Paradox Interactive Acquires Haemimont Games, Creators of Surviving Mars
By Paradox Interactive has decided to acquire Tropico 5 and Surviving Mars creator Haemimont Games.
The Swedish company indicated that this agreement will enhance its internal resources to foster better growth of its strategic focus in the management genre.
Paradox has committed to purchasing all shares of the Bulgarian studio. The transaction includes an undisclosed upfront cash payment along with a performance-based earnout of equivalent scale.
“We are thrilled to welcome Haemimont Games into the Paradox family,” stated Fredrik Wester, CEO of Paradox, in a press release. “They bring a cohesive team with extensive experience in developing management games with numerous successful projects in their portfolio.
“Additionally, they possess a robust creative vision, skills tailored for their niche, a fresh IP in development, and a strong culture that aligns with Paradox’s working style. We have great confidence in their team and leadership, and our primary focus now is to ensure that they continue developing exceptional games under new ownership.”
Haemimont’s leadership will remain
Paradox confirmed that Haemimont’s current leadership team will stay with the studio and stated that its ongoing projects will not be affected by the acquisition. After the deal is finalized, Haemimont will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Paradox.
This announcement comes after a challenging year for Paradox. Last summer, the company canceled the upcoming project Lifestyles By You—a life simulation game overseen by The Sims 2 executive producer Rod Humble—and shut down developer Paradox Tectonic.
This cancellation led to a write-down of SEK 208 million ($19.8 million).
Just a few months earlier, itreleased a new earnings report after the launch of Cities: Skylines II, but noted that the highly anticipated title released in an unsatisfactory state. Repairing the city builder became quite the ordeal.
Prior to that, it separated from Lamplighters League developer Harebrained Schemes after the project fell short of internal goals.
Discussing these challenges in October 2024, Paradox deputy CEO Mattias Lilja stated that the company was guilty of becoming overly confident and subsequently took some “unnecessary risks.”
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