According to Bloomberg, the unannounced third mainline entry in the Deus Ex series was in the works for two years and was scheduled to enter production later this year.

However, Eidos Montreal has decided to shift its focus towards creating an original franchise instead. While the studio released a statement on Twitter addressing the recent layoffs, they did not provide any official comment on the reported cancellation of the Deus Ex game. The statement cited the global economic context, industry challenges, and Embracer's comprehensive restructuring as factors influencing the difficult decision to let go of 97 employees from various departments, including development teams, administration, and support services.

Embracer Group, the parent company of Eidos Montreal, has been actively restructuring its portfolio following the breakdown of its rumored $2 billion deal with the Saudi-backed Savvy Games Group. Several studios, including Saints Row developer Volition and Timesplitters developer Free Radical Design, have been shut down by Embracer Group. Additionally, Piranha Bytes, the developer behind Elex, is currently facing uncertainty, with rumors circulating about a potential closure and struggles in finding a partner for their next project.

Embracer Group acquired Eidos Montreal from Square Enix in 2022, gaining ownership of popular franchises like Tomb Raider and Deus Ex. The company expressed enthusiasm about exploring the potential of a new IP, including the possibility of remakes, sequels, and remasters. While speculation about a new Deus Ex game has circulated for some time, voice actor Elias Toufexis, known for his role as protagonist Adam Jensen, revealed that he has not been contacted about reprising his role.

The latest installment in the Deus Ex franchise, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, was released in 2016 to critical acclaim. IGN's review praised the game's layered and intelligent design, rewarding players' curiosity and creativity.

As Embracer Group continues its restructuring program, the fate of its studios and ongoing projects remains uncertain. The gaming community eagerly awaits further updates on Eidos Montreal's plans for their original franchise and the future of the beloved Deus Ex series.

George Yang, a seasoned freelance writer who has contributed to notable publications such as Insider, Kotaku, NPR, and Variety, has been closely following industry developments since 2019. When he's not writing about video games, George can be found immersing himself in the very games he covers. Stay updated with his work by following him on Twitter @Yinyangfooey.