Epic Games just wrapped up its State of Unreal 2022 showcase, wherein it touted how easy it will be for developers to utilize the new Unreal Engine 5 to create next-generation gaming experiences. Epic brought in people from various game development studios to hype Unreal Engine 5, with the biggest reveal coming from Crystal Dynamics' Dallas Dickinson, who is the Franchise General Manager at the studio.
During the State of Unreal 2022 event, Dickinson confirmed that Crystal Dynamics has just started development on a new Tomb Raider game, and that it will be powered by Unreal Engine 5 to provide "next-level storytelling and gameplay experiences." Dickinson explained that Crystal Dynamics' goal is to "push the envelope of fidelity and to deliver the high-quality cinematic action-adventure experience that fans deserve from both Crystal Dynamics and the Tomb Raider franchise." Unfortunately, further details on what this new Tomb Raider game will entail weren't shared during the event. But with it being built with Unreal Engine 5 in mind, fans can count on it likely only being available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X instead of older consoles.
Crystal Dynamics could go in a few different directions when it comes to the new Tomb Raider game. It's possible that it will continue where Shadow of the Tomb Raider left off, furthering the Tomb Raider reboot story. Alternatively, it could return to the original Tomb Raider timeline or even reboot the series again. Whatever direction Crystal Dynamics decides to go with the new Tomb Raider game, it will likely be some time before fans find out more information.
Crystal Dynamics made it clear that development on the new Tomb Raider game has only just started, so it's reasonable to assume that it could be years before fans get a proper look at Lara Croft's next adventure. Besides the fact that the game has just started development, fans also need to keep in mind that Crystal Dynamics is currently busy with other projects as well.
Crystal Dynamics is still producing content for the Marvel's Avengers live service game, and it's also collaborating with The Initiative on the Perfect Dark reboot. With that in mind, it's possible fans won't find out more about Tomb Raider until after those projects wrap up.
In any case, Tomb Raider fans are likely excited to learn that Crystal Dynamics is making the next game in the series. After all, Crystal Dynamics was behind the critically-acclaimed Tomb Raider reboot and its sequel, Rise of the Tomb Raider, while the slightly less popular Shadow of the Tomb Raider was made by Eidos-Montreal instead. It will definitely be interesting to see what the studio is able to accomplish with a Tomb Raider experience powered by Unreal Engine 5.
Tomb Raider is in development.