Between Stellaris, Europa Universalis, Crusader Kings, Cities Skylines, and Hearts of Iron, Paradox either develops or publishes some of the biggest strategy games on PC. But it’s taken some hits lately. Cities Skylines 2 has so far failed to replicate the success of the original, Victoria 3 has faced criticism, ambitious 4X Millennia remains overlooked and underappreciated, and would-be Sims rival Life By You was delayed and then canceled – speaking to PCGamesN recently, Paradox admitted that 2023 and 2024 were “rough.” But a turnaround could be on the way. One of the best-loved strategy hits on Steam, the team behind much of the Tropico series is now officially part of Paradox’s portfolio.
“We’ve had issues,” Paradox deputy CEO Mattias Lilja told us in October. “If you look at Paradox in maybe late 2025 or 2026, I think you’ll see that the games we’re talking about then are going to look more like grand strategy games. It’s back to what we really know.” Haemimont, the Bulgarian studio behind some of the modern Tropico games, certainly suits that plan. A bit Cities 2 and a bit Civilization, Tropico represents precisely the kind of strategy game that sits at the core of Paradox’s identity. The latest game, Tropico 6, was developed by a different team, Limbic. Nevertheless, given its experience, Haemimont seems like the perfect pick if Paradox is hoping to bolster its core output.
As per its latest year-end report, Paradox now owns 100% of Haemimont, having bought the developer outright for an undisclosed fee. As well as Tropico, the studio has also developed city-building game Surviving Mars, and the tactical RPG Jagged Alliance 3.
“We are very happy to welcome Haemimont Games to Paradox,” Paradox CEO Fredrik Wester says. “They bring a tight-knit team with long experience in developing management games with many well-received projects in their portfolio. Moreover, they have a strong creative streak, technology developed for their niche, a new IP in development, and a strong culture that fits Paradox’s way of working. We have strong faith in their team and leadership, and our main focus now is to ensure that they can continue to create great games under new ownership.”
“We’re delighted to become a part of the Paradox family,” Haemimont Games founder Gabriel Dobrev continues. “The cultural fit between our companies is remarkable, and we already feel at home. This partnership empowers us to push the boundaries of our games, delivering deeper and more intense experiences to our players. It also opens new horizons for our team, technology, and creative processes, which we’re eager to explore. Expect amazing new games from us.”
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