Embracer Group is taking a significant new approach to its massive library of intellectual property by spinning off Fellowship Entertainment. This newly formed business unit is designed to expand major brands like The Lord of the Rings and Tomb Raider, while simultaneously breathing new life into several dormant video game franchises.

In a recent letter to investors, Embracer founder and chair Lars Wingefors revealed that Fellowship Entertainment will "more actively be exploring" external partnerships regarding its most well-known IP. This move suggests that fans might finally see new entries in beloved series developed by studios outside of the immediate Embracer umbrella.

Reviving Dormant Franchises via External Partnerships

The list of potential candidates for these external partnerships is extensive and includes some of the most storied names in gaming history. Wingefors specifically namechecked several titles that have seen little to no activity recently:

  • Saints Row
  • Deus Ex
  • TimeSplitters
  • Legacy of Kain
  • Red Faction
  • Thief
  • The Mask

This strategy offers a glimmer of hope for franchises that many fans feared were dead. For instance, the Saints Row series has struggled since its poorly received 2022 reboot, which saw developer Volition shut down in 2023. Similarly, the beloved stealth-action series Deus Ex has remained stagnant for nearly a decade, with its last major entry being 2016's Mankind Divided.

Focus on Triple-A IP and Future Growth

While the potential for external partnerships provides hope for cult classics, Embracer is also doubling down on its heavy hitters. The company intends to invest more heavily in what it classifies as its triple-A IPs.

Current projects and rumors surrounding these major brands include:

  • The Lord of the Rings: Developer Warhorse is rumored to be working on a Middle-earth RPG.
  • Tomb Raider: Crystal Dynamics reportedly has two games currently in development.
  • Dead Island: Dead Island 3 has already been officially confirmed.
  • Metro Series: Development is underway for Metro 2039.

While Wingefors did not provide a specific timeframe for these announcements, the shift toward Fellowship Entertainment signals a clear intent to monetize and expand their vast portfolio through more flexible development models. Whether this leads to a resurgence of legendary titles like TimeSplitters or Deus Ex remains to be seen, but the door is officially open.