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Paradox Interactive CEO Fredrik Wester announced on November 12, 2026 that he is stepping down, with deputy CEO Mattias Lilja taking over on January 4, 2027. Wester will remain CEO until then to ensure an orderly transition and will stay on the board as a member, focusing on the company's long-term development. He joined Paradox in 2003, led the company from 2009 to 2018, served as executive chairman, and returned as CEO in 2021. The change follows what Eurogamer described as several tumultuous years for the publisher of Stellaris, Europa Universalis and Crusader Kings 3. Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2 launched last October after multiple delays, near cancellation and a switch in developer, and failed to resonate with critics and audiences. Paradox reported a 162 percent decline in operating profit earlier this year. In his statement, Lilja said the company would invest further in its core business, work more closely with players and modders, and focus on player value. Paradox's upcoming slate includes continued work on Crusader Kings 3, Europa Universalis 5 and Stellaris, the release of Lego Skylines next year, and the forthcoming Afterworld.