To be delivered through a series of monthly deep-dives and additional announcements throughout the year, Square Enix and developer Crystal Dynamics has confirmed that 25th Anniversary celebrations for the Tomb Raider franchise have commenced. Having debuted to audiences in October 1996 with the original action-adventure game, the Tomb Raider IP has since touched almost every console since then, in addition to receiving film adaptations, a television show, comics, novels and more.
According to the companies, this year long celebration of Tomb Raider “feature in-depth explorations of the major games released in the franchise, including nostalgic media deep from the archives, developer interviews, community activities, live playthroughs, and more”. Crystal Dynamics in particular will re-visit the line-up of major Tomb Raider games, both those developed by them those by Core Design. This is in addition to additional franchise announcements over the year… which is not guaranteed to be a new instalment, but would come as no surprise.
This is what Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics have had to say about Tomb Raider and its protagonist Lara Croft, after these 25 years:
Tomb Raider’s star, famous archeologist-adventurer Lara Croft, has become a powerful force in the gaming industry and beyond, and has made an indelible mark on virtually every facet of entertainment.
From being named an ambassador for scientific excellence to appearing live on tour with U2, Lara Croft has touched the lives of tens of millions of people around the world. With over 30 video game titles released and hundreds of awards, the heroine has been a cultural icon for 25 years on gaming screens and Hollywood silver screens alike, battling T-Rexes, unearthing ancient artifacts, and saving the world from an apocalypse or two.
Lara has had adventures in dozens of countries, explored the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Andaman Seas, ventured to Antarctica and the Arctic Circle, and rediscovered Atlantis and the lost island of Yamatai.
Fans can now access the dedicated Tomb Raider 25th Anniversary website by clicking HERE.
Over the last 25 years Tomb Raider has become more than a game and Lara Croft has risen to become a cultural icon. We’re so proud to be a part of this rich tapestry of adventure, but we recognize the true credit belongs to the fans! The amazing Tomb Raider community has made all of this possible and we look forward to celebrating with them his historic milestone and for many decades to come.
Scot Amos – Head of Studio at Crystal Dynamics
