Harebrained Schemes is on its way to become an independent studio as it separates from Paradox Interactive. The mutual departure was announced early Tuesday afternoon following the recent flop of the strategy game The Lamplighters League.
Paradox had acquired Harebrained in 2018 and The Lamplighters League was Harebrained’s first game as a subsidiary of Paradox Interactive. Unfortunately for Paradox, The Lamplighters League severely underperformed, resulting in a roughly $22 million write-down.
According to the press release Charlotta Nilsson, COO of Paradox, explained that the two companies did not see any new projects between them in the future.
“…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,” said Nilsson. 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.”
Paradox and Harebrained will officially part ways January 1, 2024, leaving Paradox with the rights to The Lamplighters League and “other games developed by the studio.” Harebrained will return as an independent developer once again, free to seek out new partnerships for their future. That said, Harebrained will still support The Lamplighters League into the near future according to its Studio Operations Manager Brian Poel.
“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. Our studio mission remains the same: to make games that challenge your mind and touch your heart,” said Poel.