Paradox Interactive and Harebrained Schemes to part ways on January 1, 2024

Paradox Interactive and Seattle-based developer Harebrained Schemes will part ways on January 1, 2024, the companies announced. This means Harebrained Schemes will become an independent studio, and no longer be a subsidiary of Paradox Interactive.

This separation is a result of a mutual agreement, stemming from each party’s strategic and creative priorities. Paradox Interactive will retain ownership of the recently released The Lamplighters League and other games developed by Harebrained Schemes.

“Paradox has refocused its strategy towards its core niches within strategy and management games with endless qualities,” said Paradox Interactive chief operating officer Charlotta Nilsson in a press release. “We and Harebrained Schemes’ 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 studio operations manager Brian Poel added, “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.”