Paradox Interactive CEO Admits Mistakes, Highlights Life by You Cancellation
Paradox Interactive's CEO, Fredrik Wester, recently acknowledged missteps in the company's recent financial report (July 25th), specifically citing the cancellation of the life simulation game, Life by You, as a significant error. While the company's core strategy games (Crusader Kings and Europa Universalis series) performed strongly, Wester admitted that decisions made on projects outside this core area were flawed.
The Life by You cancellation, following a nearly $20 million investment, represents a significant setback. Intended as a competitor to The Sims, the game’s June 17th cancellation was attributed to its failure to meet internal expectations. This departure from Paradox's established strategy game niche proved challenging.
Further compounding the difficulties were issues with other recent releases. Cities: Skylines 2 struggled with performance problems, and Prison Architect 2 faced repeated delays despite platform certification. These setbacks underscore the need for a strategic reassessment of Paradox's game development processes.
Despite these challenges, Wester emphasized the company's strong foundation built on the success of its core franchises, like Crusader Kings and Stellaris. By acknowledging mistakes and focusing on its strengths, Paradox Interactive aims to regain momentum and deliver high-quality games for its players.