Paradox CEO: 'Life by You' Cancellation Was a Mistake

Paradox Interactive CEO Admits Mistakes, Highlights Life by You Cancellation

Paradox Interactive's CEO, Fredrik Wester, recently acknowledged strategic errors within the company, specifically citing the cancellation of the life simulation game, Life by You, as a significant misstep. This admission came during the company's July 25th financial earnings report.

While Paradox reported strong overall financial performance driven by flagship titles like Crusader Kings and Europa Universalis, Wester openly admitted to miscalculations in several projects outside their core competency. He directly addressed the Life by You cancellation, stating that the decision was made because the game "did not meet our expectations," despite a substantial investment of nearly $20 million.

Life by You represented a departure from Paradox's usual strategy game focus, aiming to compete in the life simulation genre. Its cancellation, announced June 17th, underscores the challenges faced in expanding beyond their established strengths.

Further compounding the difficulties were setbacks with other recent releases. Cities: Skylines 2 struggled with performance issues, and Prison Architect 2 experienced repeated delays despite achieving platform certification. These issues, combined with the Life by You cancellation, highlight the need for a strategic reevaluation of Paradox's game development approach.

Wester emphasized the company's strong foundation, built on the success of core franchises like Crusader Kings and Stellaris. He framed the self-criticism as a necessary step toward reinforcing their commitment to providing high-quality gaming experiences for their players. By acknowledging their mistakes and refocusing on their core strengths, Paradox aims to regain momentum and deliver future titles that meet player expectations.