Tag: Crystal Dynamics

Key Takeaways

1. Fans have been waiting over seven years for a new Tomb Raider game since the release of Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
2. The new game, internally called “Black Diamond,” is being developed using Unreal Engine 5 and will merge timelines from the franchise’s three eras.
3. The anticipated release date for the new game is May 2026, but external factors like the launch of GTA 6 may impact this timeline.
4. An animated series is set to premiere on Netflix in October 2023, and a remastered collection of the LAU trilogy is expected on February 14, 2026.
5. There are mixed reactions to recent rumors about the new game and remaster, with some fans excited and others concerned about its direction.

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Tomb Raider has a huge fanbase globally, and these fans have been waiting for a new game for over seven years, ever since Shadow of the Tomb Raider was launched. During this time, different spin-off projects have come out, including a movie with Alicia Vikander released in 2018 and an animated series featuring Hayley Atwell that is set to air in 2024. However, a new game is currently being worked on.

Exciting Developments!

While details remain limited, we know that this new game is being developed using Unreal Engine 5 and is internally referred to as “Black Diamond.” Furthermore, it aims to merge the various timelines from the three eras of the franchise.

Recently, a rumor surfaced on the Tomb Raider Reddit community revealing some insights about the development team and the delays at Crystal Dynamics due to unexpected layoffs. Although the post was removed quickly, the Twitter account @RaidersSociety managed to capture a screenshot and share it with their followers.

Release Date in the Horizon

It was mentioned that the upcoming game has undergone a significant graphic update in 2023 and is now planned for an official release in May 2026. However, many gamers are also excitedly anticipating the launch of GTA 6, which may affect this timeline.

Additional news has also come to light. The animated series is set to premiere on Netflix this October, and filming for the live-action reboot with Amazon Prime Video is scheduled to begin in July. A remastered collection of the LAU trilogy is expected to be released on February 14, 2026.

Cautious Optimism

Even though this information suggests positive progress, it should be taken with a grain of salt. There are inaccuracies in this document, as noted by GAMINGbible. For starters, the remaster’s release date falls on a Saturday, which is unusual for a video game and seems unlikely.

Moreover, the document claims the live-action reboot will be a movie when it has been confirmed to be a series. Despite this, reactions to the rumors vary. One user expressed excitement over the remaster of the LAU trilogy, saying, “I can sleep easy, Aspyr and LAU, let’s go, I can live with that.” Meanwhile, another user shared their concerns: “I was really hoping they would inject more classic Tomb Raider into the new game, but if they’re trying to reach more mainstream audiences, I can already see the cinematic game that feels like I’ve played it a dozen times before.”

In any event, we will need to wait for official updates from Crystal Dynamics, especially during the upcoming summer conferences.

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Key Takeaways

1. Recent remastered editions of the first six Tomb Raider games have been released, but the last main entry, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, came out in 2018.
2. Crystal Dynamics announced a new Tomb Raider project in 2022, with little information since then, but signs suggest it may be nearing completion.
3. A job listing for a Senior Level Designer indicates focus on puzzle design for a new Tomb Raider title, hinting at development progress.
4. Strike teams, which handle late-stage development issues, are being formed, suggesting the game is in its final development phases.
5. Rumors suggest the new Tomb Raider could be unveiled in 2026, coinciding with the franchise’s 30th anniversary, with a possible reveal at the Summer Game Fest.

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Recent remastered editions of Tomb Raider have brought back the first six games for players. However, the latest main entry, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, was released back in 2018. In 2022, Crystal Dynamics announced a new project, but there have only been whispers about its development since then. Yet, despite the lack of updates, it seems the new Tomb Raider installment might be nearing completion more quickly than expected. A new job listing has surfaced that refers to a strike team, which typically deals with issues that arise during the later stages of development.

Job Posting Insights

A user on Reddit found the job ad and shared thoughts on its meaning within the Tomb Raider community. Crystal Dynamics is looking for a Senior Level Designer to lead these strike teams. The job listing highlights “puzzle design, ideally with third-person action-adventure games.” Given what the developers are currently working on, this suggests that the focus is indeed on a new Tomb Raider title.

Development Cycle Dynamics

Strike teams usually come into action in the final six months or sometimes even earlier before a game is launched. They tend to tackle technical challenges that other teams might be facing. Tasks involve fixing bugs or enhancing the performance of game engines. The efficiency of these teams can significantly influence the timeline for a game’s release.

Crystal Dynamics hasn’t shared much information about its upcoming Tomb Raider game. However, it’s known that it will utilize Unreal Engine 5 and will be published by Amazon Games. Some rumors suggest that this game will continue the story of Lara Croft in an open-world environment, featuring motorcycles as a mode of transport.

Anticipation for Release

There are rumors floating around that the next Tomb Raider could be unveiled in 2026, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the franchise. Notable leaker NateTheHate2 hinted that the game might be revealed during the June 6th Summer Game Fest. The call for a strike team only heightens the excitement and impatience among fans for official announcements regarding the game.

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