Embracer Group explores new partnerships for franchises like Saints Row and Deus Ex

Embracer Group has announced plans to split into two separate companies in 2027: Fellowship Entertainment and Embracer. Fellowship Entertainment will focus on some of the company’s biggest entertainment IP, including franchises like Lord of the Rings and Tomb Raider. Alongside those major properties, there is also room for other titles such as Saints Row, Legacy of Kain, Deus Ex, Red Faction, The Mask, Thief, and TimeSplitters.

Embracer’s future direction

According to Embracer chairman Lars Wingefors, Fellowship Entertainment will actively explore external partnerships for these well-known IP. That could be encouraging news for fans of franchises that have largely faded from the spotlight in recent years. Wingefors said the focus will be on finding opportunities for AAA franchises, and that working with outside developers could help bring these popular series back to life.

Saints Row and its current status

The most recent release in the Saints Row franchise arrived in 2022, with a reboot that received mixed reactions from fans and critics. In February 2026, Saints Row director Chris Stockman said he believes the franchise is dead, after Embracer ignored his attempts to revive the series. Despite that bleak outlook, there is now a glimmer of hope that the franchise could get another chance through external partnerships.

The future of Deus Ex and other franchises

The Deus Ex franchise has also had a turbulent history under Embracer. The most recent attempt to develop a new game, which had been in the works for several years, was shelved in 2024. That led to frustration among fans, with Deus Ex lead actor Elias Toufexis calling Embracer a "psychopath" over the lack of progress. In recent years, both Deus Ex and Saints Row have struggled to hold Embracer’s attention, but the latest partnership talks may offer a new path forward for these beloved franchises.

Embracer’s strategic changes and what they could mean

With Fellowship Entertainment set to spin off and list on Nasdaq in 2027, the company is expected to sharpen its focus on what it sees as "underappreciated" IP. Wingefors has said the goal is to accelerate the release cadence, with at least two games per year targeted from fiscal 2027/2028 onward. The aim is to maximize the value of the IP and increase investor interest.

In the meantime, Embracer’s plans remain uncertain. While some franchises have been shelved, the possibility remains that they could be revisited. Fans can only hope that efforts to secure new partnerships will bring fresh momentum to franchises like Saints Row, Deus Ex, and TimeSplitters.