Paradox Interactive Acquires Haemimont Games

Swedish publisher Paradox Interactive has acquired developer Haemimont Games. Originally the video game division of Target Games, the Stockholm-based studio later became part of Paradox Entertainment before spinning off as an independent company in 2004. From its inception, one of Paradox Interactive’s key objectives was to establish itself as an AAA game studio, a feat it has since achieved with many of its game titles.

Paradox Interactive is best known for its grand strategy games, boasting a strong lineup of well-regarded titles such as Stellaris, Europa Universalis 4, and Hearts of Iron 4. The studio is also behind Crusader Kings 3, which many fans consider to be one of the greatest kingdom building games ever made. However, Paradox’s portfolio extends beyond strategy, featuring popular simulation games like Cities: Skylines and action RPGs like Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2.

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Paradox Interactive CEO Fredrik Wester announced on Twitter that Haemimont Games has joined the Paradox Studio Group and will become a wholly owned subsidiary. In his post, he praised the Bulgarian studio’s catalog of work, highlighted their past collaborations, and expressed excitement about the future projects that will emerge from the acquisition.

Paradox Interactive Purchases Haemimont Games

The purchase will keep Haemimont Games’ leadership intact and will not disrupt any of its ongoing projects. The Bulgarian studio specializes in simulation and city-building games, aligning well with Paradox’s portfolio. Surviving Mars, a very popular city-building simulation game, was developed by Haemimont Games and published by Paradox in 2018. Given their history of collaboration and shared focus on similar genres, the acquisition appears to be a natural fit.

In 2024, Paradox officially shut down its Tectonic studio, which had been developing the highly anticipated life simulation game Life by You. The company stated that the project, intended as a rival to EA’s The Sims, failed to meet expectations. The closure came shortly after another setback for Paradox, as it had to issue refunds for Cities: Skylines 2 DLC following a wave of negative reviews at launch. After the fiasco, the developer admitted that the DLC was not ready to be released.

Despite these road bumps, Paradox has a strong catalog of games to build upon as it moves forward. The acquisition brings in a talented team with extensive experience in similar genres, strengthening the company’s creative potential. For fans of both Paradox and Haemimont titles, the merger could pave the way for a new generation of immersive simulation and grand strategy games.

Paradox Interactive

Date Founded

2004

Headquarters

Stockholm, Sweden

Known For

Age of Wonders, Pillars of Eternity