So here’s some major news live from the Microsoft Conference as it has been announced that that sequel to the 2013 Tomb Raider, Rise Of The Tomb Raider, will be an Xbox exclusive and will launch next winter. So that means if you only own a Sony console then you’ll be left out of the show.
It’s a major coup for Microsoft especially considering how well Tomb Raider was received by the majority of people. In fact I’m really annoyed at the news myself, as I loved last year’s game and I don’t plan on getting a One anytime soon. The reason for this deal is that Crystal Dynamics needed a partner to push Rise to the next level, and Microsoft apparently stepped in.
UPDATE: Mike Adebajo of Square Enix has confirmed that the game is “100% exclusive” to Xbox, and over on the Tomb Raider Blog, Square have explained their reasoning behind the exclusivity.
Today’s announcement with Microsoft is one step to help us put Tomb Raider on top of action adventure gaming. Our friends at Microsoft have always seen huge potential in Tomb Raider and have believed in our vision since our first unveil with them on their stage at E3 2011. We know they will get behind this game more than any support we have had from them in the past – we believe this will be a step to really forging the Tomb Raider brand as one of the biggest in gaming, with the help, belief and backing of a major partner like Microsoft.
jimmy-google
This is the sort of deal that can have wider implications for a publisher when you alienate a big core of your historical gamer base. Gamers can be very unforgiving.
MrYd
The wording of their announcement could possibly be read as it being a timed exclusive, and the PS4 gets it in 2016.
But their post at http://tombraider.tumblr.com/post/94529480860/rise-of-the-tomb-raider-update suggests otherwise. At least they’re giving the PS4 Temple of Osiris, which is probably more interesting anyway. Guardian of Light was more interesting than that last Tomb Raider reboot thing.
Of course, whatever agreement they have with MS in exchange for a big pile of cash could still allow a PS4 version when it all goes horribly wrong and they only sell 3 copies.
rSp8
Really? I’m sure most PS4 owning Tomb Raider fans will be thinking “They can shove their Temple game where the sun don’t shine”. I really don’t see the point in bothering releasing that on non MS platforms now.
MrYd
That last Tomb Raider game was a bit “meh”, really. Looked nice though. Distinct lack of tomb raiding. Just kind of not a Tomb Raider game, really. Just a very nice looking, competent game with the Tomb Raider name slapped on it. So MS are welcome to it. It’s no huge loss.
That other game looks fun though. The previous one was more of a Tomb Raider game than that reboot. So at least we’re getting that.
a inferior race
I would of bought this as well.
jimmy-google
Same here but I’m not buying another console for it. If I hadn’t it would be a choice between Tomb Raider and Uncharted, and Uncharted is still a comfortable winner.
double-o-dave
Same here. Cheers Microsoft, one more reason to to resent you. :)
Mr Blighty
Indeed. You don’t buy exclusively, you earn it.
JR.
Well MS, if you can’t make your own system selling games, buy someone else’s.
I know we’ll get it eventually but SQUENIX wont see a penny from me. I’ll make sure I buy all SQUENIX games pre-owned from now on.
Greg Turner
Interesting decision – I imagine this will just make it so Tomb Raider is in direct competition with Uncharted. I enjoyed Tomb Raider but I know which game I’d rather play…
tactical20
What a crock of shite! Was really looking forward to this. Oh well, Uncharted 4 will still be better anyway.
TSBonyman
That’s a real shame, so long Lara.
boeboe
For fuck sake
Tuffcub
Tomb Raider HD remastered or whatever it was called sold about 130,000 copies on XB1.
Vandix
It’s timed for sure. The host of the show (Phil Spencer?) said at the end of the show exclusive for holiday season 2015. So it will be coming to other platforms.