Swedish games firm Paradox Interactive has said that the partnership it has with developer Harebrained Schemes is coming to an end.

In a post on its investor relations portal, the publisher said that as of January 1st, 2024, the two companies will not be working together anymore. Paradox says that this decision is mutual.

This comes in the wake of Harebrained Schemes' The Lamplighters League underperforming commercially, so much so that Paradox wrote down its development cost in the face of a new sales forecast.

"Paradox has refocused its strategy towards its core niches within strategy and management games with endless qualities,” Paradox COO Charlotta Nilsson said.

“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' 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.”

Paradox bought Harebrained Schemes for $7.5 million back in 2015. The company will retain its share of Lamplighters League and the other titles developed by Harebrained Schemes.