While the Tomb Raider franchise is considered an iconic one that found its roots in the 1990s, the series recently launched a trilogy of titles that were received very well by fans both new and old. With the first of these titles recently reaching a big milestone, the discourse surrounding the IP has predictably skyrocketed across the internet, as fans nostalgically reminisce on the recent trilogy as well as the even older titles that launched the series.
In terms of the near future of the Tomb Raider franchise, keen fans will know that a big-budget live-action TV series adaptation is in production for Amazon Prime, while a new game from Crystal Dynamics is also reportedly in development. When considering the recent increase in discourse and attention that the IP is receiving, now appears to be the perfect time for Amazon to release information regarding these projects to a nostalgic audience.
The Success of 2013's Tomb Raider
The reboot of the franchise began in 2013 with the release of Tomb Raider, marking the start of an ambitious attempt to recapture the same kind of gameplay experience that the franchise had previously provided to swathes of fans. Beginning a new narrative for the franchise, Tomb Raider retold the origins of Lara Croft on a mysterious island, in which the player has to salvage, craft, and explore in order to survive.
This Tomb Raider, as well as the Survivor trilogy as a whole, was extremely well-received by fans, who lauded the trilogy's compelling narratives, engaging and tense gameplay, graphical fidelity, and bombastic multiplayer modes. With many truly believing that 2013 Tomb Raider provided some of the best gameplay to ever come from the IP, it is no wonder that the game is looked back upon so fondly within the community. Tomb Raider recently reached the tenth anniversary of its release on March 5, with the passing of a decade spurring fans back into attention and discussion regarding the title and the wider franchise.
Amazon's Tomb Raider Show and Video Game
It was recently confirmed that the Tomb Raider franchise will be following the likes of Lord of the Rings by receiving its very own live-action TV adaptation via Amazon. While not a lot is currently known about the project, Phoebe Waller-Bridge will reportedly have a key writing role for the show, which aims to surpass the heights of the previous live-action movies that the Tomb Raider IP has historically received.
As well as this, Crystal Dynamics, who spearheaded the aforementioned successful Tomb Raider trilogy, is reportedly developing a brand-new game within the franchise that will likely release within the next few years. Interestingly, Amazon also has a hand in this video game project, with Amazon Games working alongside Crystal Dynamics to publish this mystery title worldwide. Given Amazon's presence across the upcoming show and video game, the potential for cross-over narratives between the two projects is already the source of lots of debate among the franchise's fan base.
With the 2013 title recently marking a decade since its initial release and with fans subsequently re-guiding their attention towards the franchise, it would be remiss for Amazon to not capitalize on this buzz by releasing pertinent information regarding its upcoming TV and video game projects for Tomb Raider. Of course, many Tomb Raider fans are already eager to receive updates, but the recent upturn in nostalgia for the franchise would only heighten the potential reception that any updates would receive.
The next Tomb Raider game is currently in development. A Tomb Raider TV series is also in the works.