Microsoft made a very surprising announcement at Gamescom today, as they revealed that the former multi-platform Tomb Raider series (which sold more on PlayStation) will be exclusive to Xbox.
As you may know, Tomb Raider was a very successful reboot of the classic series that had originally been a PlayStation exclusive for many years. Developer Crystal Dynamics released the reboot on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2013, while following that with a remastered “Definitive Edition” on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Crystal Dynamics’ Head of Product Development Darrell Gallagher said the following in a post on tumblr:
“Dear Tomb Raider Community,
As you may have seen, we’ve just announced that Rise of the Tomb Raider, coming Holiday 2015, is exclusively on Xbox. We consider all of you to be the lifeblood of Tomb Raider and the work we do at Crystal. I’d like to give you some insight into this decision, and why we feel this is the very best thing for the Tomb Raider sequel we’re creating at the studio.
Tomb Raider in 2013 was a success due in large part to your continued support. Our goal has always been to deliver something truly special with Rise of the Tomb Raider. Today’s announcement with Microsoft is one step to help us put Tomb Raider on top of action adventure gaming. Our friends at Microsoft have always seen huge potential in Tomb Raider and have believed in our vision since our first unveil with them on their stage at E3 2011. We know they will get behind this game more than any support we have had from them in the past – we believe this will be a step to really forging the Tomb Raider brand as one of the biggest in gaming, with the help, belief and backing of a major partner like Microsoft.
This doesn’t mean that we’re walking away from our fans who only play on PlayStation or on PC. Those are great systems, with great partners, and amazing communities. We have Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris coming to those platforms this December, and Tomb Raider: The Definitive Edition is available on PS4.
We know that there are probably many more questions and concerns. Please do send them to us, and we’ll answer to the best of our ability. Meanwhile we’re going all out to try and make something truly special – the most ambitious Tomb Raider game ever built.
Thanks,
Darrell Gallagher, Crystal Dynamics Head of Studios
There is no question that this is a huge deal for Xbox. Rise of the Tomb Raider is shaping up to be one of the most highly-anticipated games, and the fact that Xbox will have it exclusively will give them a big boost. There’s still the potential that the game may be a timed exclusive, but even if that is the case it still gives Xbox a big boasting point over PlayStation. I haven’t played the definitive version of the game yet, but I did play the reboot on PlayStation 3 and thought the game was a blast. If Crystal Dynamics delivers something as good or better than that game, the Xbox will have a big smile on their face come Holiday 2015.