Harebrained Schemes going independent from Paradox Interactive after Lamplighters League flop

thesixthaxis.com:

Paradox Interactive and Harebrained Schemes have come to a mutual agreement to separate, letting the Shadowrun, BattleTech and The Lamplighters League developer regain its independence.

The split will come into effect on 1st January 2024, with Harebrained Schemes committed to supporting Lamplighters League through the end of the year. After that point, Paradox will retain ownership of The Lamplighters League and other games developed by the studio, while Harebrained will be able to go and seek fresh opportunities and (just as importantly) fresh investment.

“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.”

This all comes from the disappointing release of The Lamplighters League, a 1930s pulpy spin on the turn-based tactical gaming that has defined Harebrained’s games over the last decade. Unfortunately, review scores were poor thanks in part to technical hitches, and sales were so poor that Paradox wrote down the game’s