Video Game IPs That No Longer Belong To Their Original Owner

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Summary

  • Video game IPs like Tomb Raider and Red Dead have changed hands several times due to industry dynamics.
  • Ownership changes of Legacy of Kain and Perfect Dark highlight the uncertain nature of IP rights in gaming.
  • Fallout was absorbed by Microsoft in a big acquisition of ZeniMax, impacting the franchise’s future.

As someone who’s spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant worlds of video games, I can’t help but marvel at the intricate dance of ownership that these beloved franchises perform. The journey of these intellectual properties from one studio to another, and even across platforms, is a fascinating tale of creativity, ambition, and corporate maneuvering.

Ownership of video game intellectual properties can be complex, often involving various legal maneuvers and regulations. Iconic franchises such as Mario and God of War are generally safe from changing hands, but there are instances where ownership has been transferred to different entities. In some cases, this has happened after protracted legal disputes, while in others, the property was sold off when it was deemed unprofitable.

Despite the original creators, numerous well-known and adored video game intellectual properties (IPs) are no longer under the ownership of their initial development teams, showcasing the dynamic nature of the gaming industry. The legalities surrounding who owns what in gaming have historically been complex, and given the current state of these IPs, it seems unlikely that this will change in the near future. As a result of corporate mergers and acquisitions, these valuable IPs are increasingly distancing themselves from their origins.

7. Legacy Of Kain

Vampire Adventure Series Changed Hands Following A Legal Battle

After wrapping up “Blood Omen” for the PlayStation 1, the “Legacy of Kain” intellectual property found itself embroiled in intense legal disputes between Crystal Dynamics and Silicon Knights regarding who had the right to develop a sequel. Eventually, the rights were secured by Crystal Dynamics, leading them to create “Soul Reaver” for the PlayStation 1. Over time, the ownership of the IP shifted among several different entities, with Square Enix eventually gaining control through their merger with Eidos.

Following Square Enix struggling to launch several projects, the Legend of Kain intellectual property lingered in an uncertain state, mirroring the fate of its main character Raziel. In 2022, Square Enix transferred most of its Western division, including Eidos and the Legend of Kain IP, to Embracer Group. This franchise has experienced numerous changes in ownership, but the latest sale has led to a remarkable remaster of the first two Soul Reaver games, hinting that this cherished series might be under capable management at last.

6. Fallout

Post-Apocalyptic RPG Is Now Owned By Microsoft Following The Acquisition Of ZeniMax Media

Even though Black Isle Studios was immersed in the development of a 3D sequel titled Van Buren, the Fallout series was on the brink of a significant transformation. The publisher, Interplay Entertainment, who held the rights to the Fallout intellectual property, were facing severe financial difficulties due to a string of failures. This predicament eventually led them to sell the IP to Bethesda, a company renowned for crafting massive, captivating open-world experiences, who would take over the series’ direction moving forward.

The popular game series, Fallout, flourished under Bethesda Softworks due to its unique depictions of post-apocalyptic America and retro-futuristic themes, which are among the finest games ever produced. Interestingly, because of a prolonged partnership that began with them publishing Morrowind on the original Xbox, Fallout was about to relocate again. This time, Microsoft purchased ZeniMax Media, Bethesda’s parent company, for an astonishing 7.5 billion dollars, making Fallout one of Microsoft’s new possessions. Now, Todd Howard has confirmed that a fifth installment in the Fallout franchise will be released after The Elder Scrolls 6.

5. Perfect Dark

Futuristic First-Person Shooter Franchise Was Purchased By Microsoft After Rare Acquisition

During the 1990s, Rare nurtured a captivating partnership with Nintendo, creating some of the decade’s most adored games and solidifying their position as a key player in Nintendo’s inventory. Many of their remarkable collaborations unfolded on the Nintendo 64 console, where Rare developed games such as “Conker’s Bad Fur Day” and the critically acclaimed “Perfect Dark”. This first-person shooter set in science fiction drew inspiration from popular media of the time, like “The X-Files” and “Blade Runner”, to shape its grim portrayal of the future.

Four years down the line, with Rare facing survival difficulties, an intense competition ensued among Nintendo, Microsoft, and Activision to acquire them. Ultimately, Microsoft presented a tempting 375 million dollar deal, leading to their purchase of Rare. This acquisition also included all IPs that weren’t previously owned by Nintendo. Thus, Joanna Dark now falls under the ownership of Microsoft. Despite the rocky start of Perfect Dark Zero, she is set for a grand return on the Xbox Series X and S.

4. Tomb Raider

Legendary Explorer Is No Longer Owned By Eidos Interactive

Following its rise to become one of the ’90s most powerful gaming franchises, Tomb Raider earned legendary status within the industry. Lara Croft’s distinctive mix of charm and courage made her an influential feminist symbol in gaming. However, even the indomitable Lara Croft couldn’t withstand the harshness of business matters, as Tomb Raider was taken over by Square Enix after they acquired Eidos Interactive in 2009.

2013 saw me, as a film enthusiast, witness the rejuvenation of the iconic Tomb Raider franchise by Square Enix. This reboot, known as the Survivor Trilogy, beautifully reimagined Lara Croft for contemporary audiences. The trilogy was met with remarkable success and positive reviews, but in 2022, Square Enix decided to redirect its focus, selling its Western division to Embracer Group. Over time, ownership of the Lara Croft franchise has changed hands several times, yet she continues to thrive. Now, an anime series is streaming on Netflix, and a fresh installment using Unreal Engine 5 is in production, ensuring that the adventure of Lara Croft remains thrilling for generations to come.

3. Red Dead

Struggling Western Project Was Acquired By Rockstar In 2002

As a dedicated cinephile of cinema, I must share some fascinating insights about the Wild West shooter series known as Red Dead. Originally, this successful franchise was nestled under the wings of Angel Studios, who were meticulously crafting Red Dead Revolver for Capcom. However, due to certain creative differences, Capcom felt discontent with the project. That’s when Rockstar Games, with their eyes on expanding their portfolio with a Western-themed franchise, swooped in and acquired both Angel Studios and the Red Dead intellectual property in 2002. This strategic move paved the way for the extraordinary games that we now associate with the Red Dead series.

In 2004, Rockstar San Diego, formerly known as Angel Studios, completed the game Red Dead Revolver. It’s intriguing to ponder that one of the gaming industry’s most esteemed franchises didn’t initially belong to its current owner. Over time, Rockstar would transform Red Dead into a truly exceptional series. The thoughtful portrayal of a decaying American Frontier in Red Dead Redemption 1 and its sequel has contributed significantly to some of gaming’s most significant narratives. This grand journey began with the acquisition of a struggling project.

2. Crash Bandicoot

90s Platformer Icon Now Owned By Microsoft After Activision-Blizzard Purchase

After achieving success on the PS1 with three games, the Crash Bandicoot series ventured onto other platforms such as Nintendo and Microsoft systems. Although closely tied to the original developers Naughty Dog, the intellectual property (IP) was actually under Universal Interactive Studios. Over time, they hired various skilled teams to create additional Crash games. In 2003, Universal Interactive Studios transformed into Vivendi Games.

After Vivendi merged with Activision-Blizzard in 2008, the Crash Bandicoot franchise took a lengthy break following the release of “Mind Over Mutant”. However, in 2017, fans rejoiced as a remastered version of the first three games was released. In 2020, they were thrilled again with a new mainline game. More recently, in 2023, Microsoft acquired Activision-Blizzard, making Crash Bandicoot part of their collection. The ownership of Crash and his companions has gone through various changes over the years, and although there have been whispers of a new project, for now, he remains idle.

1. Death Stranding

Kojima Productions Has Acquired The IP From Sony

After his high-profile split with Konami in 2015, Hideo Kojima departed the company after the launch of The Phantom Pain. In the same year, he established his own studio. With backing from Sony and the Decima Engine given to him by Guerrilla Games, Kojima developed the thought-provoking, sci-fi thriller Death Stranding. This grim portrayal of mankind’s future was exclusive to PlayStation, as the IP belonged to Sony.

Initially, the game “Death Stranding” was only under Sony’s control and had a PC release, but this changed in 2024 when Kojima Productions acquired the IP. Subsequently, “Death Stranding” appeared on Xbox Series X and S for the first time, indicating that Kojima fully owned his team’s efforts. Although its sequel, “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach,” hasn’t specified the Xbox as a potential platform yet, it seems likely that the game will expand to other systems in the future.

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2024-12-27 15:34