Square Enix Sells Eidos, Crystal Dynamics to Embracer

Embracer Group has announced plans to acquire Eidos, Crystal Dynamics, and Square Enix Montreal from current owners Square Enix Holdings CO LTD. This will give Embracer controlling rights to major video game franchises, including Tomb Raider, Hitman, Deus Ex, Legacy of Kain, Thief, and more. The acquisition will include the existing office buildings and over 1,000 employees joining Embracer.

 

Embracer Group is the parent company of THQ Nordic and Gearbox Entertainment, including comic book giant Dark Horse and Asmodee tabletop games. The acquisition may allow for cross-overs of multiple brands in the future. It is unclear how the publication and distribution of older titles will be handled in the coming days. It is possible that licensing agreements on digital storefronts like Steam will need to be reorganized.

Crystal Dynamics is the developer of Marvel’s Avengers live service game. It is currently unknown if Embracer will continue to support the game directly or its management will remain with Square Enix, shifting to a new developer. The game’s reception has mostly been lukewarm, with a dwindling daily active user count. Avengers' performance may have been a part of Square Enix’s decision to focus on other studios and projects.
 

Kurtis Seid, NoobFeed
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