Amazon Games has signed an agreement with Crystal Dynamics to support the development and publication of the next major Tomb Raider game running on Unreal Engine 5.
The two companies announced the partnership today, December 15, saying that “an agreement has been reached whereby Crystal Dynamics will develop a new multi-platform Tomb Raider title, with Amazon Games providing full support and publishing the game worldwide.”
The game in question is a next-generation Tomb Raider announced in April 2022. Crystal Dynamics, which was acquired by Embracer Group in August, noted that the acquisition allowed for more unconventional publishing agreements such as the deal with Amazon.
“Crystal Dynamics has an exceptional opportunity following its acquisition by Embracer to redefine the publishing relationship for Tomb Raider,” said Scott Amos, President, Crystal Dynamics.
“Change is what we’re looking for, and through Amazon Games, we’ve found a team that shares our creative vision, ambitions, and values for Lara Croft’s world across a range of possibilities. They are in a unique position to re-write and collaboratively develop what has been published, and we are keen to pave the way. “Together, this new game, starting to build the biggest and best Tomb Raider game yet.”
A relatively vague description of the new game has also been shared, although it basically matches what players can expect from the next Crystal Dynamics game. “The new yet-untitled Tomb Raider game is a single-player, narrative-driven adventure that continues the story of Lara Croft in the Tomb Raider series.
“Incorporates all the elements that have made Tomb Raider one of gaming’s most revered franchises, putting players in control of confident, multidimensional heroine Lara Croft in an environment that rewards creative exploration and research, with engaging puzzles to solve, and a variety of enemies to encounter and overcome.”
“Crystal Dynamics builds on the power and cutting-edge technology of Unreal Engine 5 to take storytelling to the next level in the biggest, most intense Tomb Raider game yet. The title is currently in development, with more details to come. announced later.”
Not much will be said regarding the game, and given that it’s still in early development, it’ll likely be some time before Crystal Dynamics, Embracer, or Amazon Games are involved.
In our 9/10 review of the previous game, IGN said: “Shadow of the Tomb Raider delivers a solid conclusion to Lara Croft’s original trilogy.”
Ryan Dinsdale is a freelance translator at IGN and works on behalf of the UK News Editor. He’ll talk regarding the witch all day.