Today Paradox Interactive announced that it's parting ways with its subsidiary studio Harebrained Schemes effective January 1, 2024.
The split is a result of a mutual agreement according to a press release sent to TechRaptor, as both parties have found that they have different strategic and creative priorities.
Paradox will retain ownership of Harebrained Schemes' The Lamplighters League among others, while the studio will look for new "publishing, partnership, and investment opportunities."
This comes after The Lamplighters League ended up selling under Paradox's expectations, which CEO Fredrik Wester defined as a "big disappointment."Â
Apparently, Paradox has decided to focus its investment on strategy and management games, so it wasn't willing to finance another game in a genre suitable to Harebrained Schemes' plans. Â
Harebrained Schemes is known for developing the popular Battletech and its DLC, on top of RPGs within the Shadowrun franchise.
The press release included comments from Paradox COOÂ Charlotta Nilsson, who explained the publisher's new focus, which is pretty much a return to the origins.
Paradox has refocused its strategy towards its core niches within strategy and management games with endless qualities
We and HBS’ leadership have been discussing what would happen after the release of The Lamplighters League, but a new project or sequel in the same genre was not in line with our portfolio plans. Hence, we believe that a separation would be the best way forward. We’re very happy that this talented, gifted studio has the chance to continue and can’t wait to see what they will make next.
We also got a comment from Harebrained Schemes, Studio Operations Manager Brian Poel, who pledged to support The Lamplighters League until the end of the year.
Harebrained Schemes will support The Lamplighters League through the end of the year while we seek funding and partnerships for an independent future in 2024. Our studio mission remains the same: to make games that challenge your mind and touch your heart.
