Embracer sees ‘great potential’ in Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal sequels, remakes and remasters

Embracer Group has said it’s envisaging releasing sequels, remakes, remasters, spin-offs and more for the Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal IPs it’s set to acquire.

The Swedish company announced this month that it plans to acquire a large part of Square Enix’s western development arm for $300 million.

The deal will see Embracer become the owner of Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal, Square Enix Montreal, and a catalogue of IPs including Tomb Raider and Deus Ex.

Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors commented on its potential plans for the iconic franchises during the company’s fourth quarter earnings report on Thursday.

“We recently announced the acquisition of Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal and Square Enix Montreal, including Tomb Raider, Deus Ex, Thief, Legacy of Kain and other IPs,” he said.

“The announcement got an overwhelming and positive response. We see great potential, not only in sequels but also in remakes, remasters, spin-offs as well as transmedia projects across the group.”

Wingefors said Embracer expects the acquisition, which includes around 1,100 employees across three studios in eight locations around the world, to close between July and September.

According to Embracer, the Tomb Raider franchise has sold around 88 million units and Deus Ex has sold some 12 million units.

When the deal was announced, Square Enix America and Europe CEO Phil Rogers called Embracer “the perfect fit for our ambitions: make high-quality games, with great people, sustainably, and grow our existing franchises to their best versions ever”.

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Here’s why Deus Ex and Tomb Raider could thrive under Embracer

The holding firm, which lets its group of companies work independently, might be ideal for these old Eidos studios.

Crystal Dynamics said in April that the next Tomb Raider game has entered development using Unreal Engine 5.

“This new engine translates into next level storytelling and gameplay experiences”, claimed Dallas Dickinson, Tomb Raider franchise general manager at Crystal Dynamics.

“Our goal is to push the envelope of fidelity and to deliver the high-quality cinematic action adventure experience that fans deserve both from Crystal Dynamics and the Tomb Raider franchise.”