The year 2022 is decidedly rich in video game news. After Microsoft’s takeover intentions for Activision last January, gamers were able to lay their hands on a succession of diverse and varied titles. Excellent games that will not fail to mark the memories. And while spring is in full swing, now the studios of tomb Raider and Deus Ex have just been redeemed.
when embracer group fills up on licenses
In recent months, redemptions are linked. After ZeniMax Media and Activision acquired by Microsoft, nowEmbracer Group, the giant behind publishers like Gearbox and THQ Nordic, has just announced that it has reached a takeover offer with studios Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal and Square Enix Montreal. Embracer Group will thus own:
- The studios Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal and Square Enix Montreal which have approximately 1,100 employees worldwide.
- the “intellectual property catalog” of these studios including Deus Ex, Tomb Raider, Thief, Legacy of Kain thus “the continued sale and exploitation of more than 50 games from the studios’ back catalog” and the projects as in progress. Note that “Crystal Dynamics is actively working on several AAA projects, including the upcoming Tomb Raider game, which will deliver next-gen storytelling and gaming experiences.“
A $300 million takeover which should be finalized between July and September of this year. A sum far from the 3.6 billion dollars spent by Sony for Bungie or the 68.7 billion dollars from Microsoft to seize Activision Blizzard. Nevertheless, the Swedish-based firm will be able to expand its activities again, with a takeover commented in a press release:
“We are delighted to welcome these studios to the Embracer group. We are aware of the fantastic intellectual property, world-class creative talent and reputation for excellence they have demonstrated time and time again over the past decades. It was with great pleasure that we met the management teams and discussed their future plans so that they can achieve their ambitions and become an important part of Embracer“explains Lars Wingefors, co-founder and CEO of Embracer Group.
“Embracer is gaming’s best-kept secret: a massive, decentralized collection of entrepreneurs that we’re thrilled to be a part of today. It fits perfectly with our ambitions: to create high-quality games, with great people, in a sustainable way, and to evolve our existing franchises to the best possible versions. Embracer allows us to forge new partnerships across all mediums to maximize the potential of our franchises and fulfill our dream of creating extraordinary entertainment.“said Phil Rogers, CEO of Square Enix America and Europe.
In 2009, Square Enix bought Eidos (and Crystal Dynamics at the same time). An acquisition that could have accommodated well-received reboots of series like tomb Raider and Deus Ex as well as licensed games that did not win unanimous support such as Marvel’s Avengers and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. And for Square Enix, this agreement will allow the Japanese giant to free itself from its entire Western branch. Only a few licenses remain in your catalog, like Life is Strange, JustCause or Outriders. Square Enix will take advantage of this transfer to focus on its local productions. As for Embracer Group,
