Paradox Interactive to Acquire Harebrained Schemes FAQ

[TinyWiking]

Greetings everyone,
We just wanted to answer some of the (probably) most likely questions you may have so please read this entire post before asking your questions

What will this mean for Paradox and HBS?
Harebrained Schemes will continue to operate with its own internal management and creative teams, designing and developing the games that have earned them their outstanding reputation. HBS and Paradox have a shared vision for where to take narrative rich tactical games. Of course each title will be greenlit via Paradox's publishing process. HBS will continue to have the freedom to creative direct our games and build our player experiences.

In their new role as a division of Paradox Interactive, Harebrained Schemes will gain access to an expert publisher with a strong reputation and a global audience. Paradox will handle finances, marketing, PR, and distribution, and leave the development to HBS. Paradox is bringing HBS on board because they like what the studio is doing, so nobody wants to change that. Fans of Harebrained Schemes can continue to count on the community involvement and visibility that the studio has always provided.

This arrangement came about due to the excellent experience both companies have had while working together on BATTLETECH. Everybody believes this is a great fit.

Is Paradox removing any of the executive team at HBS? Will they be installing new studio managers from their side? Will there be other staffing changes?
All the executives of HBS are remaining at the company in their current roles. There are no plans to install new studio management from Sweden in the HBS offices. The only anticipated staffing changes is that we at HBS are currently hiring for the studio!


Will PDS make games using the HBS IP? Will there be Mechwarriors in Stellaris?
There are no plans for “crossing the streams” at this point.

Will HBS make games using Paradox IP? Could we get a CK2 RPG? Victoria 3 when?
HBS will continue to focus on what it does best which are tactical games with rich stories.

Is HBS going to shift its focus to developing tons of DLC?
We will be supporting BATTLETECH with updates and additional content and we are starting concept development for a new title.

 

[TinyWiking]

In the announcement it mentioned kickstarters would get a free copy of stellaris, does this include those that backed later through backerkit? And if so, for those like myself who have already paid for a copy of the game (and it's a great game btw, thanks) would it be possible to have a choice of DLC instead?

Stellaris cannot be changed for something else I'm afraid. Anyone that backed it, including late backers, are eligible for this.

 

[TinyWiking]

Does this mean we will get a gift copy in e.g. Steam?

I actually don't know at this point and I can't check until tomorrow (it's a public holiday in Sweden yet her I am... ). My guess would be that it's added to the pledge manager in kickstarter, like we did with forum codes, but I'll get that confirmed tomorrow.