Tuesday, October 17th 2023
Harebrained Schemes and Paradox Interactive Part Ways
Paradox Interactive (Paradox) and Harebrained Schemes (HBS)—developers of the Shadowrun trilogy, BATTLETECH and The Lamplighters League—have decided to part ways on 1 January 2024. 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 has refocused its strategy towards its core niches within strategy and management games with endless qualities," said Charlotta Nilsson, COO of Paradox. "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. 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 will support The Lamplighters League through the end of the year while we seek funding and partnerships for an independent future in 2024," said Brian Poel, Studio Operations Manager of HBS. "Our studio mission remains the same: to make games that challenge your mind and touch your heart."
Sneak, steal, and shoot your way through a world of pulp adventure in The Lamplighters League! Globetrot across a variety of exciting locales around the world and outwit your enemies in strategic turn-based combat - and, if you play your cards right, you might just save the world.
Out Now: bit.ly/3thlC2i
Source:
Paradox Interactive Press
"Paradox has refocused its strategy towards its core niches within strategy and management games with endless qualities," said Charlotta Nilsson, COO of Paradox. "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. 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."
Sneak, steal, and shoot your way through a world of pulp adventure in The Lamplighters League! Globetrot across a variety of exciting locales around the world and outwit your enemies in strategic turn-based combat - and, if you play your cards right, you might just save the world.
Out Now: bit.ly/3thlC2i
12 Comments on Harebrained Schemes and Paradox Interactive Part Ways
Was the license for BattleTech and Shadowrun associated to Paradox, or to HBS?
However based on this: "Paradox will retain ownership of The Lamplighters League and other games developed by the studio. HBS will seek new publishing, partnership, and investment opportunities" it sounds like Paradox (the publisher) retains IP rights for the various titles.
Therefore, Paradox would have the ability to hire a different studio to continue with whatever franchises they wish to extend. They just won't be created by developers on the HBS payroll.
Hopefully it means less game releases in general and of higher quality. Quantity is pointless and we're getting way too much for our own good. The better half is abandonware.
With the other ones being complete fail (MWO, MW5), and their developer PGI continues to milk the same stuff and recipe they used since 2013, without even trying to improve.
But at least "Battletech" game was best among the newest MW and BT games with the same assets (yes. HBS's Battletech shares the very same assets as MWO and MW5).
It would be great though, if the series got as much love and treatment as the original and current community developers put into free MWLL game.
Look how they were intentionally impede the spread of "revived" titles such as BF2/2142. Busting each server that pop, because it "harms" their new titles. They even closed BFBC2, because the gamers were pointing it as a better game than their BattleFailed 2042. (I'm not BF person, it was just an single game/series example).In shot words Codemasters/Bohemia Interactive "Operation Flashpoint" drama all over again.
Again, it really comes down to the contract(s) between these two entities. No one here has seen these. However it is unsurprising that the publisher (Paradox) owns the IP. Whoever pays usually keeps the pink slip. Even if HBS came up with the initial concept, they probably sold the rights to Paradox in exchange for funding.
With the possibility that the publisher retains IP;
I'm more-hopeful to see the former FASA IPs in better hands.
Paradox already owns a long-reputed Strategy developer, Triumph Studios.
venturebeat.com/pc-gaming/paradox-interactive-acquires-age-of-wonders-dev-triumph-studios/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Studios#Games:twitch: 'Respect the passion, and the detail(s).
Other than coming-off blackpilled on the subject, I can't disagree.This in-particular, very yes.Or MechWarrior4 being pulled from Freeware-status? :( 'not the only fandom/community that's happened to.
At least amongst the 'big players' in the industry, it seems normal to purposefully impede and actively stop aftermarket community efforts. Esp. when they have new published titles using the IP.I'll have to look into that. I only-vaguely remember hearing about this.
IMO, a lot of poingant industry-drama of old, seems monetized-normalized at this point.
Since it seems that paradox will retain ownership of all their previous games, HBS might make (with new license from MS) another Shadowrun game, but without Paradox permission, they won't be able to use anything original from their previous games.
Anyway. This is just another company. Not the first, not the last.
I'll reserve my own comments on former-FASAs' input (or lack thereof). :ohwell: