Paradox calls The Lamplighters League sales ‘a big disappointment’

Paradox Interactive is writing down development costs for The Lamplighters League following a disappointing launch for the game.

Developed by Paradox-owned Harebrained Schemes (Shadowrun trilogy and BattleTech), the tactical turn-based strategy game is an original pulp adventure set in an alternate 1930s, which tasks players with assembling a team of misfits to stop an ancient cult.

Released on October 3 for Xbox Series X/S and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, as well as Game Pass for console and PC, it currently has scores of 68 (Xbox) and 75 (PC) on review aggregation site Metacritic.

“The Lamplighters League is a fun game with many strengths,” Paradox Interactive CEO Fredrik Wester said. “Even though we see cautiously positive player numbers in subscription services, the commercial reception has been too weak, which is frankly a big disappointment.

“Game projects are by their nature always risky, but at the end of the day we haven’t performed at the level we should. It is painful but makes us more eager to roll up our sleeves and do better.”

Paradox said the decision to write down the game’s development costs stemmed from a downwardly revised, post-release sales forecast. It expects the move to result in a $22.7 million reduction in pre-tax profit for the fourth quarter.

In a follow-up statement issued to PC Gamer, Paradox said that “at present we have no changes to the game’s post-launch plan,” although no details of what’s in store for the title were provided.

It also confirmed reports that Harebrained Schemes saw a significant number of layoffs prior to the game’s completion.

Further reading

Early Access for Paradox’s Sims rival Life by You has been delayed by 6 months

To improve various elements including visuals, UI and mod tools

“Harebrained Schemes’ staff was significantly reduced over the summer as the game entered its last phase of development and launch preparations,” a spokesperson said.

Last week, Paradox delayed the console version of Cities: Skylines 2 from this month to spring 2024. However, the PC version of the game is still set to release on October 24.