Harebrained Schemes is set to become an independent studio once again as both it and Paradox Interactive have announced that the companies are going “their separate ways” as of January 1, 2024.
The news comes after The Lamplighters League failed to reach sales expectations upon release.
“The separation is a mutual agreement based on each party’s strategic and creative priorities,” the announcement reads. “Paradox will retain the rights to The Lamplighters League and other games developed by the studio. HBS will seek new publishing, partnership and investment opportunities.”
Paradox COO Charlotta Nilsson added: “Paradox has focused its strategy on its core strategy and management games with a very long lifespan. We and HBS management have discussed 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 plans for the game portfolio. Therefore, we see that separation is the best way forward. We’re very excited that this talented and talented studio has the chance to continue and can’t wait to see what they’ll do next.”
As far as the future of Harebrained Schemes is concerned, studio operations manager Brian Poel says that the company will begin looking for new funding and partnerships to continue to “make games that challenge your mind and touch your heart”.
Paradox originally acquired Harebrained Schemes back in 2018 for $7.5 million.
What do you think of Paradox and Harebrained Schemes separating after the poor sales of The Lamplighters League? For more Insider Gaming, check out the new controller that Sony has patented.
