Paradox Interactive has called its recent The Lamplighters League a “big disappointment” from a commercial perspective, admitting – just seven days after its release – the pulp strategy game is unlikely to recoup its development costs, resulting in a $22.7m USD write-down.
The Lamplighters League, which was developed by the Paradox-owned Harebrained Schemes, blends tactical turn-based action and real-time stealth in a globe-trotting adventure inspired by the classic pulp stories of the 1930s, giving players control of a disparate group of rogues as they attempt to thwart an occult-obsessed cabal known as the Banished Court.
In truth, it’s a deeply uneven experience; at its best, it’s a “sublimely atmospheric, richly rewarding tactical adventure” – as I wrote in my 3 out of 5 stars review – but it’s too often let down by bland maps, uninspiring mission objectives, and woefully underdeveloped real-time stealth. And it’s clearly failed to capture the public’s imagination too.
In a note posted to its website, Paradox announced it’s writing-down The Lamplighters League’s capitalised development costs – essentially acknowledging they won’t be recouped – which it says will result in a $22.7m (SEK 248m) pre-tax reduction in its fourth quarter profits.