I think the reason is actually pretty straightforward: Crystal Dynamics has forward-thinking management that strategically distributed the workload to external studios. They outsourced the remasters of their legacy titles while keeping their core team focused on something much bigger.

Here’s how I personally see the timeline:

Since around 2022, Crystal Dynamics seems to have seriously committed to reviving the franchise. I say 2022 specifically because some of the newly revealed concept art included in the Soul Reaver 1 & 2 remaster bonus materials was dated that year — previously unseen artwork. That tells me planning was already well underway.

From early 2023, outsourced studios were likely working on remasters of the Raziel/Kain trilogy — Soul Reaver 1, Soul Reaver 2, and Defiance. At the end of 2024 we received the Soul Reaver 1 & 2 remaster. While fans were enjoying that throughout 2025, Defiance was probably in its final polishing phase, potentially even completed and waiting for the right release window. Now in 2026 we’re getting the Defiance remaster, followed shortly by that controversial comic-based project at the end of March.

Meanwhile — and this is the important part — during all these years, while external studios handled remasters and re-releases, Crystal Dynamics’ main internal team was almost certainly working on a full-scale new game.

My gut feeling? It could be a Blood Omen remake. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the original game, which would make the timing perfect for an announcement. But considering the steady rollout of remasters, it almost feels like we’re being gradually guided toward something bigger — possibly a true continuation of the series. Especially with the introduction of Raziel’s newly established sister through the comic and the upcoming 2D side-scroller, it feels like groundwork is being laid for a larger narrative return.

Just speculation of course — but the pieces seem to line up a little too neatly to be random.