Ever since its reveal during Microsoft's press conference at E3 2015, Lara Croft fans have been excited for any new content reveals regarding Rise of the Tomb Raider. Whether it's reports that the title's open world has no loading screens and is three times bigger than the previous game, or if it's the 13-minute gameplay demo at gamescom revealing a lot more of the release's puzzle solving and tomb exploration, gamers are eager for the updates and will be thrilled to get their hands on a copy of the sequel to Crystal Dynamics' and Square Enix's reboot of the franchise.

As many Rise of the Tomb Raider fans would expect, developers are primarily focusing their efforts on creating a stellar solo-campaign experience for game, especially after a recent announcement came out of Xbox Magazine by way of the site All Games Beta stated that the multiplayer mode had been "cut". However, a Microsoft spokesperson has now confirmed an online component will be featured, but not in the traditional sense of multiplayer gameplay.

Regarding the online element, Microsoft states in a press release to VideoGamer:

"Crystal Dynamics are hard at work on Rise of the Tomb Raider and excited to deliver an amazing experience on Nov. 10 (US, 13, Nov. UK). In the coming weeks and months, stay tuned for more info on all things Rise of the Tomb Raider - including how players will be able to extend their single-player campaign and compete with their friends."

While the above statement does little to actually elucidate what can be expected from the feature, it's a safe bet to assume that a competitive online leader board will be included instead of modes like the first installment's Free for All and Team Deathmatch. And since the details are still vague, gamers could go on to speculate that contests for quickest time in a mission might exist, or even something as simple as a headshot count.

Other than today's bulletin on Rise of the Tomb Raider, information on the title has been scarce as of late. About a month ago, Square Enix's CEO, Phil Rogers, admitted that he anticipated the Xbox's timed exclusivity would disappoint fans. Nevertheless, the company plans on releasing ports of Rise of the Tomb Raider for both PC and PlayStation 4 the next year. In the meantime, PC and PS4 players should check out the title's gamescom gameplay trailer to determine whether or not it'll be worth the wait until 2016.

Rise of the Tomb Raider is set to release on November 10, 2015 as a timed exclusive for Xbox 360 and Xbox One, and will release on PC in early 2016, while PlayStation 4 owners will take up the mantle of Lara Croft in late 2016.

Source: VideoGamer (via VG 24/7)