Amazon Games has signed an agreement with Crystal Dynamics to support the development and publication of an upcoming Tomb Raider main game made in Unreal Engine 5.
The companies announced the partnership today, December 15, saying they have “entered an agreement whereby Crystal Dynamics will develop a new cross-platform Tomb Raider title, with Amazon Games providing full support and publishing the game globally.” completely.”
The game in question is a next-gen Tomb Raider that was announced in April 2022. Crystal Dynamics, which was acquired by Embracer Group in August, noted that the acquisition enabled more unconventional publishing deals such as the one with Amazon.
“Crystal Dynamics has a tremendous opportunity following our acquisition by Embracer to redefine the publishing relationship for Tomb Raider,” said Scott Amos, Director of 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. Rewrite what it means to co-publish and develop, and we look forward to charting this new cycle together, starting with creating the biggest and best Tomb Raider game yet. “
A relatively vague description of the new game has also been shared, though it’s mostly in line with what players can expect from the next Crystal Dynamics game. “The new yet-to-be-loaded Tomb Raider game is a single-player narrative 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 gaming’s most revered franchises, putting players in control of confident, interdimensional heroine Lara Croft in an environment that rewards exploration and creative pursuit. With mind-boggling puzzles to solve, and a variety of enemies to face and defeat.
Crystal Dynamics leverages the power and advanced technology of Unreal Engine 5 to take storytelling to the next level, in the largest and most comprehensive Tomb Raider game to date. The title is currently in development, with additional details to be announced at a later date.”
Not much has been said about the game, and given that it’s still in its infancy, it’ll likely take a little longer 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 ending to Lara Croft’s original trilogy.”
Ryan Dinsdale is a freelance editor and actor at IGN UK. He’ll be talking about The Witcher all day.