The video games Tomb Raider and Legacy of Kain are now "under control" by Crystal Dynamics

(Image credit: Crystal Dynamics)

The management of "many game franchises," including Tomb Raider and Legacy of Kain, has formally been transferred to Crystal Dynamics.

The decision to fully own the numerous game series was recently announced by Crystal Dynamics on the developer's official website. This comes months after Square Enix announced in May that it would be selling Crystal Dynamics and various IPs to Embracer Group.

According to a post on the Crystal Dynamics website, "We are delighted to inform you that Crystal Dynamics has assumed management of multiple gaming franchises—including Tomb Raider and Legacy of Kain—from the games' previous owner, Square Enix Limited. Crystal Dynamics (or its affiliate) is now the owner of these games and the controller of the gameplay and personal data associated with them as a result of this change.

When the initial agreement between Square Enix and Embracer Group was made, it was specified that the rights to Tomb Raider and Legacy of Kain would be covered by the agreement. The ownership of the rights to both series should have been in the hands of Embracer Group, but it now seems Crystal Dynamics holds full control over both, contrary to what may have been expected.

Eidos Montreal has also taken over two other series, though, in other places. According to Eidos Montreal's recently updated terms of service on its website(opens in new tab), these would be Deus Ex and Thief. This is consistent with what we know because Square Enix also sold the studio and some of its intellectual property to Embracer Group earlier this year along with Crystal Dynamics.

The CEO of Embracer Group stated earlier this year that the Tomb Raider developer has "great things coming" soon.