Video game development is considered risky because it has become really expensive to make and there is no guarantee that the reception will be positive. The production of The Lamplighters League by Harebrained Schemes gulped an estimated $29.4 million. However, poor sales forced Paradox Interactive, the studio’s parent company to write down the development cost.
“The Lamplighters League is a fun game with many strengths,” said Paradox CEO Fredrik Wester during the announcement of The Lamplighters League performance. “Even though we see cautiously positive player numbers in subscription services, the commercial reception has been too weak, which is frankly a big disappointment.”
Barely a week after the decision to write down the development cost, Paradox and its subsidiary Harebrained Schemes jointly announced plans to “part ways” in 2024. The joint press release noted that “the separation is the result of mutual agreement, stemming from each party’s strategic and creative priorities”.
ALSO READ: Netflix May Turn Squid Game And Other Hit Originals To Video Games—And Grand Theft Auto
Harebrained Schemes’ The Lamplighters Leagues is a tactical game that has a bit of turn-based gameplay, strategy, RPG, and action-adventure elements. The game challenges players to assemble a band of misfits to fight against an ancient cult that wants to take over the world.
Stockholm, Sweden-based Paradox acquired Seattle-based Harebrained Schemes in 2018. The deal was worth $7.5 million. However, they have enjoyed a long mutual working relationship before that. Before the acquisition, Harebrained Schemes developed Shadowrun Trilogy which was also published by Paradox.
Harebrained Schemes and Paradox split will start next year
The dissolution of the marriage between Harebrained Schemes and Paradox is expected to take effect from January 1, 2024. After the split, Paradox will retain ownership of The Lamplighters League IP and other games developed by the studio.
“Paradox has refocused its strategy towards its core niches within strategy and management games with endless qualities,” said Charlotta Nilsson, Paradox COO. “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.”
ALSO READ: Puny Human Announces Layoffs And Closure That Will Impact 20 Staff
Some players were already reporting bugs after the release of The Lamplighters League and the separation news further got them worried. However, Harebrained Schemes studio operations manager Brian Poel confirmed the studio will continue to support the game until the end of this year—at least.
“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,” Poel said. “Our studio mission remains the same: to make games that challenge your mind and touch your heart.”
At least Harebrained Schemes was not shut
While the news of the separation was concerning, I was impressed by the fact that Harebrained Schemes was not shut down. In most cases, parent companies will opt to shut non-performing studios rather than separate from them. We saw this script play out in the case of Volition.
I was not privy to the details of the initial acquisition but allowing Harebrained Schemes to keep existing as an independent studio is an approach that should become a norm in the industry rather than the exception. Some players have built memories around games developed by some of the studios that have been shuttered.
Nilsson said, “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.”
ALSO READ: Best Video Game Art Books Of 2023
Nevertheless, the future of Harebrained Schemes remains bleak since the studio now has to look for funding or partnerships for its next project. Whether any studio will agree to partner with them, or anyone will be confident to invest in them after looking at the performance of The Lamplighters League is something we have to wait to find out.
Have you played The Lamplighters League? How will you rate the game in terms of gameplay and storytelling? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
Remember to share and bookmark this website to stay up to date on all the hottest news in the gaming industry.
