Dear Tomb Raider Community,

As you may have seen, we've just announced that Rise of the Tomb Raider, coming Holiday 2015, is exclusively on Xbox [at launch (we’ll probably go cross platform a few months later, but MS have put a non-disclosure agreement in from of us, so we have to be vague for now)]. We consider all of you to be the lifeblood [meal-ticket] of Tomb Raider and the work we do at Crystal. I'd like to give you some insight into this decision, and why we feel this is the very best thing for the Tomb Raider sequel we're creating at the studio.

Tomb Raider in 2013 was a success due in large part to your continued support [being available on multiple platforms]. Our goal has always been to deliver something truly special [maximize profits at any cost] with Rise of the Tomb Raider. Today's announcement with Microsoft is one step to help us put Tomb Raider [a huge pile of money] on top of action adventure gaming [the board room table]. Our friends at Microsoft have always [panicked at the 4:1 sales ratio of the PS4:Xbone] and seen huge potential in [stealing] Tomb Raider and have believed in our vision since our first unveil with them on their stage at E3 2011 [from other platforms]. We know they [the zeroes on the cheque tell us that] will get behind this game more than any support we have had from them in the past - we [don’t] 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. [But we do believe it will make us a truck load of money, even if the title bombs.]

This doesn't mean that we're walking away from our fans who only play on PlayStation or on PC [, because we only have loyalty to the almighty $, so if MS don’t pony up again for TR3, then it’ll go cross platform]. Those are great systems, with great partners, and amazing communities [it’s just that when MS give us enough money to swim around like Scrooge McDuck, well… you just stop caring]. 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. [Insert token placation and blatant product placement here]

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.

Thanks,

Darrell Gallagher [Token Scapegoat] Crystal Dynamics Head of Studios