Rise of the Tomb Raider is an Xbox exclusive for holiday 2015
Rise of the Tomb Raider will be an Xbox exclusive when it releases during holiday 2015.
Crystal Dynamics head Darrel Gallagher announced the exclusivity deal during Microsoft's Gamescom presentation today.
Gallagher didn't announce when the exclusivity period would end, but he did explain the exclusivity deal on the Tomb Raider website.
“We consider all of you to be the lifeblood of Tomb Raider and the work we do at Crystal,” he said. “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.
“Our goal has always been to deliver something truly special with Rise of the Tomb Raider. 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."
Gallagher said the studio wasn't "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.”
Xbox boss Phil Spencer told CVG that the game "fits extremely well for our line-up next year alongside Quantum Break and Halo 5," and that the exclusivity deal was a "win-win" for both parties.
CVG pushed for clarification on whether it was solely an Xbox exclusive, or just timed.
"We're saying what we said on stage," said Spencer. "In Holiday 2015, Rise of the Tomb Raider will be exclusive to Xbox. That's the comment.
"We had a lot of similar questions around Titanfall and the structure of our deal is a business relationship that's frankly between us and Square Enix. I know Crystal Dynamics has issued a statement and we're going to stand by that. Xbox fans are going to be able to play Tomb Raider next holiday exclusive on Xbox."
The previous entry, Tomb Raider, was released on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC before landing on PS4 and Xbox One as a Definitive Edition.
Rise of the Tomb Raider will release on both Xbox One an Xbox 360.