Swedish publisher Paradox Interactive will part ways with Harebrained Schemes, which developed the failed tactical game The Lamplighters League. The studio will become independent on January 1, 2024.
Paradox Interactive explained the decision by reviewing the business strategy. The company focuses on its core genres (strategy and management games) with potentially endless support. We are talking about titles like Crusader Kings III, Stellaris and Hearts of Iron IV. Whereas projects similar to The Lamplighters League are no longer included in the plans of Paradox Interactive.
After the release of Harebrained Schemes from the company, Paradox Interactive will retain the rights to The Lamplighters League and other studio games.
Paradox Interactive bought Harebrained Schemes in 2018 for $7.5 million. The company recently confirmed that in July 2023, it cut a "significant" part of the studio. According to one of the former employees of Harebrained Schemes, about 80% of the staff lost their jobs.