Paradox Interactive and Harebrained Schemes Part Ways Following Lamplighters League's Commercial Disappointment

After the unsuccessful launch of The Lamplighters League, Paradox Interactive and developer Harebrained Schemes have announced they will be ending their partnership on January 1, 2024. According to a joint press release, the decision was a mutual consensus built on strategic and creative differences. This will lead to Paradox retaining ownership rights over The Lamplighters League, and Battletech, while Harebrained continues to offer support for Lamplighters League till the end of the year.

Charlotta Nilsson, COO of Paradox, shared the company's refocused approach towards its core niches within strategy and management games, highlighting that a follow-up project or sequel in the same genre wasn't aligned with their portfolio plans. Therefore, they believed parting ways was the best path forward.

Harebrained Schemes, the Seattle-based studio launched in 2011, is recognized for the creation of the Shadowrun franchise. The last release from this franchise was Shadowrun: Hong Kong in 2015. Harebrained was procured by Paradox in 2018 who then published Battletech and The Lamplighters League.

Our review of Lamplighters League lauded the way it cobbled proven concepts from other tactics games, innovating a novel blend. However, Paradox described The Lamplighters League as a considerable disappointment that didn't recover its investment. Prior to this year, it was reported that Paradox cut down 80% of Harebrained Schemes' workforce to alleviate costs. Even so, the future for Harebrained Schemes remains obscure as they intend to look for new funding and publishing opportunities.Rebekah Valentine, Senior Reporter for IGN.