Paradox CEO: 'Life by You' Axing Was a Blunder

Paradox Interactive CEO Admits Mistakes, Highlights Life by You Cancellation

Paradox Interactive CEO Fredrik Wester acknowledged missteps in a recent financial report, 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, "It is clear that we have made the wrong calls in several projects, especially outside of our core."

The decision to cancel Life by You, a project with a nearly $20 million investment, marked a departure from Paradox's core strategy games. Despite initial promise, the game ultimately failed to meet expectations, leading to its cancellation on June 17th.

Further compounding the challenges, the release of Cities: Skylines 2 was hampered by performance issues, and Prison Architect 2 faced repeated delays. These setbacks underscore the need for a reassessment of Paradox's development strategies.

Wester emphasized the company's strong foundation built upon its core franchises, stating, "Amid the well-deserved self-criticism, it is worth reminding ourselves that we have solid footing because the foundation of our business is doing well." By acknowledging their mistakes and refocusing on their core strengths, Paradox Interactive aims to regain momentum and deliver high-quality games to its player base.