Harebrained Schemes

Harebrained Schemes is an independent video game developer based in the Seattle metropolitan area. Founded in 2011 by Jordan Weisman and Mitch Gitelman, the studio develops games combining narrative worldbuilding with tactical systems. Its work spans turn-based role-playing games, strategy, action roguelikes and hybrid digital-tabletop experiences, with development capabilities covering game design, writing, visual development and software engineering.

The studio began with mobile releases including Crimson: Steam Pirates in 2011 and Strikefleet Omega in 2012. Crowdfunding subsequently played an important role in its move into computer RPGs. Shadowrun Returns, released in 2013, was followed by Shadowrun: Dragonfall in 2014 and Shadowrun: Hong Kong in 2015. These games brought the Shadowrun setting to narrative-driven tactical adventures. During the same period, the studio also developed the hybrid tabletop game Golem Arcana and the 3D action roguelike Necropolis.

Tactical games and independent development

A 2015 Kickstarter campaign supported the development of BATTLETECH, a turn-based mech combat game published with Paradox Interactive in 2018. Paradox acquired Harebrained Schemes that June. During its period under Paradox ownership, the studio developed expansions for BATTLETECH and produced The Lamplighters League and the Tower at the End of the World, an original tactical strategy RPG with a 1930s-inspired setting, released in October 2023.

Following restructuring in 2023, Harebrained Schemes and Paradox agreed to separate. The studio regained its independence on January 1, 2024, retaining its brand and operational autonomy. Paradox retained rights and publishing responsibilities for the prior catalog covered by their agreement, including The Lamplighters League, BATTLETECH and the Shadowrun PC games.

The studio is now developing GRAFT, an original survival-horror action RPG with a dark, post-cyberpunk setting. Set aboard a dying interstellar megastructure, the project extends the developer’s work into a different genre while continuing its focus on game systems, storytelling and worldbuilding.