Embracer Group Explores Licensing for Deus Ex and Saints Row in 2026
- Company: Embracer Group
- Restructuring: Split into Embracer and Fellowship Entertainment
- Strategy: Active exploration of external licensing for AAA IPs
- Key Franchises: Deus Ex, Saints Row, TimeSplitters, Thief
Embracer Group has officially confirmed that it will be more actively exploring external licensing partnerships for major franchises, including Deus Ex and Saints Row, as part of a major corporate restructuring effort in 2026. This shift in strategy follows the publisher's decision to divide its operations into two distinct business entities: the core Embracer Group and a new unit titled Fellowship Entertainment.
As we have monitored here at In Game News, the company has faced significant pressure to manage its vast portfolio of intellectual property. By separating its assets, the organization aims to streamline its focus on specific transmedia projects while delegating other legacy titles to external collaborators. This news regarding the latest news on Deus Ex franchise licensing suggests that the future of these series may lie with third-party developers rather than internal teams.
Understanding Embracer Group Licensing Plans for Deus Ex Explained
The announcement came via an open letter to investors from Embracer Group CEO Lars Wingefors. In the letter, Wingefors outlined the rationale behind the corporate split, emphasizing that the new structure is designed to optimize capital allocation. While the company intends to retain direct control over its largest transmedia properties, such as The Lord of the Rings and Tomb Raider, other significant titles are now slated for a more flexible management approach.
The licensing strategy involves seeking external partners to handle the development or production of content for several high-profile franchises. This list includes Deus Ex, Saints Row, TimeSplitters, Thief, Legacy of Kain, Red Faction, and The Mask. By offloading these responsibilities, Embracer Group hopes to generate revenue through licensing fees or co-production agreements rather than bearing the full cost of internal development.
The Role of Fellowship Entertainment
Fellowship Entertainment is positioned as the home for the company’s most significant transmedia assets. Studios such as Warhorse Studios, known for Kingdom Come: Deliverance, and Crystal Dynamics, the team behind the Tomb Raider series, will operate under the Fellowship umbrella. This division is tasked with expanding these specific brands through direct investment and internal production.
Conversely, the core Embracer Group will retain oversight of other entities, including Aspyr, THQ Nordic, and Milestone. These studios will continue their operations while the broader corporate entity focuses on the new licensing initiative. Dark Horse, the publishing house acquired by Embracer, will also be integrated into this new IP and Licensing business unit, leveraging its experience in coordinating film and television adaptations.
Is a New Saints Row Game in Development 2026?
While the announcement highlights the potential for new projects, it does not confirm that a new Saints Row game is currently in active development. The strategy emphasizes the exploration of partnerships, which could manifest as video games, television series, or film adaptations. Because the company is actively seeking external partners, the status of these franchises remains in a state of transition.
The following table outlines the current status of key franchises mentioned in the 2026 restructuring announcement:
| Franchise | Primary Status | Strategic Focus |
|---|---|---|
| The Lord of the Rings | Internal Development | Transmedia Expansion |
| Tomb Raider | Internal Development | Transmedia Expansion |
| Deus Ex | External Licensing | Partnership Exploration |
| Saints Row | External Licensing | Partnership Exploration |
| TimeSplitters | External Licensing | Partnership Exploration |
This approach provides a clear path for dormant series to return to the market. For fans wondering will there be a new Deus Ex game in 2026, the answer remains dependent on whether Embracer can secure a suitable external partner to take on the development burden. The company’s move suggests that they are willing to allow other studios to utilize these assets, provided the financial terms meet their requirements.
Future Outlook for Legacy Franchises
The inclusion of titles like TimeSplitters and Thief in the licensing roster indicates that Embracer recognizes the long-term value of its back catalog. By moving these titles into a dedicated licensing unit, the company is creating a framework where third-party developers can propose projects. This could potentially revitalize series that have been inactive for years.
The integration of Dark Horse into the licensing unit further underscores the possibility that some of these deals may prioritize media formats outside of gaming. Given the current industry trend of adapting video game properties for television and streaming platforms, it is plausible that some of these well-known IPs will see their first new content in years as non-interactive media. We will continue to track these developments as part of our ongoing coverage of industry trends at In Game News.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be a new Deus Ex game in 2026?
Embracer Group has not announced a new game, but they are now actively exploring external licensing partnerships for the Deus Ex franchise.
Is a new Saints Row game in development 2026?
There is no confirmed development for a new Saints Row title; however, the series is now part of the company's roster for potential external licensing deals.
What did Embracer Group announce about TimeSplitters?
Embracer Group announced that TimeSplitters is included in their list of well-known intellectual properties that will be evaluated for external licensing partnerships.