Microsoft providing hardware-specific expertise on Rise of the Tomb Raider

How Microsoft is helping with development on Rise of the Tomb Raider has been revealed through a new interview with Square Enix’s head of western studios, Darrell Gallagher.

Speaking with Game Informer, Gallagher touched upon how Microsoft getting "behind this game with more support across development, marketing and retail."

According to the Gallagher, the firm are providing development talent to the Crystal Dynamics team along with hardware-specific expertise for Xbox One and Xbox 360 development (thanks, Siliconera).

He also reiterated the company's "long partnership" with Microsoft since the Xbox-exclusive Tomb Raider: Underworld had led to discussions of working together in the future.

Gallagher also touches upon sales of the last Tomb Raider outing, and how long-term sales proved the game was a success beyond the initial launch period - something Square touched upon last year.

Both Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics have said time and time again the exclusivity deal with Xbox has a duration, but have yet to provide more information on what will occur beyond the holiday 2015 release period.