Embracer announces internal division and franchise licensing

This shift in management means that major brands like Tomb Raider, Lord of the Rings, Metro, and Dead Island become part of a lineup that is sure to capture the immediate attention of other market companies. However, the new company's strategy goes beyond just strategic moves and also involves seeking partners eager to bring back dormant titles in the industry, such as Time Splitters, Thief, Legacy of Kain, Deus Ex, and Saints Row. It is a clear attempt to profit off others' works rather than spending their own money on developing the sequels fans are eagerly waiting for.

The official announcement from Embracer outlines that the giant will be split into two distinct businesses. One of these divisions is Fellowship Entertainment, which will become the official owner of the group's top gaming franchises, covering everything from well-established blockbusters to less known series or those that have been entirely absent from the scene.

According to Lars Wingefors, the CEO of Embracer, Fellowship Entertainment will launch with a specific unit dedicated solely to managing the business of intellectual property licensing. The declared objective of this bureaucratic shift is to allow external studios and producers to use these brands for developing new games, films, and other entertainment products, acting as an additional source of revenue for the group. It's a convenient strategy that shifts production responsibility onto others, yet also places the future of beloved franchises into the hands of third parties.

The portfolio of the new company is extensive. In addition to overseeing profitable properties like Dead Island, Darksiders, and The Lord of the Rings, Fellowship Entertainment takes full control over the rights to Saints Row and Deus Ex, gaining complete autonomy to make deals with external studios. For those worried about the uncertainty these franchises faced following the recent disastrous restructurings of the Swedish group, this market opening appears as a beacon of hope, though outsourcing such significant projects always brings the risk of delivering games that lack their original identity and character. The initiative hands over the decision-making to the rest of the industry to determine if investing in these iconic names is worthwhile.