Life By You's Cancellation Was A Mistake Says Paradox Interactive's CEO

Paradox Interactive CEO Admits Mistakes, Cites Life by You Cancellation as a Setback

Paradox Interactive's CEO, Fredrik Wester, recently acknowledged missteps in the company's recent financial report (July 25th), specifically citing the cancellation of Life by You as a significant error in judgment. This admission comes amidst a year of both successes and considerable challenges for the company.

Wester's Acknowledgement of Wrong Decisions

While Paradox Interactive reported strong financial performance driven by flagship titles like Crusader Kings and Europa Universalis, Wester openly admitted to strategic errors in several projects outside their core competency. The cancellation of Life by You, a life simulation game intended to compete with The Sims, stands out as a prime example of these missteps.

The Fallout from Life by You and Other Setbacks

The decision to cancel Life by You, despite a nearly $20 million investment and initial promise, underscores the company's struggles. Wester explained that the game ultimately failed to meet internal expectations. Further compounding these difficulties were performance issues plaguing Cities: Skylines 2 and repeated delays affecting Prison Architect 2, despite achieving platform certification.

Looking Ahead: A Focus on Core Strengths

Wester emphasized the company's resilience, anchored by the continued success of core franchises such as Crusader Kings and Stellaris. He stressed that while acknowledging past mistakes is crucial, the company's fundamental strength remains intact. By focusing on its core competencies and learning from past failures, Paradox Interactive aims to regain momentum and deliver high-quality games to its player base.