Following changes with Life is Strange creator Dontnod Entertainment, an industry insider has claimed Life is Strange: Before the Storm developer, Deck Nine, will now lead further development on the franchise. Yesterday, Dontnod revealed that Chinese holdings company Tencent acquired a minority stake in the firm, putting forth an investment of €30 million (approximately $36 million USD). Such a hefty financial deal will, in turn, allow the French company to further its self-publishing efforts.

This raises several questions about Dontnod's relationship with Life is Strange publisher and rights owner Square Enix. In November, Dontnod expanded its operations to Montréal, opening a new internal studio helmed by two key figures - executive producer Luc Baghadoust and creative director Michel Koch. Though the company as a whole had six projects in development at the time, presumably none of them were Life is Strange-related. Should the beloved series continue in any capacity, then, such responsibility could fall to Deck Nine, the crew behind the original entry's 2017 prequel.

Related: What Tell Me Why Could Learn From Life is Strange

According to a Twitter post from industry insider Emily Rogers, Square Enix and Dontnod went their separate ways long ago. Rogers claims the severed connection had "very little to do with" Dontnod's newfound partnership and financial dealings with Tencent. Regardless of the reasonings behind the supposed split, the tipster added that Square Enix is now placing Life is Strange: Before the Storm's Deck Nine in charge of the IP going forward. In its own report concerning the curious situation, Eurogamer said reaching out to the publisher for comment about Life is Strange's future home yielded no results.

Deck Nine's Before the Storm received a mostly positive response from critics, while fan reception seemed more mixed. The same holds true for Dontnod's work on Life is Strange 2. If Deck Nine is the property's new caretaker, it may very well be in good hands. At the very least, Before the Storm tried new things, adding in side activities like an engrossing D&D-style tabletop mini-game. But its narrative did falter in places, specifically with regards to pacing. Should Deck Nine take charge, then, here's to hoping the team paid close attention to the criticism leveled against its last Life is Strange endeavor.

Dontnod's most recent title, Twin Mirror, launched in December to little fanfare, months after its Xbox exclusive - Tell Me Why - landed with a thud. While Twin Mirror also seemed to lack impact upon release, the project boasted intriguing gameplay mechanics and concepts whose potential would be well served in another Dontnod-led venture.

Next: Square Enix Trademark Hints Crisis Core Will Finally Return To Spotlight

Source: Emily Rogers, Eurogamer