Paradox Interactive CEO Ebba Ljungerud has stepped down “due to differing views on the company’s strategy.” In her stead, former CEO Fredrik Wester will return to the position and resign as Chairman of the board. The news comes after a financial report from earlier this year revealed that Ljungerud would focus on the publisher’s core titles such as Europa Universalis, Crusader Kings, and Cities: Skylines, rather than newer, more risky IPs such as Empire of Sin and Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines 2.
Bloodlines 2 in particular, has had a troubled development cycle marred by numerous delays and leadership oustings. The game made headlines just last month after Paradox announced that it fired two project leads for unspecified reasons and would hire a former Ubisoft consultant as a replacement. Before that, Paradox also revealed that developer Hardsuit Labs would no longer lead the game’s development, resulting in yet another launch delay—one that has left the game without a specified release window.
Ljungerud, during the initial financial report back in May, highlighted this key difference in Paradox Interactive’s games, stating that it was “important to have a good balance between building on [their] existing core games with new content and sequels, and at the same time growing the portfolio with new games.” Unfortunately, this also meant the shuttering of two unannounced games developed by external studios.
Below is the official statement from Paradox Interactive on Ljungerud stepping down:
Ebba has done a fantastic job as CEO of Paradox Interactive. During her leadership the organization, player base and our game projects have been strengthened and grown which give the company a strong base for future growth. We regret that she has decided to resign but wish her all the best in future endeavours
Ljungerud herself has also announced the news via her personal Twitter account, and stated that she is “look[ing] forward to new great things to come for the games and the company!”
[Source: TechRaptor]
