"Rise of the Tomb Raider" Will be an Xbox One Exclusive, Fans of Lara Croft Decidedly Pissed

Rise of the Tomb Raider & Xbox One will be an exclusive release.

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Complex Original

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Rise of the Tomb Raider was announced during this year's E3 as the follow up to the massively enjoyable Tomb Raider reboot which dropped in 2013. Fans were treated to an origin story that saw Lara Croft portrayed as a younger, less experienced adventurer learning how to traverse a world that was actively trying to end her life. The game was equal parts raw, violent, and well-executed. So, naturally, a sequel was announced.

Today fans have learned that the sequel, Rise of the Tomb Raider, would be coming to the Xbox One as a system exclusive. Announced today at the Gamecom conference in Cologne, Germany, Crystal Dynamics head Darell Gallagher had this to say about the console 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. This doesn’t mean that we’re walking away from our fans who only play on PlayStation or on PC. Those are great systems, with great partners, and amazing communities. We have Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris coming to those platforms this December, and Tomb Raider: The Definitive Edition is available on PS4. We know that there are probably many more questions and concerns. Please do send them to us, and we’ll answer to the best of our ability. Meanwhile we’re going all out to try and make something truly special – the most ambitious Tomb Raider game ever built."

When publishers announce console exclusivity, it's not always a concrete deal. PlayStation owners and fans of Lara Croft could still see the game hit the PS4, as this could only be a timed exclusive. The ire from the gaming community has been swift and vocal as the announcement seems to be cutting the potential audience for the title by more than half considering the PS4 has been steadily outselling the Xbox One since both consoles launched last November. 

 

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