author: Zuzanna Domeradzka
Paradox Parts Ways With Devs of Recently Disgraced Tactical RPG
Paradox Interactive is parting ways with Harebrained Schemes, the studio responsible for The Lamplighters League, which failed to achieve the expected success.
The Lamplighters League is an interesting tactical RPG that came out earlier this month. Although the game was fairly warmly received - on Steam 72% of reviews are positive - it did not meet the expectations of the publisher, Paradox Interactive. The title did not receive much attention (at the all-time peak more than 700 people played the game on Steam at the same time), which translated into commercial failure. It seems that the publisher did not like such a turn of events so much that it decided to part ways with the creators of The Lamplighters League.
Paradox acquired Harebrained Schemes in 2018. The collaboration, which resulted in, among other things, the turn-based strategy game BattleTech, will end on January 1, 2024. As we read in the press release:
"The separation is the result of a mutual agreement, stemming from each party’s strategic and creative priorities. Paradox will retain ownership of The Lamplighters League and other games developed by the studio. HBS will seek new publishing, partnership, and investment opportunities."
Paradox and Harebrained Schemes were said to have discussed the future of The Lamplighters League and the potential continuation of the game, with the parties concluding that "the best solution would be to part ways." So it sounds as if the main reason for the end of the cooperation is a difference of opinion about the brand, but most likely it is mainly about the flop of the aforementioned game. It is worth adding that earlier there were reports of layoffs at Harebrained Schemes.
Developers of The Lamplighters League are expected to support the game until the end of this year - presumably, they will release updates for the game during this time. Hopefully, the developers will succeed in finding a new partner to help with future projects. As HBS operations manager Brian Poel said, "Our studio mission remains the same: to make games that challenge your mind and touch your heart.”"
