Announcement of Independence and Strategic Refocus
Harebrained Schemes has announced its return to independence from Paradox Interactive, effective January 1, 2024. This decision was mutual, stemming from a realignment of each party’s strategic and creative priorities. Paradox Interactive is refocusing its strategy towards its core niches within strategy and management games, which do not align with a new project or sequel in the same genre as Harebrained Schemes’ recent release, The Lamplighters League. The separation is seen as the best way forward for both entities.
Ownership and Rights Post-Separation
Following the separation between Harebrained Schemes and Paradox Interactive, the ownership status of various games developed by Harebrained Schemes has been clarified. Paradox Interactive will retain ownership of The Lamplighters League and other games developed by the studio. However, specifics about which other games were not disclosed. The rights to the video game IPs for the Shadowrun and Battletech brands, which are based on tabletop games created by FASA, are owned by Microsoft.
| Game Title | Ownership Status |
| The Lamplighters League | Owned by Paradox Interactive |
| Shadowrun Series | IP owned by Microsoft |
| Battletech Series | IP owned by Microsoft |
History of Harebrained Schemes and FASA
Harebrained Schemes has a complex history with FASA, the company responsible for creating the tabletop games that the Shadowrun and Battletech video game series are based on. FASA co-founder Jordan Weisman also co-founded Harebrained Schemes in 2011, which developed three Shadowrun games and was in the midst of developing Battletech prior to its acquisition by Paradox Interactive. The history includes FASA’s mid-’90s launch of FASA Interactive, which was later acquired by Microsoft and subsequently closed in 2007. Microsoft then licensed the rights to create new FASA-based video games back to Weisman through his venture Smith and Tinker, which has since closed.
These rights appear to have followed Weisman to Harebrained Schemes, and while the recent announcement of the studio’s separation from Paradox did not specifically mention the Shadowrun and Battletech titles, it suggests that Harebrained Schemes may have retained them. However, it is important to note that the video game IPs for these series are owned by Microsoft.
Future of Harebrained Schemes
Harebrained Schemes is looking towards a future of independence in 2024, seeking funding and partnerships to continue their mission of creating games that challenge the mind and touch the heart. The studio has clarified that while Paradox Interactive acquired the rights to all games in their portfolio during the 2018 purchase, the video game IPs for the Shadowrun and Battletech brands remain owned by Microsoft.
- Shadowrun Returns
- Shadowrun: Hong Kong
- Battletech
These titles represent the studio’s past successes with crowdfunding campaigns, each having significantly surpassed their goals on Kickstarter and resulting in well-received games.
The split between Harebrained Schemes and Paradox Interactive has had significant repercussions for the studio’s workforce, with approximately 80% of employees reportedly laid off in June. While Paradox Interactive did not provide specific numbers, they acknowledged that the studio’s headcount had been “significantly reduced.” Despite these challenges, Harebrained Schemes has a history of successful crowdfunding campaigns, which could serve as a potential resource for future projects. The studio’s commitment to making thought-provoking and emotionally engaging games remains steadfast as they navigate this transition.
