Rise of the Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics definitely didn’t mean to upset you when it agreed to an exclusivity deal with Microsoft. In the aftermath of last week’s Gamescom 2014 backlash, the studio has posted a new message on the franchise’s official blog, reiterating once again that the release will be a timed exclusive on the Xbox One and Xbox 360.
“Yes, our deal with Microsoft has a duration,” it wrote in response to a query about the nature of the arrangement. “We aren’t discussing details of the deal, and are focused on delivering a great game on the Xbox One and Xbox 360.” The wording remains somewhat ambiguous, but it’s pretty clear at this point that a PlayStation 4 version will arrive in 2016.
Of course, even if that does turn out to be the case, the wait will still prove disappointing for Tomb Raider fans that prefer playing on PlayStation platforms, so were you even in Crystal Dynamics’ thoughts when it signed on the dotted line? “Of course,” the company stressed. “We did not make this decision lightly.”
The firm concluded that it didn’t “intend to cause any confusion” last week, where the title was framed as a full exclusive rather than a timed one. We’re not convinced that we agree, as Microsoft used very clever language designed to mislead. Exactly how much the developer had to do with that is unclear, but seeing as it toed the corporate line, we’re holding the studio responsible, too.
[source tombraider.tumblr.com]
Comments 60
Timed exclusives are pointless.
It seems to be the same person writing dark side articles. I wonder what that means?
Topic: They did? Makes the deal even more of a PR disaster with each passing day.
Why are you mention this xbone game in Playstation centric website
@kakeroat In the original article, Crystal Dynamics responds to questions about the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation fans — it's relevent.
Timed exclusives are one of the most pointless things and this situation was handled so badly.
How's it pretty clear a PS4 version will land in 2016? It isn't clear at all. You just don't know.
I believe the PS community is in the driver seat this gen. 3rd parties are gonna be extremely cautious not to upset the Sony fanbase after this fiasco. Rise of the tomb raider may suffer, sales wise because of the whole decision.
Money talks. Simple.
I'm just glad that I'll get to play it on my PS4. I can put up with waiting till 2016 and remember the game probably won't come out on the bone until Oct/Nov/Dec 2015 anyway. It could be that the exclusivity is only for 3 months....
By 2016 the game will be horribly outdated unless it releases nearer 2016 on Xbox. As developers learn how better to harness what a console like the PS4 can do games from now will surely not fare well in comparison? Will anyone care about playing this by the time it comes to a PS4 release? I doubt I will...I'll have moved on from the whole thing by then....depends when it comes out on Micrsofts machine really.
So we may see Rise of the Tomb Raider on PS4 after all
@voodoo341 Do you ever have anything positive to say?
It's probably quite likely if you think logically and put the pieces together...
We know Microsoft has 2015 exclusivity (their words) and we know that SquareEnix are a company and therefore like to make money. With that in mind, they will likely be lining up a PS4 release as soon as their contract with MS allows, which if you read between the lines of all the executive quotes, SE, MS and Crystal Dynamics, sounds like 2016.
Yes it could be any time or not made for PS4 at all but do you really think SE would hold back an already finished game from a console that has sold twice that of its rival which the game was released on for no apparent reason? We do not know for sure what will happen but it looks pretty clear the PS4 version will see release 2016.
Did Crystal Dynamics even had a say in this? shouldn't the call have been Square-Enix's and shouldn't them be the ones giving explanations.... I understand Square-Enix owns the IP and CD only develops the game...... Its weird we haven't even heard anything from Square.... Are they still publishing the game?
As far as im concerned square enix an crystal dynamics can stick Tomb raider right up their arses. Cheeky idiots sell out to MS, and the expect PS owners to buy their game in droves six months later. I aint buying it outta general principal .
Damn, I can't even grasp how much of a disaster this is going to be. In fact, I doubt after the games out that it will even get sales on the PS4. I think both Crystal Dynamics and SE just screwed themselves beyond whatever there could have been within that company.
a few things could possibly happen.
1.)The game turns out to actually be crappy, in which case it will get low scores which will result in very low sales when the PS4 version comes out.
2.)The game gets overshadowed by other games and causes again low sales for when the PS4 version comes out.
3.)If the PS4 version of Tomb Raider looks the same and there are only slight improvements over the Xbox One version, this could also cause people to not buy it when it releases for the PS4. Again, a loss of sales.
The launch is always very important because even if there is a chance the game would suck, the hype sold the game so they would get a lot of sales, regardless.
Can't say I blame square-enix for not just coming out with 'hey its only timed' because they obviously had some dealing with microsoft and everything was probably supposed to stay hush hush for microsoft's sake
Think about thousands of gamers thinking of getting a xbox one just to play tomb raider (and maybe a few others) and then a day or so later everyone finds out its timed, problem solved don't have to buy a xbox one now
Once the cat was out of the bag that no doubt massive investment they made started to look like a huge expensive mistake on both square-enix and microsoft's part and alienated fans of the series.
@Demi_God good points, but i'll add to it
4. Sony releases Uncharted 4 on the same day, completely decimating Tomb Raiders sales. (+someone who owns both consoles would generally buy UC4 over TR).
@Demi_God Square Enix will come out and start pinning FAILURES! on titles and that is one of the reasons we love Square Enix!
They can stick tomb raider as far as I am concerned now. I won't purchase this game. Uncharted 4 will do me nicely
a game that is attempting to be multigenerational (X1 & X360) will definitely feel outdated by 2016, if that's when it arrives on PS4. If they were going to keep the game off of any consoles, it should've been PS3/360, not Ps4/PC.
Furthermore Uncharted 4 should be out by the time it releases on PS4, the reigning champ of the genre.
I don't think Square/CD realized they really shot themselves in the foot with this one. The game may not even be worth buying when it comes out for the reasons I said, but I would've plunked out the $65 for it if it was released on PS4 while waiting for Uncharted...I loved Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition. The news was definitely a disappointing blow for me.
Well, here is a question. If this is timed and PS4 gets it later, will it be full priced, even months later? Will it have the same content or be an improved version?
@WebHead this hole exclusive xbox thing is a load of rubbish I think youll fined tomb raider was originally playstation not x box what about the fans on playstation, plus its fine for x box to have the game but not playstation its one big joke Why not platformed on x box and playstation.
@sinalefa That's where I think this game is going to hit rock bottom when it releases. Unless the game is extremely awesome even more so compared to the last Tomb Raider (which I highly doubt) this game is going to flop and it's because of that timed exclusive deal. I'm not saying this because I hate Microsofts video game console, I'm saying it because this is such a stupid business move that Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics did, I mean, it's stupid, there are no other words that are worse to describe this situation and so far SE/CD even surpassed EA when it comes to stupid business moves with their games.
@Demi_God
Agreed. A game like this must have a megabudget, so the only way to break even is to sell as many copies as they can in as many systems as possible. This timed deal puts the PS4 copies in jeopardy, and I don't think what MS paid will make up for that.
IMO they should have either made it multiplat at the same time or make it a One exclusive altogether. Preferably the former.
What's going to amaze me is when this does finally release on PS4 and the sales are low, Square will be wondering why.
if they considered the feelings of PlayStation and PC gamers then they never would have made it a xbox timed exclusive in the first place
they cut off the 2 bigest markets of Tomb Raider fans and no matter what they do now they will never get the sales they want now and this game will fail even if it's a great game
of course this is one of the reasons I get all the consoles then I never miss out
I haven't been much into TR since the original myself, so I have no emotional investment to the series. Having said that, maybe I'm not the best spokesperson...but this game should be boycotted when it arrives on PS4! Not because I hate MS, but because the money-grubbin' publishers need to be taught a lesson!..And MS needs learn how to earn their success, not buy it! First we were brainwashed into accepting having to pay for additional content(which generally adds very little to a game)and we have accepted it with smiles and is now considered totally acceptable and reasonable. Now they are forcing us to accept having to wait for games to come to our systems with ever more frequency. As long as we keep accepting these shams, it's only going to continue to get more and more out of control. Just my $0.02
Ive got a guideline for exclusives. A long dormant, once multiplat franchise can go exclusive, a new ip from an established multiplat studio can go exclusive, but a current ip, that very recently (say the last 3-5yrs because of how bethesda/r* work) released a multiplat should not take that games sequel exclusive for any amount of time. Its just a terribly shortsighted decision in my opinion.
Haha when reading articles I can always tell if sammy wrote it.. you've got a bad hate on for xbox dude haha.. it's pretty funny how it comes out in your writing. Not faulting you on it everyone has their own opinions I'm just pointing out my observation
For once a parity clause would actually make sense.
Imagine if Sony told SE that due to the exclusivity TR can't be released on Sony platforms. Ouch.
All in all, MS wasted tonnes of money on this deal. Even the perception of exclusivity didn't last more than a few days.
I'll thoroughly enjoy Dude Raider 4 instead, problem solved.
I'll just wait for the almost certain "Definitive Version" on PS4, even then I'll probably get it 2nd hand since Square Enix & Crystal Dynamics don't value mine or playstation customers's money.
They've considered our feelings, now it's time to consider our asses =).
But really, I am still insulted, and only exclusivity cancelation can uninsult me back =). I just can't understand this decision. It is so, so.... I don't even know how to put it. It's like they've shoot me in my heart or something. In our time and days make things like that. It's just... oh... There is something wrong with this world. And in the end, Sony wins. Because I don't know how this game will help MS to sell more copies of Xbox... Especially after this PR disaster. All was for nothing. Not for nothing, but for hate,.lie and other funny things.
I really worried for Tomb Raider, though. really like this series and hope this S won't kill it.
Ah well, guess I'll pick up Rise of Tomb Raider in late 2016 in a PSN sale for under £10 lolol. Thank goodness for Uncharted 4, The Order 1886, Metal Gear Solid, Assassins Unity, Advanced Warfare, Madden 15, Silent Hill, Mortal Kombat X and more coming out soon. Gamer's lets vote with our hard earned cash and spend with developers who treat the fans well.
2016! Go f**k yourselves, ive had every tomb raider and bought some of them more than once and now im just done with them.
Im actually happy its not coming to PS4 holiday 2015 as we'll have Uncharted 4 around then and I wouldn't want to pick up two games that are very similar in terms of Adventures. Besides, Uncharted 4 will be loads better and even though Uncharted 4 is a PS4 exclusive it will still out sell Tomb Raider.
By the time we do get a PS4 version they will have worked out any bugs and we'll also probably get any dlc that was released bundle in with the PlayStation version. We'll also get the better version which will run at 60fps and full HD.
@Gemuarto Don't take it too personal. This isn't the first time a game's exclusivity has been purchased, and it certainly won't be the last. Sony does it (in fact they just did it with Dreamfall Chapters, snatching the game off X1 and Wii U), MS does it, and Nintendo does it. As long as there are 3 platforms, games will be juggled amongst them. If you want to boycott that's your right, but I'll be enjoying this one on release day on Xbox.
There's a rule I play by: If a game isn't coming to the console you own, don't get mad, get the the console. If you're not willing to get the console, then the game must not be that big of a miss.
@Gemuarto It won't even be a real next gen game as its being developed for the XBOX 360 too. But Uncharted 4 which is better than Tomb Raider will be solely developed for Sony's next gen system and it'll will blow Tomb Raider out of the water. Both games we be going up against each other at the same time next year.
Anyway Tomb Raider is only a timed exclusive so you'll get to play it on PS4 early to mid 2016 which will obviously be the better version as it will be fully bug tested, it'll probably have dlc bundled with it and we all know the PS4 version will look and run better. But if you can't wait you could buy an XBOX 360 when Tomb Raider is released. You'll be able to pick up a 360 for next to nothing by that time.
Its too f*****g late for apologies Crystal Dynamics...This is what u get for betraying the core Tom Raider fanbase with this ridiculous "timed exclusive" BS!!, so for that u can go f*ck yourselves u greedy sellout pr*cks...Will not be buying ANY game by Crystal Dynamics anytime soon. 😡😤
Language - get2sammyb
I really would have much more respect for Crystal Dynamics and SquareEnix if they just said what we all know to be true 'screw you PS fans, we took MS' money.' And I'm still not convinced the game is going to come to PS4. PC definitely but PlayStation? Won't believe anything regarding that until it's officially announced, IF it's officially announced. In the meantime, I've moved on, if it never comes to PS4 so be it, if I'm desperate enough to play it I'll buy the X1 version when it's $10 used at GameStop but I'm not giving SE any more of my money. Not for RotTR on day one and sure as hell not for Sleeping Dogs: Rehashed Edition especially since there's a possibility SE will agree to let MS lock PS4 gamers out of the sequel to that as well should MS decide it wants to. Pathetic. It's business, I get it, but to flip the bird at the consumers who made up the vast majority of sales for the last game- and frankly most, if not all, games with the SE label that have appeared on PS and Xbox- and not be direct is the entire issue here for me. These exclusive deals happen all the time, you deal with them, but the bs like 'we considered your feelings' or my favorite 'don't worry we have downloadable garbage on the way,' is just f**king nonsense.
I think people are taking this way to seriously. Of course it will come to PS4 otherwise Microsoft wouldn't have chosen there words wisely, they would have stated it was an exclusive outright and not a holiday 2015 exclusive.
To say your going to boycott SE is just ridiculous at this stage. I understand that people feel very passionate about Tomb Raider as so do I but I think you all should just chill and not take it so personal.
@WARDIE
I grew up with tomb raider i have great memorys playing it with the family and friends, it is personal to me as it for alot of people,its associated with the sony playstation and was seen by alot of people as a mascot for a long time,i dont mind it being on other consoles, more power to them, ther a company they need to make profits, but to tell people who have put so much of ther hard earned money over the years and made it the brand it is today, to shaft them and say thanks but you can just wait another 8 months or watever because we got a nice paycheck from microsoft is a joke.
@keyser_soze I too grew up with Tomb Raider and was gutted to here the announcement from Microsoft but its obviously going to come to PS4 albeit a little later but Im not about to boycott SE or CD over it. Thats just biting my noes to spite my face. I would understand if XBOX had total exclusive rights but its timed and thats the nature of the business. The Tomb Raider reboot didn't initially sell very well even though it was critically well received so I can't blame them for taking a fat paycheck for a timed exclusive release on XBOX. There are alot of studios going under these days so I guess they saw it as a way to ensure a decent return for there hard work.
I guarantee that those who are saying they're going to boycott SE and CD will buy Tomb Raider as soon as it hits PS4.
@JaxonH So, MS paid for PS4 crowd not being able to play this game and I will support them for that? Are you ****ing kidding me? =) Just think about it, they've paid to take game from us. This is so evil and sick.They are like some kind of monster who steals christmas presents from kids.
Don't know anything about Dreamfall Chapters. Did Sony really buy it?
@WARDIE
I can't dissagree with ur point, u have ur opinions and ther not wrong and yeah some people will go out and buy this game anyway even after there rant however im not one of those people and if i feel im being screwed by a company ive invested in over the years im going to stop imvesting in them.
@keyser_soze Im sorry you feel that way and hope you'll change your mind. Not that it effects me but it would be a shame not to continue playing the Tomb Raider games as they're great games and you clearly enjoy them. Maybe you should pick up a pre owned copy that way you still get to enjoy it and SE & CD won't see a penny of your money.
@keyser_soze
I feel almost the same way. I was never a fan of TR but I find this decision a slap in the face of loyal fans who made TR the franchise that it is today. I would suggest you buy the game used to play it and not give them a penny. That's what I'm planning to do with any Square Enix game from now on, as they are the ones who made that decision. I'm sure Crystal Dynamics had no say in this and are getting a lot of heat because of SE's moronic decision.
@JaxonH
Not everyone can afford a second console. Fable was a huge miss for me (as ps3/pc gamer) but I didn't buy an entire console for one game.
As for Dreamfall Chapters, can you honestly compare it with Tomb Raider? TR is one of the biggest franchises in video game history with a long success on ps consoles. The other a game some people have heard of, which could turn out to be terrible. Not even remotely the same.
@naruball I wonder if Sony really bought Dreamfall Chapters, considering nobody knows about this game.
The only way MS and SE can midigate this PR nightmare is by telling how much money MS paid for the deal =). Then everyone will be like O___O, OK, for THAT money, I can understand them, maybe they'll invest all that sum in the game and it will be really cool and huge.
@naruball Idk, seems like a double standard to me. Either it's ok to pay for exclusivity, or it's not, know what I mean? Least that's how I see it. How good the game is should be irrelevant.
I can understand why some would be upset- they wanted to play the game and now they can't. But to trash talk MS when Sony did the exact same thing not two weeks ago seems, well, a little hypocritical.
Personally, I would like to see ALL the exclusivity purchasing to stop, including exclusive content and DLC on one system and not the other. At least with Tomb Raider and Dreamfall Chapters the games will be complete. Might only be on one system, but at least you don't have to worry about missing out on 'exclusive content' only on rival platform A, which to me seems the greater offense.
@naruball
Mayb when ive calmed down in a year or so il pick it up second ✋, problem is everytime i look at the box art in a shop it will feel like ive been bitch slapped again 😂
@JaxonH
I disagree. In order to call someone's actions hypocritical you need to compare reactions to a similar situation. It's like saying "killing someone is bad". What if someone kills someone in self defence? Is that the same? Would someone calling both people "murderers" be right? Of course not. Point being: context is everything. When Sony does something similar and people say it's fine, feel free to call the hypocrites.
I, personally, don't like paid third party exclusives whether they are timed, permanent or just dlc. If you feel differently, that's fine but before you call someone a hypocrite consider whether the situation is actually similar enough to warrant such criticism.
@keyser_soze
That's absolutely fair. Their action is a slap in the face of fans and rewarding them with sales is only sending the wrong message. So don't feel any pressure to buy it. Wait some time and if you feel differently at some point, there will always be (second hand) copies you can buy.
Came to say F you Crystal Dynamics / Square Enix / Microsoft for putting this deal together. F you where it hurts.
@naruball You're right, context is indeed relevant. But keep in mind I wasn't directing that label toward you or anyone else in particular. I was, generally speaking, pointing out how such a double standard, at least to me, appears to be such.
@Wesker
Everytime after this another Tomb Raider game releases, the PS4 community are going to be like...."oh yea, well first show me the truffle shuffle fat @#%". The point is, is SE and CD are going to have to dance for the PS4 community now.
I think sales will in fact be good.
Look at Payday 2. An apalling launch on the consoles but people still buy it for both 360 and PS3.
Lets face facts, fans ARE going to buy this game and Im guessing there are a lot of fans on the Sony platform.
@JaxonH explain "exact same thing" as I don't think a new IP being snapped up as exclusive can be the same as a long term multiplatform game, whose sales through the years have been mostly PlayStation,people have a real attachment to tr
@reddog
Well said.
CD, AND SE are completely dead to me. Square was already circling the drain IMO with lousy games recently, but this sealed the deal for me.
@reddog It's the same thing. Paying for an exclusive is paying for an exclusive regardless of what game it is. Tomb Raider was never slated for release on PS4. But that other game, it was actually in development for other consoles and had a fall 2014 release. And I was looking forward to playing it. Thankfully I have a PS4 but not everybody does. You can't say it's okay to do it just because the game isn't as established. Either it's okay to pay for exclusives or it's not. Can't just cherry pick the ones that you want and say that that's okay and that's not okay
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