In 1974, Tobe Hooper introduced horror fans around the world to a killer unlike any other – Leatherface, from The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The film – often cited as one of the greatest horror films ever made – spawned a multi-million-dollar franchise that continues to this day. More recently, the film has become embroiled in a legal battle over its intellectual property rights.
However, publisher Devolver Digital seems confident that The Texas Chain Saw Massacre won’t suffer the same fate as Friday the 13th when it comes to IP licensing. Devolver Digital acquired the original chain saw massacre movie and its sequels in 2020 and plans to bring the property back to life with a variety of new gaming initiatives and products.
Speaking at a recent Devolver Digital panel at PAX East, CEO Mike Wilson said the company’s goal is to “give fans and developers a legitimate, consistent, and award-winning opportunity to create across the entire Bavaverse and Texas Chain Saw Massacre universe.” The company also plans to continue the franchise by creating new content, working directly with original members of the films’ cast and crew.
Unlike Friday the 13th, where the rights to the IP were split between various parties, Wilson believes that they will have an easier time building a franchise with The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. He believes that because the rights to the property are held by one entity, they can avoid the drawn-out legal process that was seen with Friday the 13th.
Though the IP battle concerning Friday the 13th was a long and arduous fight, Devolver Digital seems committed to staying ahead of any potential issues for its own franchise by “continuously giving bran fans great content so that we can keep IP disputes at bay.”
Overall, it’s encouraging to see a publisher take an aggressive stance with regards to IP licensing, especially when it comes to properties as beloved as The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. With Devolver Digital’s commitment to the franchise, fans can expect more great content in the years to come.
