CEO and Founder of Paradox Interactive Steps Down After 15 Years

Paradox Interactive is a video game developer you’ve probably heard of. They’re known for creating Grand Strategy games like Crusader Kings II, Europa Universalis IV, Stellaris, and Hearts of Iron IV to name a few. They also had a hand in the ever popular Cities: Skylines. The company itself isn’t going anywhere. In fact, they’re doing quite well these days. Their CEO and founder, Fredrik Wester, however, announced that he is resigning as CEO.

When CEOs leave their position, there’s usually a statement made, promising to maintain what makes the company what it is. This is usually because the CEO just handles the business side of the company and has less to do with the heart and soul of the product. In this case, however, Paradox Interactive was founded by Wester. He’s been there since day one and the company has been ‘his’ since then.

This is bound to happen with all companies, as they usually outlast their founders, but not everything about this news is negative. It turns out that Wester will be taking up the role of Executive Chairman of the Board. In his announcement of resignation, he stated that this role would be more fitting for him, as it allows him to find new ways for Paradox to grow; something he’s very passionate about.

“They say War Never Changes, but that doesn’t mean those of us who make games about war don’t change over time.

Paradox is no longer a team hand-packing game discs into envelopes out of a warehouse in the middle of nowhere (true story!). Today we’re managing a player base of millions, several amazing development partners, and over 300 talented, hardworking and dedicated employees. It’s kind of the perfect Paradox story – the tiny little blob on the map that grows into a mighty empire.

Usually when CEOs recount their journeys like this, the next step in the story is that they’re moving on, so let me be clear that this is not the case. There isn’t a warscore measurable in human numbers that could get me to concede surrender – and there’s so much left I want to do with this company. So, no, I am not stepping down from Paradox. Instead, I am stepping into a role where I can do more of what I do best.

If you ask people internally what I do best, they will probably say something like “creating chaos.” I like to think of it as experimenting, trying new things and creating more opportunities for Paradox to impact the world of games. I want to focus more on finding the next big project for us to tackle, and figuring out more ways for us to grow and expand. I’ve realized there just aren’t enough hours in my day to do that AND concentrate on daily operations. While we have the best teams in the world in place, I believe Paradox deserves more support from their CEO in this area.

So this August I’ll be stepping out of the role of CEO at Paradox Interactive and will be taking up a post as Executive Chairman of the Board. We´re making this change as we believe it is what suits Paradox best. This will be my full-time job; I will continue to work out of the office and hopefully have more time to interact with all my colleagues and with you. This change will put me in a position where I can focus on the things I love, helping Paradox grow and expand, while handing over responsibility for ongoing operations to a person better suited for the job.”

Paradox Interactive currently has two games they’re publishing this year, Surviving Mars and Battletech, which are both planned for release in 2018. They also have two unannounced games planned to be unveiled at PDXCon 2018 between May 18-20.