It was only back in 2018 that Paradox Interactive announced the acquisition of Shadowrun and BattleTech studio Harebrained Schemes in a deal worth $7.5 million, though in the immediate aftermath of their very first release together since the acquisition, it seems like their partnership is coming to an abrupt end.
Paradox Interactive and Harebrained Schemes have announced in a press release that the two companies will be “parting ways” on January 1, 2024. The latter will retain its independence afterwards, while The Lamplighters League and other games previously developed by Harebrained Schemes will continue to be owned by Paradox.
In the press release, Paradox says the separation of the two companies is “the result of a mutual agreement, stemming from each party’s strategic and creative priorities.”
“Paradox has refocused its strategy towards its core niches within strategy and management games with endless qualities,” said Paradox Interactive COO Charlotta Nilsson. “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.”
Meanwhile, Harebrained Schemes has confirmed that it will continue to support The Lamplighters League for the foreseeable future, and will begin seeking new funding and partnership opportunities next 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,” said Brian Poel, studio operations manager of Harebrained Schemes. “Our studio mission remains the same: to make games that challenge your mind and touch your heart.”
Earlier this month, not long after the launch of The Lamplighters League, Paradox Interactive called the strategy title’s initial commercial numbers “a big disappointment”, in spite of “cautiously positive player numbers in subscription services”.
