It was a shocker to see the next Tomb Raider game be announced as an Xbox One exclusive and the aftershock is still ringing tenuously throughout the channels of social media.
The Twitter-verse is still reeling from the announcement with many denouncing Square Enix in a fit of rage. It’s understandable however;Tomb Raider was a PlayStation icon so it’s not surprising that a lot of Tomb Raider fans feel shafted and alienated. But Geoff Keighly, industry veteran, took to twitter to claim that he spoke with various people at the Xbox conference and pointed out that they were almost branding Tomb Raider as a Holiday 2015 exclusive. This could mean it may only be exclusive this year and then maybe not the next. It’s all speculation and it’s common practice for PR folks to be cagey and crafty wordsmiths but it does bring up an interesting question: why do we care so much if it’s exclusive or timed?
It’s amazing how many people are hurt by this. The Xbox One is a very capable system and we’re now presented with a very appealing proposition: just buy an Xbox One if you’d like to partake in Lara’s latest adventure. The franchise had just been rebooted and revived from extended dormancy; we should be excited that the game is coming out this soon and on a very good platform. Sure, it would have been great to have it on PS4 but Microsoft seized an opportunity that would bolster their blockbuster 2015 lineup and in the end, this is a business.
It was a bit disappointing not seeing gameplay or even a new trailer debut for Rise of the Tomb Raider as we were treated to a series of screenshots and dramatic music. The game should be in the middle of it’s development by now, so I was hopeful for something a bit more than just screenshots.
Last year’s Tomb Raider was not the financial success that Square Enix was looking for so it’s even more questionable why they would release it on just one platform, but one things for sure: it should truly be one of the best games of 2015, without a doubt. So stop caring so much and withdraw all of that personal capital because in the end, this is still a business and they’re out for your wallets. Choose wisely and enjoy the game for what it is.
Also, it would be great if people stopped chastising Crystal Dynamics, they’re just making the game. Be nice.
