Deus Ex is a very popular series, but it hasn't really broken past its cult favorite status, and it really should be seen as more than that. The series has been around for a long time and is innovative, to say the least. If more players gave the series a chance, they would likely fall in love with it.

While many of us would like to see Deus Ex come back to beat Cyberpunk 2077, it is not likely to happen. The series is in real jeopardy, and it doesn't seem like it will see a resurgence in the near future. However, the last game in the series would be loved more widely if more people gave it a chance.

Deus Ex Mankind Divided Deserves More Love

More People Should Try Mankind Divided

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided doesn’t get as much attention as the game that came before it (Human Revolution), but it’s an incredible immersive simulation that deserves more praise. While it carries over the same core ideas as its well-loved predecessor, Mankind Divided improves and adds to them, making it far better. The best thing about the game is how much freedom it gives the player.

When players take control of Adam Jensen, they're given the tools and options to handle almost every situation in multiple ways. It’s not just about choosing between sneaking or fighting—Mankind Divided offers a huge variety of choices within each playstyle. The gameplay mixes stealth, action, and social manipulation in a natural and engaging way. Stealth isn’t just about staying out of sight; it’s ing the environment, hacking into systems with Jensen’s upgrades, tricking guards, and creating distractions.

While Mankind Divided was well-received by players, it wasn't a bestseller by any stretch of the imagination. Combined, Mankind Divided and Human Revolution sold 12 million copies.

The cover system works smoothly, letting you move easily and take down enemies with precision. Fighting is always an option, but I like the stealth a lot better than fighting because it is well done. Even still, shooting feels powerful, and melee takedowns are brutal and satisfying, so sometimes going in guns or fists blazing is just as fun. The combat in Mankind Divided proves that Deus Ex really has become the definitive cyberpunk experience.

The main location, Prague, is a gorgeous cyberpunk city where old-world architecture mixes with futuristic tech. The city is alive, packed with things to interact with, hidden secrets, and side missions to discover. Every area is like a playground of possibilities, rewarding players who take the time to explore. The levels aren’t just straight paths from one objective to the next—they’re complex, full of different routes, secret paths, and creative ways to complete goals.

While Mankind Divided’s story might not be as big as Human Revolution’s, it’s still gripping. It deals with serious themes like discrimination and social conflict, putting players in tough moral situations. The world feels real, with different groups, hidden plots, and political schemes that make you want to dig deeper. The side missions aren’t just filler—they’re fully developed stories with their own twists, multiple ways to solve them, and consequences you might not expect. It's a game that's really worth trying out if you haven't.

There Are Some Pitches Reportedly Going Out

The Developer Hasn't Given Up On The Series Yet

Despite the closure of studios, Eidos-Montréal hasn't given up on trying to resurrect the Deus Ex franchise. Insider Gaming reports the studio is actively pitching a new Deus Ex game to various publishers and external partners. However, these pitches have yet to yield any firm commitments. I suspect the main issue is the series is well-known, but tends to be seen as a cyberpunk game that will only interest those who like that genre.

Some publishers may also see the Deus Ex franchise as "too niche" in the current market landscape, a perception that underestimates the dedicated fanbase but reflects the prevailing industry focus on broader appeal and all but guaranteed returns. Following up the poorly selling Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, the last mainline entry in the series, is no doubt seen as a major financial risk, especially in trying times.

While Mankind Divided was well-received by players, but it wasn't a best seller by any stretch of the imagination. While Deus Ex does a lot of things better than Cyberpunk 2077, not being a top bestseller may cast a long shadow over the viability of a new installment in the eyes of potential investors. It takes a lot of money to develop a game when everything is going right, and this is a risk, especially with Embracer Group controlling Eidos-Montreal.

While the new Deus Ex project being pitched is explicitly distinct from the title Embracer Group canceled in early 2024, Embracer's decisions may be seen as a risk to other publishers. While it may seem like the investment being made revolves around the game, it's actually very dependent on the team itself. Eidos-Montreal and Embracer Group may have more luck selling the IP away than trying to get a company to invest in Eidos-Montreal.

The Future of Deus Ex Doesn't Look Bright

Deus Ex Is In Limbo For Now

The Deus Ex series started out as a groundbreaking leader in immersive simulation games. It was a game to beat when the originals were released, but times have changed. The series is now in a risky and uncertain spot, which isn't going away anytime soon. Fans have been waiting for a new game since Deus Ex: Mankind Divided came out in 2016, hoping to see more of Adam Jensen’s story and the series’ unique mix of deep storytelling, interactive gameplay, and futuristic cyberpunk settings.

The Deus Ex series seems stuck where it is. Even if Eidos-Montreal had a great idea, the company still exists in the shadow of Embracer Group. It is as if the studio is asking publishers to invest in a developer whose parent company keeps shrinking. Pair this with the "niche" status the series tends to be shackled weith, and it's not hard to see why Deus Ex may not see another entry until the IP is sold to another studio.

The gaming industry is also shifting toward games that have easy ways to make money. Live-service titles and multiplayer with purchaseable customization could make it hard to sell a single-player game like Deus Ex, which would aim for short-term sales, but that's not to say it can't be done. Similar titles like the Hitman series and Cyberpunk 2077 have been successful, proving this type of game isn’t the problem.

Publishers might think investing in the series is too risky because it may not reach a wide enough audience. With Eidos-Montréal facing layoffs and struggling to get publishers interested in new projects, the real question is whether Deus Ex can make a comeback or will remain a beloved series from the past.

Source: Insider Gaming