Paradox Reflects on Bloodlines 2 Development Shift

In a recent development, Paradox Interactive transferred the development of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 to The Chinese Room, marking a significant turn in the game's development journey. Initially slated for release in 2020, the sequel to the 2004 classic is now expected to launch in the first half of 2025. According to Paradox deputy CEO Mattias Lilja, this change was necessary to prevent the project from being canceled altogether. Lilja explains that switching developers is a drastic measure, but it was essential to find a suitable replacement to continue the project. The game had already faced challenges, and the decision to change developers was not taken lightly. However, with The Chinese Room on board, Lilja expresses confidence in the new direction, citing their experience in crafting games with tight stories and settings. The development process picked up where the previous developer, Hardsuit Labs, left off after being dropped from the project in 2021. Lilja notes that Paradox allowed The Chinese Room to decide what to carry over and what to leave behind, resulting in a continuation of the original vision with their own unique spin. The team is currently tracking well against the planned release window, and Lilja is enthusiastic about the game's progress, particularly in its ability to immerse players in the World of Darkness. He acknowledges that players will likely compare the game to its predecessor, Bloodlines 1, and notes that the new game will have a stronger action RPG element, similar to Dishonored. When asked about the differences between The Chinese Room and Hardsuit Labs, Lilja highlights The Chinese Room's stability and experience in handling large-scale projects. He believes that this change will ultimately benefit the game, and the team is confident in their ability to deliver a high-quality experience.