Amazon Games has signed a deal with Crystal Dynamics to develop and publish the next major Tomb Raider game to be built on Unreal Engine 5.
The companies announced the partnership today, December 15, “and have reached an agreement for Crystal Dynamics to develop a new multiplatform Tomb Raider title with Amazon Games providing full support and publishing the game globally.”
The game in question is the next-gen Tomb Raider that was announced in April 2022. Crystal Dynamics, which was bought by Embracer Group in August, noted that the acquisition allowed for more non-traditional publishing deals, such as its deal with Amazon.
“Crystal Dynamics has an extraordinary opportunity following our acquisition of Embracer to redefine what a publishing relationship with Tomb Raider is,” said Scott Amos, president of Crystal Dynamics.
“What we’re looking for is transformational, and with Amazon Games, we’ve found a team that shares our creative vision, ambitions and values for the Lara Croft universe across the spectrum of possibilities. They’re uniquely positioned to rewrite publishing and publishing. Development collaborations, and we’re excited to forge this new path together by building the biggest and best Tomb Raider game yet.” .”
A relatively vague description of the new game was also shared, but it is consistent with what players can expect from Crystal Dynamics’ next game. “The yet-to-be-titled new Tomb Raider game is a single-player, narrative-driven adventure that continues the story of Lara Croft in the Tomb Raider series.
“It includes all the elements that have made Tomb Raider one of the most revered franchises in gaming, putting players in control of the confident and multifaceted protagonist Lara Croft in an environment that rewards exploration and creative pathfinding, mind-bending puzzles, and a variety of enemies to face and conquer.”
“Crystal Dynamics leverages the power of Unreal Engine 5 and cutting-edge technology to take storytelling to the next level in the biggest and most expansive Tomb Raider game yet. The title is currently in early stages, with more details to be announced at a later date.”
Not much else has been said about the game, and considering it’s still in early development, it’ll be a while before Crystal Dynamics, Embracer, or Amazon Games share more.
In our 9/10 review of the previous game, IGN said: “Shadow of the Tomb Raider offers a powerful finale to Lara Croft’s origin trilogy.”
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer and acting UK news editor. He talks about The Witcher all day.
