One more reason to get excited about the imminent release of Diplomacy from Paradox. Anyone who preorders the game from their online shop has a chance at some pretty cool prizes.

First prize is a weekend in Stockholm hanging out with the development team. You get a behind the scenes look at how the kings of ambitious gaming produce their product and a night partying with Swedes. Plus a day to look around one of Europe’s great cities.

Second prize is a German hat; one of those spiked ones you see in all the old war movies. Third prize is a German sword with scabbard. (Why all the German stuff? Is this just easier to come by? Why not a Cossack hat?)

There will also be ten consolation prizes – Paradox medals. I’ve already got one of those.

If you were on the edge of pre-ordering Diplomacy, this could be your chance to wow your friends with talks about the beauty of Sweden or with your cool new headgear. Contest ends when Diplomacy hits shelves the first week of October.