It's been revealed today that Crystal Dynamics will be partnering with Amazon Games to release the next game in the beloved Tomb Raider series, and we've also been treated to a few details about what to expect in the process.
The game will be a "multiplatform" release to be published globally by Amazon, with Crystal Dynamics Head of Studio Scot Amos unveiling plans to create the "biggest and best Tomb Raider game yet":
“Crystal Dynamics has an extraordinary opportunity following our acquisition by Embracer to redefine what a publishing relationship is for Tomb Raider."
“Transformative is what we’re looking for, and with Amazon Games, we found a team that shares our creative vision, ambitions, and values for a Lara Croft universe across the spectrum of possibilities. They’re uniquely positioned to rewrite what publishing and development collaborations are, and we’re eager to forge this new path together, starting with building the biggest and best Tomb Raider game yet!”
The official press release confirms that the next Tomb Raider will once again be a "single-player, narrative-driven adventure that continues Lara Croft’s story", focused on exploration and creative pathfinding, "mind-bending puzzles to solve", and of course, plenty of enemies to defeat.
It's also mentioned that the new Tomb Raider is being built using Unreal Engine 5.
"Crystal Dynamics is drawing on the power and cutting-edge technology of Unreal Engine 5 to take storytelling to the next level, in the biggest, most expansive Tomb Raider game to date. The title is currently in early development, and additional details will be announced at a later date."
As referenced in the quote, the new Tomb Raider is still in an early development phase, so it sounds like we're still at least a couple of years away from playing it ourselves. Even so, our hype levels are pretty high for this one already!