Amazon is partnering with Crystal Dynamics to make a whole new Tomb Raider – using Unreal Engine 5.
Tomb Raider is getting a new installment in the series, and that’s not even the biggest eye-opener in this news. Amazon Games is the developer, producing the game in cooperation with Crystal Dynamics. Amazon is also acting as publisher.
The game is supposed to continue the story of the reboot and rely on the technology of the Unreal Engine 5. Lara Croft could therefore shine in a graphically even more opulent light than the new trilogy already managed.
We are excited to announce that @CrystalDynamics has partnered with @AMZNGameStudios on the next major entry in the Tomb Raider series, which will continue Lara Croft’s saga in a single-player, story-driven multiplatform adventure. Amazon Games will support & publish globally! pic.twitter.com/Pn5aGeZaAm
– Tomb Raider (@tombraider) December 15, 2022
What is already known about the new Tomb Raider
Amazon announced the news via press release, which already gives a rough picture of the upcoming new Tomb Raider. This info is available so far:
- Modern technology: Epic’s Unreal Engine 5 forms the technical foundation for the new Tomb Raider.
- No name yet: No title for the game has been decided yet.
- At the very beginning: Amazon states that the new Tomb Raider is in early development.
- Big ambitions: The new Tomb Raider is set to be
the biggest and most comprehensive
series installment to date. - Classic Orientation: The game is intended to be a
narrative single-player adventure
. - Familiar Gameplay: Players control Lara Croft through an
environment that requires exploration and creative pathfinding
, solving puzzles and fighting AI enemies.
What those responsible say
Scot Amos, studio head at Crystal Dynamics, sees the collaboration with Amazon as an opportunity for the franchise. The open wording of his statement also leaves room for further future collaborations:
You are uniquely positioned to redefine a publishing and development collaboration, and we look forward to forging this new path together, starting with the development of the biggest and best Tomb Raider game yet
Similarly euphoric, Amazon Games vice-president Christoph Hartmann says of the joint future with Tomb Raider:
…] our team is incredibly excited to be working with the talented and visionary team at Crystal Dynamics to bring the next chapter of the Lara Croft saga to gamers around the world
In the spring, Tomb Raider made headlines when Square Enix sold the brand and several studios – including Crystal Dynamics – to Embracer Group for around €300 million.
What do you think of the news? Are you looking forward to a new Tomb Raider with Unreal Engine 5 or are you sceptical? Feel free to post your opinions in the comments!
