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Tomb Raider Creator Leaves Crystal Dynamics

Tom Ivan's picture

By Tom Ivan

September 15, 2009

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Toby Gard, the designer of Lara Croft and the original Tomb Raider game in 1995, has left California, US-based Crystal Dynamics, the most recent developer of the series.

Gard began working directly with Crystal Dynamics as a game consultant for Eidos in August 2004 on the reboot of the Tomb Raider franchise that resulted in TR Legend.

From April 2007 to January 2009 he was employed full time as director of cinematics at Crystal Dynamics, co-writing the story for TR Underworld and directing the game’s cutscenes.

Most recently, from January until September of this year, Gard was lead designer on an unannounced Crystal Dynamics project. But earlier this month he left the developer to provide consultancy services “covering all aspects of game design”, according to his Linkedin business profile.

Crystal Dynamics, which is now owned by Square Enix following the Japanese publisher’s takeover of Eidos, has downsized twice this year following weaker than expected sales of Tomb Raider Underworld. In January the developer axed 30 staff and in June it cut a further 25.

zerobob's picture
On September 16th zerobob said:

I loved playing Anniversary about 6 months ago (what a game) and then I started playing on Legend.

It just hit me one day how good the first TR game was and Anniversary did a great job of capturing the first game again. Legend seemed a bit too "jazzed up" though, and from what I've played of Underworld I was left a little underwhelmed.

I 100% believe that TR games only work when you strip the game back to platforming and puzzle solving basics...it helps that feeling of exploring and being alone and "one the edge" in an undiscovered ancient place.

Add in too many enemies, too many guns, too many vehicles, too many unecessary inventory items, the formula is diluted, the game is lost.

Jack_'s picture
On September 16th Jack_ said:

Maybe now we'll get cutscenes where the bad guys don't literally do nothing but walk in, tell her to freeze, blow up a doorway, then run away.

I'm in the middle of TRU right now and it's easily one of the worst games I've ever played.

Rob's picture
On September 17th Rob said:

I think that's a little harsh. But if you think that's bad, try TR:AOD. I feel sorry for you in advance.

Kodie_Green's picture
On September 15th Kodie_Green said:

It comes as no surprise if you have been following the game industry for awhile, and also how gaming has changed in general.

AaronMC's picture
On September 15th AaronMC said:

Holy shit.

Crystal Dynamics is still around?!

Does anyone remember Blazing Dragons? I loved that game. Took me back to the grand ol' days of the 1980's and my precious King's Quest. Ohhhhh, the land of Daventry. How I miss you.

Rob's picture
On September 15th Rob said:

Tough break. Underworld was a little buggy and a little short which was a surprise considering how good Anniversary was. Best of luck.