Paradox Interactive CEO Admits Mistakes, Highlights Life by You Cancellation
Paradox Interactive 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. Despite strong performance from core titles like Crusader Kings and Europa Universalis, Wester openly admitted to strategic miscalculations in projects outside their established genres.
The decision to cancel Life by You, a potential Sims competitor, represents a notable setback. Despite a significant investment (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 launched with performance problems, and Prison Architect 2 faced repeated delays. These issues, alongside the Life by You cancellation, underscore the need for a strategic review of Paradox Interactive's game development approach.
Wester emphasized the company's strong foundation built upon the continued success of its core strategy games, offering a note of cautious optimism amidst the self-criticism. By acknowledging their mistakes and focusing on their strengths, Paradox Interactive aims to regain momentum and deliver high-quality games to its players.