Crystal Dynamicsannounced that it has officially “taken control” of several game franchises, including bothTomb RaiderandLegacy of Kain. The relinquishing of these franchises follows Square Enix’s sale ofCrystal Dynamicsto Embracer Group in May earlier this year. The acquisition came as a shock, given Crystal Dynamics notoriety in the industry and the high-profile nature of its projects. That Crystal Dynamics' sale included several of the biggest gaming franchises in the industry was all the more surprising.
Crystal Dynamics' most recent projects include two of the well-received but undersellingTomb Raidertrilogy games,Tomb RaiderandRise of the Tomb Raider, as well asMarvel’s Avengers. While some believe it’s the disappointing performance of Crystal Dynamics' recent releases that led to the sale, Square Enix’s explanation is that it worried titles from the studio would “cannibalize” the sales of other Square Enix games. Others believe Square Enix is choosing to refocus on Japanese game development.
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Regardless of the reasons why, Crystal Dynamics is now owned by Embracer Group, along with both Eidos-Montreal and Square Enix Montreal. The sale also bundled in a library of major intellectual property from franchises those studios were known for.Tomb Raideris the biggest of those franchises, andLegacy of Kainis another of Crystal Dynamics' projects. On the Eidos Montreal side of the acquisition, there’sDeus ExandThief.
The Square Enix sale doesn’t include just IP, however, but also the games from those IPs. In total, the rights to more than 50 past games were included inEmbracer Group’s acquisition. No specific games were mentioned in an official capacity, but it likely involves most of Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal, and Square Enix Montreal’s past original works.
To its credit, Crystal Dynamics appears to be moving forward without inhibition. The studio continues to work onPerfect Dark, partnering with The Initiative for the Xbox Game Studios-published reboot. Further, Crystal Dynamics is already working on anewTomb Raiderprojectbuilt on Unreal Engine 5, though it’s likely very early in development.
Crystal Dynamics' acquisition by Embracer Group will be a major test for the studio.Marvel’s Avengerstested Crystal Dynamics in a way it didn’t seem prepared for. Now it needs to rediscover its identity and prove its ambition once again. It could easily find a comfort zone as “TheTomb RaiderStudio.” MakingTomb Raidera must-play franchise again is another level entirely. Taking ownership of these franchises comes with a lot of responsibility, butCrystal Dynamicsat least has the opportunity.
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