Paradox Interactive Shifts Strategy After Game Development Setbacks
Following the cancellation of Life By You and the troubled launch of Cities: Skylines 2, Paradox Interactive has outlined a revised approach to game development. The company acknowledges evolving player expectations and the need for improved quality assurance.
Paradox's Response to Player Feedback
Paradox Interactive CEO Mattias Lilja and CCO Henrik Fahraeus discussed player attitudes towards game releases with Rock Paper Shotgun. They noted increased player expectations and a decreased tolerance for post-launch bug fixes. The experience with Cities: Skylines 2's problematic launch highlighted the need for more rigorous pre-release testing and greater player involvement. Fahraeus emphasized the importance of broader pre-release player testing to gather valuable feedback.
Addressing Delays and Cancellations
The indefinite delay of Prison Architect 2 stems from technical challenges, not fundamental design flaws, according to Lilja. He clarified that the delay is a direct response to the higher player expectations and the understanding that players are less willing to accept post-release patching. The cancellation of Life By You resulted from unmet development goals and a recognition that the project wouldn't meet Paradox's or its players' standards. Lilja acknowledged that some underlying issues were not fully understood during development.
The Competitive Gaming Landscape
Lilja highlighted the increasingly competitive gaming market, where players are quicker to abandon games with issues. This trend has intensified in recent years, impacting Paradox's strategy. The negative reception to Cities: Skylines 2 led to a joint apology and a planned "fan feedback summit," while the first paid DLC was delayed due to performance problems.
In conclusion, Paradox Interactive is adapting its development process to meet the evolving demands of players, prioritizing quality assurance and early player feedback to avoid future setbacks.
