Swedish video game publisher Embraer said on Monday it had acquired three development studios responsible for hit games such as Tomb Raider and Deus Ex from Japanese publisher Square Enix.
Acquisition of three North American studios Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montreal and square Enix Montreal, impacts a total of $300 million (approximately Rs 2,295 crore) and approximately 1,100 employees, Embraer said in a statement.
It also includes the intellectual property (IP) for many best-selling franchises, such as tomb RaiderStarring British adventurer archaeologist Lara Croft, who has been a video game character icon since her debut in 1996.
“We are thrilled to welcome these studios to the Embraer Group. We recognize the brilliant IP, world-class creative talent and track record of excellence that has been demonstrated time and again over the past decades,” said Lars Wingfors, Co-Founder and CEO Embraer said in a statement.
Other well-known IP science fiction role-playing games included in the deal were Deus Ex And ThiefWhere players need to focus on stealth as they dress up as a master thief.
The purchase is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close between July and September, the group said.
Following the close of the transaction, Embraer, which has been on an acquisition spree for several years, will have more than 14,000 employees and 124 internal game development studios.
Embraer also noted that it “sees an opportunity to invest in franchises such as Tom Raider, Deus Ex, as well as additional acquired IP such as Legacy of Kane, Thief and other original franchises. The acquisition will include the studio’s more than 50 back-and-forth projects.” The catalog also includes the continued sales and operation of games.
Embraer, formerly known as THQ NordicLocated in the city of Karlstad in western Sweden.
In a separate statement, Square Enix said “this move builds on a policy of business structure optimization,” which it announced in May of 2021 in its “Medium-Term Business Strategy.”