Crystal Dynamics has taken over some big franchises from Square Enix including Tomb Raider and Legacy Of Kain
In a statement on Twitter Crystal Dynamics stated:
“We are excited to inform you that Crystal Dynamics has taken control of several game franchises—including TOMB RAIDER and Legacy of Kain—from the games’ previous owner, Square Enix Limited.
As a result of this change, Crystal Dynamics (or its affiliate) is now the owner of these games and the controller of the gameplay and personal data related to them.”
If you’re not aware already The Embracer Group purchased all of the intellectual property (IP) as well as Crystal Dynamics itself earlier this year in a deal estimated to be worth $300 million USD.
At the time, it was unclear whether Embracer would maintain the IPs under its control or if it would distribute them among its several other studios and acquisitions. This seems to have been resolved at this point.
The decision enables Crystal Dynamics to maintain complete control over the series it has been working on since Tomb Raider Legend in 2006.
Naturally, the team is currently working diligently on the upcoming Tomb Raider game. We are aware that Unreal Engine 5 development for the game has officially begun.
Details on the game surfaced last month, suggesting that it will supposedly feature Lara Croft heading a crew of tomb raiders and sees her at the top of her game. The original Core Design and survivor timelines are also thought to be “unified” by the game.
Unfortunately, this is the only information that has been made public on the subject for now, but more is undoubtedly on the way, and we’ll be watching for it.