Paradox Interactive plans to parlay successful strategy-games biz into an IPO

One of gaming’s most beloved niche publishers wants to sell itself … to its fans and employees.

Paradox Interactive, the publisher responsible for critically acclaimed grand-strategy game releases like Crusader Kings II and Europa Universalis IV, has begun the process to present an initial public offering (IPO) at some point this year, the company confirmed to GamesBeat. After expanding into role-playing and tabletop games, the game maker is seeking capital, and Paradox’s leadership has decided that going public is its best strategy for pursuing that cash. The publisher isn’t talking specifics at this time due to strict guidelines surrounding IPOs, but chief executive officer Fredrik Wester did give a few comments to Swedish website DiGital, where he highlighted how he wants to use this as an opportunity raise funds while also giving value to its employees and biggest supporters.