Tomb Raider Developer Crystal Dynamics Announces Layoffs

Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics has introduced layoffs, calling the transfer “crucial” for its future success. As many as 17 workers members can be let go as a part of the layoffs. The studio, at present engaged on the subsequent Tomb Raider title, stated the job cuts wouldn’t have an effect on its plans for its present tasks. Along with the action-adventure franchise, Crystal Dynamics can be co-developing the Excellent Darkish reboot for Xbox.

Crystal Dynamics Announces Layoffs

“This morning, Crystal Dynamics made the tough resolution to cut back our workforce by 17 proficient group members,” the studio stated in a press release on Thursday. “We didn’t make this resolution frivolously. Finally, this step was crucial to raised align our present enterprise wants and the studio’s future success. It isn’t a mirrored image of the dedication or skill of these affected.”

The studio stated it might assist affected staff with transition packages and alternative outreach. “Crystal Dynamics stays dedicated to pushing the boundaries of creating nice video games. This transformation doesn’t alter our present mission plans,” it added.

Layoffs at Crystal Dynamics observe a wave of job cuts within the video games business final 12 months that has continued into 2025. This 12 months, Warner Bros. introduced it was shutting down three of its studios and cancelling a AAA recreation. Studios like NetEase, Placing Distance Studios, Crytek, BioWare, amongst others, have been hit with layoffs in 2025, as properly.

Crystal Dynamics has been engaged on the subsequent Tomb Raider recreation, which is about to be printed by Amazon Video games. The studio had been “pretty sheltered” from the turmoil at its mum or dad firm, Embracer Group, Amazon Video games vp Christoph Hartmann had stated in August final 12 months. Embracer purchased Crystal Dynamics from Sq. Enix in 2022, however the Swedish conglomerate fell in debt after a $2 billion (roughly Rs. 16,783 crore) funding take care of Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Video games Group collapsed, sparking a share value drop, mass layoffs on the firm and its many subsidiaries, studio closures, cancellation of a number of in-development tasks and eventual sale of a number of studios inside its portfolio.

Embracer bought Gearbox to Take-Two, divested Saber Interactive, however held on to Crystal Dynamics and the Tomb Raider IP.

Crystal Dynamics has not shared particulars in regards to the subsequent Tomb Raider, however the recreation is within the early levels of growth. The untitled Tomb Raider title, nonetheless, is confirmed to be a single-player, narrative-driven journey that continues Lara Croft’s story within the collection.