Square Enix Is Selling Its Biggest Studios And Games For A Highly Controversial Reason
Square Enix is currently selling off some of its most imporantant studios and game IPs, as is prepares to invest in a controversial craze.
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Game studio acquisitions are not out of the norm, especially these days. It seems that bigger gaming companies are attempting to get their hands on some of the most important and lucrative game property that currently exists. Strangely enough, Square Enix is selling off some of its most important titles and studios for a reason that will leave most gamers scratching their heads. Reports have indicated that Square Enix is selling off Tomb Raider, Deus Ex, and Thief. Also, Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal, and Square Enix Montreal are all part of this deal too. All these studios and games are being acquired by The Embracer Group for $300 million. According to a press release, “This transaction enables the launch of new businesses by moving forward with investments in fields including blockchain, AI, and the cloud.”
The Embracer Group already has its hands on plenty of gaming studios that include THQ Nordic, Gearbox, and Deep Silver. They also just purchased 3D Realms, which handles Duke Nukem, and Ghost Ship Games, which handles Deep Rock Galactic. This corporate group seems to want to get its hands on everything it possibly can, as they are now purchasing all the above-mentioned property from Square. What makes this acquisition sad and controversial is that Square Enix wants to invest in blockchain and AI. AI is certainly one thing that can help to advance gaming, but the blockchain is the craze that everyone has been buying into. That refers to the NFT and cryptocurrency that is going rampant in the trading world. Losing such important gaming property to a potential fleeting craze is ridiculous.
What might be worse about this entire situation, is that there is currently a new Tomb Raider game on the way. While it may not seem like a big deal that Square Enix is handing the game to someone else, it could also mean that The Embracer Group plans to place their own leadership to watch over these new titles. Who knows what might happen creatively? Square Enix has certainly lost a bit of its reputation as of late but selling off some of its biggest IPs could damage the studio’s reputation even further.
There could be some good news coming out of this acquisition though. Square Enix selling off Crystal Dynamics might benefit the studio more. Marvel’s Avengers was a mess of a game, and fans also felt somewhat similarly about the Guardians of the Galaxy game, which was developed by Eidos. It’s still a fun game despite its shortcomings. With Crystal Dynamics and Eidos trading hands, maybe their new titles will have some leadership that can steer those properties in a more prosperous direction.
Regardless of what happens, studios changing hands is a double-edged sword, meaning both parties might lose in this situation. Square Enix is trading away some of its most valuable property, and The Embracer Group could lose face by implementing their own design for these upcoming titles. Time will tell what is to happen with the upcoming Tomb Raider title and the others that are currently in the works. Whatever NFT blockchain things Square Enix is working on had better be worth it. If they plan to release their new game as an NFT, the internet will lose its mind.
