator will now clearly display four distinct states of economic health: Danger, Unstable, Stable, and Growing.
A new Economic Growth Graph panel will track how your economy changes over time, displaying real economic variables from your playthrough.
These additions will make it easier than ever to understand and react to Sordland’s economy.
Sneak Peek: New Character Portraits
Here’s a first look at some new pixel art portraits coming in the 3.1 “Sovereign” Update! These characters will play a key role in the upcoming update, stay tuned for more details.
Voice Of Rizia - Moderate Manus Sazon's Reform Struggle
Voice of Rizia
Moderate Manus Sazon's Reform Struggle
March 2nd, 1956 - Reform in Rizia faces a new challenge: internal division. Manus Sazon, leader of the Rizian People’s Party (RPP), has been a strong advocate for change, pushing for healthcare reforms, conservation policies, and greater political inclusion. However, some argue his vision does not go far enough.
While Sazon believes in reforming the monarchy’s role, he does not seek to abolish it. He argues that the king and nobility should still hold some power within a constitutional framework. This stance has put him at odds with more radical factions of the RPP, who believe true progress requires the complete dismantling of royal authority.
Critics see his approach as a compromise that risks maintaining the status quo, while others defend it as a pragmatic path forward. Meanwhile, King Romus Toras remains silent, observing the fractures within the opposition. Can Sazon’s vision unite reformists, or will his moderation weaken the movement?
Voice Of Rizia - Listen to the Reformists' Demands!
Voice Of Rizia
Listen to the Reformists' Demands!
February 20th, 1954 - In the heart of Rizia, the voices of reform grow louder, yet the palace remains eerily silent. Citizens and scholars alike are calling for a new era, one where the crown does not wield absolute power but shares it with the people.
Any hope for progress is often stifled by the Royal Council, the staunch traditionalist RNC party, and above all the noble houses governing the provinces. It is up to the Rizian People's Party to break through these old structures and advocate for the rights of ordinary citizens.
The Voice of Rizia stands firm: progress cannot wait. How long can the crown ignore its people? History has shown that silence breeds unrest. Perhaps it’s time for the king to listen, not just to his advisors, but to the citizens who yearn for a fairer, more inclusive Rizia. The winds of change are blowing. Will the throne weather the storm or adapt to survive?
Voice Of Rizia - A Revolt In The Mines: Is a Former Miner Leading The Charge
Voice Of Rizia
A Revolt In The Mines: Is a Former Miner Leading The Charge?
June 15th, 1953 - Strikes continue across major mining sites, particularly in Ponte Darte, disrupting operations and fueling speculation about their leadership. Among the names surfacing is Adarfo Sotelato, a former miner turned labor organizer and provincial council candidate.
Sources suggest Sotelato has been orchestrating strike efforts behind the scenes, though he maintains his innocence, stating: “Workers are asserting their rights, and that should be respected.” Meanwhile, industry executives decry what they call coordinated unrest, and provincial authorities have launched an official inquiry.
With the stakes rising and no resolution in sight, the question remains: Is a new champion of the working class emerging or is a provocateur radicalizing the labor movement?
At Torpor Games, we value deep, immersive narratives, the kind that challenge perspectives, explore human nature, and leave a lasting impact. From our friends behind the award-winning Vampire Therapist comes a new darkly comedic expansion released on February 7: Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy.
Vampire Therapist is a therapy simulator... for vampires. You'll use real therapeutic techniques on immortal creatures from throughout history, and even learn a thing or two about yourself in this award-winning dark comedy hit. Set above a European goth night club, you'll meet sexy goths and troubled undead like you've never seen before. Vampire Therapist has the best voice cast in games, with top-tier voice acting from the likes of Matthew Mercer (Critical Role, Baldur's Gate 3), Cyrus Nemati (Hades, Pyre), Sarah Grayson (Hades 2, Gone Home), Francesca Meaux (Hades).
And now, you can complete the experience with Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy! After learning to live with yourself, can you learn to live with someone else? In Couples Therapy, you'll experience a story of revolutions, death, and unwashed dishes. Get it now for that special someone... yourself!
As we step into the new year, we want to thank you for being an essential part of our journey. Your support and passion make everything we do possible. 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year, with new stories, challenges, and ideas on the way. We’re committed to bringing you meaningful and memorable experiences in the Suzerain Universe.
Thank you for being here with us. Let’s make 2025 extraordinary, together!
Behind the Scenes of the 3.1 Update with Rachel, Lead Writer
With the upcoming 3.1 update, Rizia is evolving in exciting ways, including new content and deeper character arcs... But what does it take to refine a world as intricate as Rizia? We asked Rachel, one of our lead writers, to share a glimpse into the writing process behind this update.
"As a lead writer on Rizia, working on the 3.1 update has been a bit like renovating a house – you’re knocking down walls and getting sawdust all over the floor, and at first glance, it’s a huge mess, and you wonder whether you shouldn’t have just left things the way they were. But the more you keep working on it, the more things come together, and the more excited you get about all the additions and improvements. One epic new scene in particular nearly melted the entire writing team’s collective brains, but now that it’s just about done, I can’t imagine the game without it."
"On a gentler note, one of the things I’ve been enjoying about the update is the opportunity to flesh out characters who didn’t get enough love the first time around. Recently, I’ve been giving a glow-up to everyone’s favorite capitalist, Russello “Rusty” Montoro. The Rizian Royal Gold CEO is still obnoxious, but he can now turn into a powerful ally or a powerful enemy – just like his real-world counterparts."
Google Play Pass
For those looking for new ways to experience Suzerain, we’re excited to share that it will be available on Google Play Pass starting February 10th! If you're a subscriber, you can play at no extra cost and dive straight into the political intrigue of President Rayne’s journey.
Adventure Games Podcast DLC Awards
The year is starting well! We won Best Adventure Game DLC at the AGP Adventure Games of the Year Awards 2024 for the Suzerain: Kingdom of Rizia!
It’s a true honor to have our work recognized alongside such incredible studios and games. During the awards, podcast host Seoirse shared that Suzerain and Kingdom of Rizia were among his favorite experiences of all time. One of the other guests even joked that they “lost Seoirse for a month” in the game. We have to shout out to our narrative team, Rachel Glassberg, Adam Sharp, Ilke Karademir, Laurence Marie Gilbertz for all the amazing work done on the DLC story and narrative design.
Games as a Catalyst for Change: Torpor Games at Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
This past month, our Co-founder and Creative Director, Ilke Karademir, had the honor of joining the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung—affiliated with Germany's Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands (SPD), to discuss an important topic close to our hearts: the intersection of games and politics.
At the event, Ilke shared insights into Torpor Games' mission and vision, exploring how interactive media can empower players with agency, spark meaningful dialogue, and inspire change. Through our work, we aim to show that games are more than entertainment; they’re a platform for critical thinking and engagement with real-world issues.
The conversation highlighted the unique power of storytelling in games to challenge perspectives, foster understanding, and drive discussions around democracy, policy, and societal impact.
At Torpor Games, we’re proud to contribute to this movement, and we thank the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung for providing a space to exchange ideas on how games can make a difference.
Suzerainverse Tarot
Last but not least, we want to give a huge shoutout to a talented member of our community, Dy, for creating an incredible Suzerainverse-inspired tarot card! 🌟 Your creativity and dedication continue to amaze us.
We love seeing how the Suzerain Universe inspires you, and we encourage all of you to share your art with us! Whether it’s fan art, music, or anything else that brings this world to life, we’d be thrilled to showcase your creations in future broadcasts.
Thank you for being such an inspiring and creative community! Until the next update, take care! Until the next update, take care!
The Royal Herald - General Azaro Returns to Public Life
The Royal Herald
General Azaro Returns to Public Life
February 9th, 1953 - After a long absence from the public eye, General Taddeus Azaro, patriarch of the esteemed House of Azaro, made a striking return yesterday as he joined his cousin General Carlos Azaro for an inspection of the Montaklar garrison. This marked his first official engagement since suffering a stroke last year, a moment of both symbolism and resolve for the Rizian Armed Forces.
Despite his weakened state, the elder general moved with quiet authority, pausing to observe drills and personally correct a young cadet’s rifle stance. Carlos, leading the Rizian Armed Forces into an era of modernization, listened intently as his cousin shared insights from decades of service. Their unity projected strength, even as debate over military reforms looms in the background.
As the inspection ended, Taddeus addressed the troops with solemn intensity. He reminded them that the ground beneath their feet had been consecrated by the blood of those who stood before them, warriors who gave everything to keep Rizia strong. Their duty was not just to wield arms but to uphold the kingdom’s legacy, to ensure its soil would never bear the shame of surrender.
The Royal Herald - Faithful in Jales Request Sacred Sanctuary
The Royal Herald
Faithful in Jales Request Sacred Sanctuary
Montaklar, January 23th, 1953 - In the venerable city of Jales, the Wruhecist faithful have been waiting for the establishment of a religious sanctuary to elevate their worship. For years, their gatherings have taken place in modest settings, marked by devotion but lacking the solemnity and grandeur befitting their sacred traditions.
Esteemed for its serene landscapes and spiritual heritage, Jales is held in high regard as a natural choice for such a sacred site. The community envisions a sanctuary that would not only provide a hallowed space for reflection and prayer but also affirm the city’s significance in the kingdom’s spiritual fabric.
The absence of a sanctuary has been a quiet yearning among the faithful, who aspire to see Jales flourish as an incarnation of Wruhecist devotion. Many now look to His Majesty, will King Romus's wisdom and grace grant them this sacred gift, fulfilling their long-held prayers?
