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 reported strong overall financial performance driven by established titles like Crusader Kings and Europa Universalis, Wester admitted that decisions made on several projects outside their core strategy game portfolio proved misguided.
The cancellation of Life by You, a project intended to rival The Sims, represented a departure from Paradox's typical strategy game releases. Despite a significant investment of nearly $20 million and initial promise, the game ultimately failed to meet expectations, leading to its cancellation on June 17th.
Further compounding the challenges, Cities: Skylines 2 faced criticism due to performance issues, and Prison Architect 2 experienced repeated delays. These setbacks, coupled with the Life by You cancellation, underscore the need for a reassessment of Paradox's development strategies.
However, Wester emphasized the strength of Paradox's core business, citing the continued success of titles like Crusader Kings and Stellaris as a solid foundation. By openly acknowledging their mistakes and focusing on their core competencies, Paradox Interactive aims to regain momentum and deliver high-quality gaming experiences for its players.
