Reviews of the game were generally favourable, with the addition of multiplayer praised. Warband expands on the original game by introducing a sixth faction (the Sarranid Sultanate), increasing political options, adding the ability for the player to start their own faction, and incorporating multiplayer modes. The macOS and Linux versions were released on Jthrough Steam. The game is available as a direct download from the TaleWorlds website, through the Steam digital distribution software, as a DRM-free version from GOG.com, or as a DVD with required online activation. Announced in January 2009, the game was developed by the Turkish company TaleWorlds Entertainment and was published by Paradox Interactive on March 30, 2010. Mount & Blade: Warband is the standalone expansion pack to the strategy action role-playing video game Mount & Blade.
