Microsoft and Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics announced at Gamescom today that Rise of the Tomb Raider will be an Xbox exclusive title. Available both on Xbox 360 and Xbox One, Rise of the Tomb Raider will be released in the holiday season of 2015.
The reveal trailer at E3 this summer did not allude to any platform exclusivity, so this deal may have still been in the works at that time. Head of Crystal Dynamics Studios Darrell Gallagher published an open letter to the community explaining the deal after many complaints from Playstation and PC players:
“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.”
He also went on to note, “This doesn’t mean that we’re walking away from our fans who only play on PlayStation or on PC.” Temple of Osiris is coming to all platforms in December and Tomb Raider: The Definitive Edition is available for Playstation 4.
To me, this sounds like a purely political move. This has very little to do with the branding of Tomb Raider. IT most likely has a lot to do with a buyout from Microsoft to help boost their Xbox One sales.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
