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Crystal Dynamics staffed for two projects, talks life post-Square Enix
"Essentially it's a partnership," Crystal Dynamics studio head Darrell Gallagher says about working with new owner Square Enix. "We're working really together with our parent company to make sure we're achieving our collective goals." Gallagher told Gamasutra that the new ownership leads to opportunities for sharing of history and technology. What is the new Square Enix-helmed Crystal doing now? It has the staff for two projects, including an in-house brand manager and public relations staff. Neither of those two potential projects are named, though Tomb Raider -- the franchise that the developer specifically focused its studio structure on last year -- did come up in the discussion. "What I can say is Tomb Raider, as a franchise, is absolutely part of the Crystal fabric," Gallagher said. "It's a key franchise and awesome to be part of... we're excited about what we've been exploring, and we're excited to share it with the fans at some point."
Welcome Wii-centric studio Judobaby to the world
Several old hands from Sony, Crystal Dynamics, Sega, and Capcom have unveiled their newest project, Wii-focused developer Judobaby, to the world. Just like a real baby, it's been in "stealth development" for around a year*, crafting its family-friendly first release as part of what the company says will be "a line of fun, humorous, 'pick-up & play' products." At the helm of the Redwood City, California firm is Dan Mueller, who last founded the now-dead BottleRocket. Its secret project is set to launch this year, and Gamasutra reports there's already talk of "a live-action motion picture tie-in." Subsequently, we hope that you will join with us and sign this petition, protesting the rumored film version of this game that we will some day care about a great deal, maybe. The time for action is later! (But we're getting a head start.) *Yes, we understand the gestation time for a typical human is nine months. Please stop messing up our joke.
Tomb Raider studio seeking multiplayer devs for 'AAA title development'
For the last few years, Crystal Dynamics has been pumping out nothing but Tomb Raider games. Normally we wouldn't lead a job listing post with such information, but when Crystal Dynamics says it's looking for developers who are "able to effectively create and lead the multiplayer vision and design effort," it gets us thinking that we could be tomb raiding with (against?) other actual human beings! Considering this year's layoffs, we're not convinced that the developer could be working on another "AAA title" in addition to the Tomb Raider franchise. Given the leaked images of a "reboot" and assurance from Eidos "Life President" Ian Livingstone that Lara's next installment will "reinvigorate the franchise," we're pretty confident that Crystal Dynamics is hard at work on whatever the next game in the TR series will be. For now though, we have a job listing and plenty of educated guesses. [Via CinemaBlend]
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, more PSone Classics rated by the ESRB
The ESRB has exposed a new round of PSone Classics for PS3 and PSP on its ratings site, including Naughty Dog creative director -- and Uncharted creator -- Amy Hennig's 32-bit opus, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver. Other titles recently rated for re-release via PlayStation network include Bomberman Party Edition, Fighting Force, Dirt Jockey and International Track & Field.After last week's deluge of classic PlayStation games gone downloadable on PSN, we were befuddled by the utter lack of any new additions with yesterday's update. We could very likely be looking at the next round in the list -- the only question is when Sony will push them out the digital distribution door.[Thanks, Dylan!]
After Tomb Raider, Toby Gard crafts consultancy business
Tomb Raider designer Toby Gard has told Gamesindustry.biz that his departure from Crystal Dynamics came at the right time -- and after realizing that no single man could control Lara Croft. "I think it's just something you have to learn to realise that there's no one person really in charge of what goes on with a character and they have a life of their own in the hands of the team," he said, noting that his passion for "rather expansive" games had not been extinguished quite yet.While Gard scouts for a team to assemble his next planned project, he hopes to make it big in the consultancy business, something he feels will only grow more crucial in a big games industry. "The way I see it is there's a lot of companies scaling up and down so much, letting everybody go at the end of projects, and then having their core teams do pre-production and all this kind of stuff and it's not really working out the way it should be," he explained. "It seems like the industry wants to move to a more Hollywood model by bringing in experts for shorter periods of time and then leveraging their outsourcing, but also building small teams for projects."His desire to provide a guiding hand (or a stern word) in a less embedded position likely comes from experience on his last title, Tomb Raider Underworld, which prompted several high-profile layoffs after release.
Toby Gard off again with Lara, Crystal Dynamics
Toby Gard has had a hot-and-cold relationship with Lara Croft from the beginning. After helping to create the character at Core, he returned to help relaunch the series with Legend, before directing the cutscenes for Underworld. In June, his LinkedIn profile revealed that he'd been working on a a secret, unannounced project since January; one that we speculated was his latest engagement with the gun-toting adventurer. It seems it's not to be, though. As Develop discovered, Gard's LinkedIn profile again tells the tale: He left the company this month to open his own consultancy business. At this point, we don't know if the project dies with his career at Crystal Dynamics, as both Gard and the development team have refrained from elaborating on recent events. [Image credit]
Former Tomb Raider director discusses highs and lows of Underworld
Meant to conclude the trilogy that began with the franchise's crucial and critically well-received reboot, Tomb Raider: Underworld ended not only Lara Croft's search for her mystically misplaced mother, but Eric Lindstrom's stint as creative director at Crystal Dynamics. He's spoken out on some elements of Underworld's development before -- particularly with regards to its two DLC expansions -- but a postmortem published on Gamasutra features a complete account of his work on the game. While Lindstrom points out many of the game's successes in terms of design and play mechanics, he admits that several unforeseen factors took a significant bite out of time that was initially set aside for polishing. Getting a shared technology base in place proved unexpectedly difficult, and "acts of god" seemed to target the team, tragically taking the life of the lead level designer during the first half of production. Eidos may have expressed disappointment in Underworld's sales, but the now Square Enix-owned publisher is rumored to be at work on a new direction for the franchise, overseen by original Tomb Raider designer Toby Gard.
Rumor: Leaked photos tease Tomb Raider reboot (Update)
Update: We were contacted by Nielsen Entertainment to remove the leaked image, and we obliged (though at this point, a good Google search will help you find what you're looking for). They also asked us to remove the story, adding just a little bit more credence to the rumor. Considering the source, we're guessing the images were part of a Nielsen poll to see how people would react to Lara's new look, and to see what they thought of the few gameplay details which were revealed. For what it's worth, we think it sounds awesome! Original story is below.We're usually pretty hesitant when it comes to accepting the testimony of moles at face value, but this story's got a bit of credibility -- some underground agent, working in conjunction with Four Player Co-Op, snagged some supposed screengrabs of concept art and details for a new Tomb Raider game. According to the text accompanying the art, Lara's new adventure will be open-world, will feature a reworked combat system and -- most importantly -- will serve as an origin story for the young heiress.Anonymity breeds contempt in the gaming news world -- however, this report is supported by four pieces of news that have dropped in the past two months: Eidos' president said the next Tomb Raider game will "reinvigorate the franchise." Crystal Dynamics is hiring folks to work on an installment in a "AAA franchise." Toby Gard, the series' creator, is leading a design group for an "unannounced project." Eidos is terrible at keeping its secret games under wraps.
Tomb Raider creator designing mysterious new game at Crystal Dynamics
Toby Gard, creator of Tomb Raider and Lara Croft, is the lead designer at Crystal Dynamics. Well, actually, he has been since January 2009. But the transition from "game consultant" (on Tomb Raider: Legend) to "director of cinematics" to this new role went unnoticed until today, when a member of the unofficial Tomb Raider Forums noticed the change in Gard's LinkedIn profile. Gard lists his current responsibility as "leading a design group for an unannounced project." Now, this could be pretty much anything; but it's probably the next Tomb Raider. The series is getting another reboot, Crystal Dynamics has been staffing up to develop a new game in "one of the most prestigious AAA franchises in the industry" and, well, who'd honestly be better suited? But, as of now, we must simply go with "unannounced project" (a.k.a. Tomb Raider). [Image]
Crystal Dynamics hiring for an 'AAA' game
Current Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics hasn't had much good news to report, with much of its workforce laid off, and disappointing sales of Tomb Raider Underworld. However, a job listing posted on Gamasutra's job search site reveals that the company is still at work, bringing in at least one new hire for something big."Crystal Dynamics has a rare opening for a Senior Art Director on one of the most prestigious AAA franchises in the industry," the listing opens. The obvious, exciting conclusion to be inferred from the fact that Crystal Dynamics is working on a new big-budget franchise game: Gex is coming back. We suppose there's also the remote possibility that it could beTomb Raider.[Via Develop]
Crystal Dynamics lays off another 25
Eidos has confirmed that another 25 employees have been let go from Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics. The publisher told Kotaku that the decision is a "reflection of the continued drive to focus resources at the studio."This latest round of layoffs follows the confirmed forced departure of approximately 30 employees. At that time, the belief was that the firings had to do with Eidos' dissappointment with Tomb Raider Underworld's sales. This latest round likely has more to do with Square Enix's acquisition of Eidos and the publisher trying to figure out what to do with Crystal Dynamics, which currently has no announced titles.
Lara's Underworld adventure goes budget in the UK
According to Tomb Raider Chronicles, Eidos has announced that Tomb Raider Underworld has become part of the Xbox 360 Classics range as well as PS3 Platinum Hits in the UK. The upshot here is that both the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions should now be available for a mere £19.99. We've contacted Eidos to see if the new price applies to all PAL regions and if North America will see any budget love.Considering Eidos was disappointed in the game's sales in North America and the game enjoyed relative success in the UK, we're not holding our breath.
Livingstone: Kane & Lynch 2 aimed for Sept., more Hitman, Tomb Raider en route
In Mumbai for the Golden Cursor Animation Awards, recently appointed Eidos "life president" Ian Livingstone sat down with the folks at GamingIndians and spilled a full bag of beans. Unsurprisingly, he says the Square Enix acquisition was "a great deal in many ways" and that the various Eidos development studios would remain largely independent. "It's great news for the brand and for the people," he says. And also, apparently, great for sequels, as Livingstone confirms work on the next Hitman game, a sequel to Kane & Lynch currently targeted for a September release date and -- big shock! -- a re-imagining of Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider series. "The next Tomb Raider, I think, will surprise a lot of people and reinvigorate the franchise," Livingstone notes, stressing the relevance of game characters in mainstream media these days. Incidentally, he more than intimates that Eidos Montreal is working on Thief 4, though now we know that to be a fact -- the "worst kept secret in the industry," in fact.
Joystiq Review: Tomb Raider Underworld: Lara's Shadow (DLC)
Acting as a cracked mirror, reflecting the obsession and ruthlessness that has come to envelop Lara Croft in her most recent adventures, the Doppelganger makes for an interesting choice of protagonist for Tomb Raider Underworld's second downloadable expansion. As Lara's shadow so curtly explains, she's an exact duplicate of Tomb Raider's lithe leading lady -- minus all the flaws. Unfortunately, Lara's Shadow is anything but, serving only to highlight and exacerbate one of the biggest problems that has plagued the Tomb Raider series since its inception. It's vaguely appalling that developer Crystal Dynamics has managed to introduce even more combat this time around, even after removing most of Lara's guns.
'Lara's Shadow' out today, new trailer heaps on the drama
Hot on the (high) heels of last week's developer documentary, Eidos has released the first "official" trailer for Tomb Raider: Underworld's second -- and, presumably, final -- 360-exclusive DLC expansion, "Lara's Shadow." The add-on mission is out today for 800 ($10) and the rest of this post is one big spoiler, so turn back ye who do not wish things ... spoiled.The footage -- dubbed the "final trailer," despite being the only trailer, but whatevs -- shows a whole lot of the main game (Lara's doppelganger blowing up Croft Manor, their battle in Helheim) along with plenty of talking before getting to the goods: the titular Shadow in action, slowing down time -- speeding up time! -- and kicking enemies. Lots of kicking. Well, and running up walls. Actually, just the one wall. So, will you be slapping down the points for this one, or are you all Lara'd out?Look for our review of Lara's the doppelganger's adventures tomorrow.
'Lara's Shadow' exposed in new Underworld DLC footage
Wrongly thinking it could slip past us unnoticed, the first glimpse of Tomb Raider: Underworld's upcoming, Xbox 360-exclusive "Lara's Shadow" DLC on video has ventured ... out of the shadows. Narrated by members of the add-on episode's dev team, the footage features Lara Croft's doppelganger, a.k.a. the character you'll be playing as should you download the content in question. She's stronger and faster than Lara, according to the devs, who've decided to focus more on hand-to-hand (and foot-to-face) combat for the Shadow's turn in the spotlight. The doppelganger has the ability to speed up and slow time, as well as amplify the power of any weapon she's carrying. The episode appears to be quite platforming-heavy; watch for snippets of Lara's look-alike running up walls and shimmying along ledges with inhuman speed. (Maybe because she's ... not human?)
Joystiq Review: Tomb Raider Underworld: Beneath the Ashes (DLC)
Sometimes, I worry about Lara Croft. Sure, the bloody vendetta against endangered animals and that egregious contempt for ancient pots were both neon-lit warning signs, but the writing on the walls has never been so clearly etched as on those found in her latest raid-worthy tomb. It's not the fact that she's willing to clamber, crawl and cartwheel through the decrepit crypt, her collapsed mansion as its gravestone, that makes me fret about her mental health. It's that she's willing to do it all in a camo bikini.Unsurprisingly, the gaudy garment, no doubt picked up at a tacky souvenir shop on Normandy Beach, represents the more adolescent additions offered by Tomb Raider Underworld's first DLC episode, Beneath the Ashes. The rest of it -- a large, unexplored environment, a new enemy and some fresh puzzles -- should appeal to those who see beyond Lara's figure and appreciate a game of clockwork exploration and platforming.
Tomb Raider 'Beneath the Ashes' DLC now on XBLM
Archaeology buffs take note: New Tomb Raider: Underworld DLC is now available. Entitled 'Beneath the Ashes' the DLC has Lara Croft exploring yet more expansive caverns and crypts conveniently buried under Croft Manor. In addition to the new playable content, the DLC includes six new outfits for Ms. Croft and 125 achievement points to earn. Should you wish to explore 'Beaneath the Ashes,' the price of admission is 800.
Trophies to be patched into Tomb Raider: Underworld
Lara Croft may be a treasure hunter, but she came up empty handed in her quest for Trophies in the PS3 version of Tomb Raider: Underworld. This is to be remedied by way of an upcoming patch, says an Eidos community manager.According to a post on the game's official forums, Crystal Dynamics originally desired to have Trophy support included in the shipped game. "The guys at Crystal have been looking into this for a long time because they really wanted to include it," a community rep wrote. "The good news is that I can confirm that a patch for the PS3 version of Tomb Raider: Underworld is being worked on that will enable Trophy Support."We've contacted Eidos for comment on the patch and an expected release date. We'll update as soon as we receive word.[Via CVG]
Hey, you got Mirror's Edge in my Tomb Raider!
Lara and Faith have a lot in common. Both are strong, female protagonists, and both find themselves relying heavily on their ability to effectively navigate the environment around them. Now, they have another thing in common: they've both been the subject of weird mods. Check out the video past the break, which shows what Lara's world would look like had it taken inspiration from Mirror's Edge.[Thanks, M]
