Crystal Dynamics Has Regained Control of the Tomb Raider and Legacy of Kain Franchises
Crystal Dynamics introduced that it has formally “taken management” of a number of recreation franchises, together with each Tomb Raider and Legacy of Kain. The relinquishing of those franchises follows Square Enix’s sale of Crystal Dynamics to Embracer Group in May earlier this yr. The acquisition got here as a shock, given Crystal Dynamics notoriety within the business and the high-profile nature of its tasks. That Crystal Dynamics’ sale included a number of of the most important gaming franchises within the business was all of the extra shocking.
Crystal Dynamics’ most up-to-date tasks embrace two of the well-received however underselling Tomb Raider trilogy video games, Tomb Raider and Rise of the Tomb Raider, in addition to Marvel’s Avengers. While some imagine it is the disappointing efficiency of Crystal Dynamics’ current releases that led to the sale, Square Enix’s clarification is that it nervous titles from the studio would “cannibalize” the gross sales of different Square Enix video games. Others imagine Square Enix is selecting to refocus on Japanese recreation growth.
Regardless of the the explanation why, Crystal Dynamics is now owned by Embracer Group, together with each Eidos-Montreal and Square Enix Montreal. The sale additionally bundled in a library of main mental property from franchises these studios have been identified for. Tomb Raider is the most important of these franchises, and Legacy of Kain is one other of Crystal Dynamics’ tasks. On the Eidos Montreal aspect of the acquisition, there’s Deus Ex and Thief.
The Square Enix sale would not embrace simply IP, nevertheless, but additionally the video games from these IPs. In whole, the rights to greater than 50 previous video games have been included in Embracer Group’s acquisition. No particular video games have been talked about in an official capability, but it surely seemingly entails most of Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal, and Square Enix Montreal’s previous authentic works.
Crystal Dynamics’ acquisition by Embracer Group might be a significant take a look at for the studio. Marvel’s Avengers examined Crystal Dynamics in a approach it did not appear ready for. Now it must rediscover its identification and show its ambition as soon as once more. It might simply discover a consolation zone as “The Tomb Raider Studio.” Making Tomb Raider a must-play franchise once more is one other degree fully. Taking possession of those franchises comes with numerous duty, however Crystal Dynamics no less than has the chance.