Crystal Dynamics announced that it has officially "taken control" of several game franchises, including both Tomb Raider and Legacy of Kain. The relinquishing of these franchises follows Square Enix's sale of Crystal Dynamics to 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 underselling Tomb Raider trilogy games, Tomb Raider and Rise of the Tomb Raider, as well as Marvel'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 Raider is the biggest of those franchises, and Legacy of Kain is another of Crystal Dynamics' projects. On the Eidos Montreal side of the acquisition, there's Deus Ex and Thief.

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 in Embracer 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 on Perfect Dark, partnering with The Initiative for the Xbox Game Studios-published reboot. Further, Crystal Dynamics is already working on a new Tomb Raider project built 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 Avengers tested 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 "The Tomb Raider Studio." Making Tomb Raider a must-play franchise again is another level entirely. Taking ownership of these franchises comes with a lot of responsibility, but Crystal Dynamics at least has the opportunity.

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Source: Crystal Dynamics