Tomb Raider developer lays off a dozen staff, secret project 're-scoped'

Crystal Dynamics has confirmed "roughly 12" lay-offs as it re-assess an unannounced project in the works alongside a Tomb Raider sequel.

"We've made some decisions at Crystal Dynamics last week around the second project we're working on, which has resulted in a small number of roles (roughly 12) becoming redundant as we re-scope the project," a Square Enix representative told CVG.

"This doesn't affect the Tomb Raider development team, who as confirmed last week are well into production on a next-generation sequel.

"We're a close-knit team at Crystal and wouldn't be making these changes if we didn't feel it was absolutely necessary. We'll help those affected as best we can and we want to thank them for their hard work and commitment."

Confirming the existence of the Tomb Raider sequel last month, Square Enix Europe boss Phil Rogers had noted that the publisher was implementing structural changes.

Very little is known about Crystal Dynamics' new project; it announced a new IP in January 2012, but an expected reveal did not occur. In May, a staff CV suggested the reveal was due soon.