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Analyzing Crystal Dynamics’ brilliant Tomb Raider release schedule

Christopher Kalanderopoulos
Gaming

Last week, Crystal Dynamics announced their plans to release Rise of the Tomb Raider on PC and PlayStation 4 after its Xbox One exclusivity period ends. In those plans, the PC will see the game in early 2016 while Sony’s console will get it later in the year, likely in the Fall or Holiday release windows.

The sheer brilliance of this has so far gone unnoticed, and we commend Crystal Dynamics and Square Enix on the design of this release pattern.

ROTTRboxartWith the Xbox One game launching this November 10th, the game is virtually unchallenged by any game in a similar genre. Microsoft already has one of the best lineups it has ever had this holiday season, with Gears of War, Halo 5: Guardians, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Forza Motorsport 6, and Fable Legends, all spaced about a month apart, beginning in August.

When the PC version launches in the Spring of next year, its competition will be Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. Stiff competition, absolutely, but for those gamers who want an archaeological-action fix but don’t want to drop a few hundred dollars on a console they don’t already have, Rise of the Tomb Raider may be the best option. In fact, Uncharted may be pushing them to it.

Of course, the game is slated to launch on PlayStation 4 nearly a full year after its Xbox release, typically making it a tricky proposition for a sale. Then again, next holiday season, there will be no Uncharted to compete with on the console, and it could mean that people who weren’t willing to buy an Xbox One (and those that aren’t really into PC gaming) may very well pick up a copy of the game next year.

With the pattern of games and re-release schedules, we wouldn’t be entirely surprised if Rise of the Tomb Raider doesn’t actually get released in earnest on the PlayStation 4. We’re fully expecting the game to come bundled with any downloadable content Crystal Dynamics releases between now and next year, if not a PlayStation-exclusive tomb or two jus to sweeten the pot a bit.

However the release schedule plays out, Crystal Dynamics has done an excellent job spacing out the release of Lara Croft’s second adventure since rebooting the franchise. How their execution will play out, of course, remains to be seen.

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Christopher Kalanderopoulos
Christopher Kalanderopoulos founded Eggplante in 2009 to cover one event in Los Angeles. It never occurred to him that it would make him the Editor of an online magazine for the next decade. He spends most of his time gaming, backing cool Kickstarter projects, and hanging out with his wicked cool nieces and nephews.

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3 Responses

  1. I think you have over looked some things and it has lead you to the wrong conclusions.

    You Said: With the Xbox One game launching this November 10th, the game is virtually unchallenged by any game in a similar genre

    I Say : Same genre or not Fallout 4 is absolutely going to Destroy Tr and if that weren’t enough there will be others games launching around this time that will give TR compitition as well.

    You Said : When the PC version launches in the Spring of next year, its competition will be Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. Stiff competition, absolutely, but for those gamers who want an archaeological-action fix but don’t want to drop a few hundred dollars on a console they don’t already have, Rise of the Tomb Raider may be the best option. In fact, Unchartedmay be pushing them to it.

    I Say : to say UC4 Stiff Competition for TR is a HUGE understandment and Assumes way tooo much…Why… Because first Tr would have to be able to be considered on the same level as UC and frankly it’s NOT therefore it can’t be considered competition. The fact is UC4 will Annihilate TR even on the PC. PC gamers are all about preformance and they known that the Force is strong with Naughty dogs it is and they will choose UC4 OVER or Before choosing TR.

    Also The fact that gamers NOW known TR IS coming to PS4 may be all the push the 360 console fence sitter need to pull the tricker and buy them a PS4 this holiday season, because not only will they get to play TR evenually they’ll also get ot tear it up on the Nathan Drake Collection in 1080p and @ 60fps this year then play Uncharted 4 come spring and then play Tomb Raider come fall.

    You Said: Of course, the game is slated to launch on PlayStation 4 nearly a full year after its Xbox release, typically making it a tricky proposition for a sale. Then again, next holiday season, there will be no Uncharted to compete with on the console, and it could mean that people who weren’t willing to buy an Xbox One (and those that aren’t really into PC gaming) may very well pick up a copy of the game next year.

    I Say: You sir have under estimated how PISSED OFF the Playstation Nation is over this entire deal. I don’t think people will pic up Tomb Raider Holiday 2016 1) Because TR will be an old ass game in a years time 2) Because they are like me NOT willing to reward Square for Screwing over thier fanbase. and 3) Because there will be tons of NEW games that are far more interesting then TR. Lastly 4) NO ONE wants to play a game that everyone else has played and done walkthroughs and videos for it will be ” Like So Ten Mins Ago for TR”

    You Said: However the release schedule plays out, Crystal Dynamics has done an excellent job spacing out the release of Lara Croft’s second adventure since rebooting the franchise.

    I Say: Square Enic has cut their own throat with this betrayal of their PS fanbase and no amount of Mea Culpa is going to make it right. Tehy will regret this deal and think twice before pulling some shit like this again.

    Reply

    1. Christopher here is talking from a business standpoint. You however have too much emotion in your comment. Too much of your analysis is based on your opinion of a games appeal/quality.
      Don’t get me wrong, I don’t disagree with you. I agree that the PS fanbase is being left behind a bit. If I were a fan of Tomb Raider I’d be angry. But I’d still buy the game for PS4 a year later though, if it comes included with DLC. I feel kinda bad for Tomb Raider/PS fans 🙁
      But from a business standpoint I still have to agree with Christopher.

      Reply

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