Paradox Thalassic

Paradox Thalassic was a game development studio established in Malmö, Sweden, in May 2017 by Paradox Interactive. It operated as an internal development division, initially focused on adapting the publisher’s complex strategy experiences for mobile platforms. Over its lifetime, the studio shifted from that original mobile mandate to co-development of downloadable content for PC grand strategy games.

Its work brought together designers, artists and programmers supporting established Paradox franchises. The studio’s capabilities included game systems, historical flavor events, user interface integration, and the creation of 2D and 3D environment and character assets. These disciplines supported expansion packs and smaller content releases developed in collaboration with Paradox Development Studio.

Grand strategy co-development

By 2021, Thalassic’s resources were contributing to Paradox’s core PC development operations. Its credited projects included Imperator: Rome – Heirs of Alexander, followed by several releases for Crusader Kings III. These included the major expansion Royal Court, the flavor pack Fate of Iberia, and the event pack Friends & Foes, all released in 2022.

This portfolio reflects the studio’s evolution from a planned mobile development unit into a contributor to ongoing strategy game development. Its verified shipped work centered on PC expansions and content packs, with contributions spanning art production, design and content implementation.

Closure

Paradox Interactive announced the closure of Thalassic on March 30, 2023, as part of a restructuring of its Swedish development operations. The publisher also closed Paradox Arctic and consolidated Swedish grand strategy development in Stockholm. Thalassic ceased operations and was wound down during 2023, ending its activity as a distinct Malmö studio.