Report: Crystal Dynamics Sees Further Staff Cuts

Eidos has reportedly made further staff cuts at Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics, reducing 25 more staffers on top of the 30 it let go earlier this year. "We can confirm that Crystal Dynamics has made a reduction of approximately 25 people at the San Francisco studio," an Eidos rep told consumer weblog Kotaku. "This decision is a reflection of the continued drive to focus resources at the studio." Eidos has previously cited the need to focus specifically on Tomb Raider, after underwhelming holiday sales of latest title Underworld. The franchise is believed to have been a large part of the allure for Japanese publisher Square Enix, who acquired Eidos as part of its strategy to gain Western marketshare. While Crystal Dynamics' catalog of previous releases includes many licensed and original titles, such as its Legacy of Kain games, the company does not have any announced projects outside of the Tomb Raider series. "We would like to thank all of the employees affected by this difficult decision for their hard work during their time at Crystal and we wish them all the best in the future," the statement concluded.