http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/12/11/stellaris-a-fresh-take-on-the-4x-strategy-genre :Are there too many space strategy games? Between Galactic Civilizations, Distant Worlds, StarDrive, Endless Space, and many more, it seems like the genre is thoroughly colonized. But there’s also room for a disruption beam: most of these other games are on the same foundation that Master of Orion 2 built, a Civilization-in-space with tactical combat and ship customization. It’s too similar; Stellaris could be a breath of fresh air.

Also giving hope: Paradox Development Studio has been on a ridiculous hot streak lately. With Crusader Kings 2 and Europa Universalis 4, Paradox took their games’ typical strategic depth, and especially in Crusader Kings’ case, did things that hadn’t done before, like putting The Sims-like interpersonal relationships at the heart of a grand strategy game. It’s that level of creativity, of infusing a traditional form with novelty that Stellaris and the space 4x genre need (4x: eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate--the traditional form of a Civilization-like game). Happily, Stellaris looks like they have the right people on the job...