Paradox Interactive Ends Partnership with Prison Architect 2 Developer

Paradox Interactive has announced the end of its collaboration with Prison Architect 2 developer Double Eleven after nine years working on the popular management series. The decision came as the two parties were unable to reach a mutually satisfactory commercial agreement.

Double Eleven initially joined the Prison Architect franchise to handle the console port of the game. Eventually, the studio took over the series entirely after Introversion Software sold the rights to Paradox in 2019. Since then, Double Eleven has released ten expansion packs, including the Jungle Pack last year, and has been leading the development of a fully 3D sequel, Prison Architect 2.

Prison Architect 2 Development and Delays

Prison Architect 2 was unveiled in January with promises of offering players a greater degree of freedom, impactful choices, and realistic inmate simulation. Originally scheduled for a March release, the game has faced two delays, pushing the launch to May and then to September. The most recent delay was attributed to unexpected issues that occurred too frequently despite the game being certified on all platforms.

Prison Architect 2 has been delayed several times since its announcement in January. Watch on YouTube

With the sequel passing certification on all platforms, Paradox confirmed that Double Eleven’s involvement with the series would conclude. Despite fulfilling the contract obligation, the two parties could not reach a new agreement that would benefit both sides, leading to the decision to part ways.

Transition to Kokku Studio

The development of Prison Architect 2 will now be handled by Brazilian support studio Kokku, which has been working on the game alongside Double Eleven since the autumn of the previous year. According to Prison Architect game director Gaz Wright, Kokku took full control of the project in January, indicating that Paradox had been aware of the transition since the sequel’s announcement.

Following a series of setbacks with previous releases like Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, The Lamplighters’ League, and Cities: Skylines 2, Paradox is keen on ensuring the success of Prison Architect 2. The company aims to smoothly transition fans of the original game to its sequel without encountering similar challenges.

Release Date and Platforms

Prison Architect 2 is set to launch on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on 3rd September this year.