Commissar SFLUFAN Posted October 17, 2023 Share Posted October 17, 2023 Paradox Interactive "parts ways" with Harebrained Schemes WWW.DESTRUCTOID.COM Paradox Interactive and Harebrained Schemes have announced that the two companies will be parting ways following The Lamplighters League Quote Paradox Interactive and Harebrained Schemes have announced that the two companies will be parting ways. This comes after Paradox expressed disappointment with the performance of The Lamplighters League. Paradox had acquired the company in 2018. Quote Charlotta Nilsson, CCO of Paradox said, “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.” Meanwhile, Harebrained Schemes expects to continue supporting The Lamplighters League through the end of the year and will be seeking partnerships and funding beyond that. The official statement: Harebrained Schemes and Paradox Interactive to part ways as the Seattle-based developer seeks new opportunities - Paradox Interactive WWW.PARADOXINTERACTIVE.COM Paradox Interactive is a world leading PC games publisher known for games such as Cities: Skylines, Europa Universalis and Crusader Kings. Quote Paradox Interactive (Paradox) and Harebrained Schemes (HBS) – developers of the Shadowrun trilogy, BATTLETECH and The Lamplighters League – have decided to part ways on 1 January 2024. The separation is the result of a mutual agreement, stemming from each party’s strategic and creative priorities. Paradox will retain ownership of The Lamplighters League and other games developed by the studio. HBS will seek new publishing, partnership, and investment opportunities. “Paradox has refocused its strategy towards its core niches within strategy and management games with endless qualities,” said Charlotta Nilsson, COO of Paradox. “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.” “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," said Brian Poel, Studio Operations Manager of HBS. “Our studio mission remains the same: to make games that challenge your mind and touch your heart.” 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DPCyric Posted October 18, 2023 Share Posted October 18, 2023 Phil Spencer talked about wanting to bring Mech Assault back I wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft scoops them up (just don't know if the team would want to work for M$ again). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commissar SFLUFAN Posted October 18, 2023 Author Share Posted October 18, 2023 What I'm puzzled by is how a company "parts ways" with a subsidiary organization without actually selling it or closing it down entirely. Did Paradox Interactive just say to HBS management, "Effective immediately, HBS is no longer part of Paradox Interactive. Best of luck to you all!"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted October 18, 2023 Share Posted October 18, 2023 39 minutes ago, Commissar SFLUFAN said: What I'm puzzled by is how a company "parts ways" with a subsidiary organization without actually selling it or closing it down entirely. Did Paradox Interactive just say to HBS management, "Effective immediately, HBS is no longer part of Paradox Interactive. Best of luck to you all!"? It seems Paradox fired majority of the HBS staff in the middle of this year before their game launch which now makes sense why the game launched in a shaky state. Paradox wants to keep the IP so there is not much left to sell. Basically, Paradox found a way to fire the remaining staff without taking a PR hit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commissar SFLUFAN Posted October 18, 2023 Author Share Posted October 18, 2023 2 minutes ago, Brian said: It seems Paradox fired majority of the HBS staff in the middle of this year before their game launch which now makes sense why the game launched in a shaky state. Paradox wants to keep the IP so there is not much left to sell. Basically, Paradox found a way to fire the remaining staff without taking a PR hit. That's correct - according to a former HBS employee who posts on ResetERA, approximately 80% of HBS personnel were let go in July. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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