Boom!

Over at Paradox Interactive, they just don't stop. Where, I can imagine them asking, is the fun in just making and releasing games? Why not fossick through player suggestions, sorting the gold from the dross, and then keep on tinkering with a game?

I'm not sure how the developers feel about having the whip cracked over them constantly, but fans of East India Company will probably be pleased by the announcement of the Designer's Cut update, a free expansion bringing with it a handful of interesting new features.

Probably the largest extension to the title's lifespan is the introduction of two new and intriguingly-named multiplayer modes, Beehive and Breakthrough. I'm not sure how whether another major addition - the ability to fight land battles on islands - will meet with such universal approval, since it seems a bit of sideways leap from the naval gameplay.

Other additions include new port views (hurrah, scenery?) and a "history graph" to chart player progress.

The Designer's Cut will launch on the 27th of October, and just to remind you, is completely free. While we're on the subject of bargains, East india Company has apparently dropped in price today at most major digital distributors.