Game director for Rise of the Tomb Raider departs studio

By Matt Brown
published

Crystal Dynamics has confirmed that Brian Horton, most recently known for his placement as game director on Rise of the Tomb Raider, has left the San Francisco-based studio after six years. The announcement came via the official Tomb Raider blog, where the studio highlighted Horton's contributions to the team and wished him luck in his future endeavors.

"It's been a huge honor to be a part of the Tomb Raider franchise and the team at Crystal Dynamics. I've met fans from all over the world, both in person and online, to share in our love for the franchise and Lara Croft. After working on two amazing games, my family and I have decided to return to Southern California and start a new adventure. As sad as I am to leave the team at Crystal, I'm excited to play their future games as a fan. Thanks again for the years of support and feedback and I hope to stay in touch with you all online."

While Horton states that he is moving to Southern California with his family, it's currently unclear where he's to be stationed in the future. After successfully rebooting the Tomb Raider franchise in 2013 and bringing two titles to the market, it does make us question whether there are additional motives.

Main development on Rise of the Tomb Raider has officially come to a close, however the game is still scheduled to release on more platforms over the coming year. The developer has previously promised to also deliver multiple expansions after the game's launch.

Source: Tomb Raider Blog

Matt Brown
Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.

18 Comments
  • You made the Tomb Raider reboots very worthy of the TR brand. Thank you for your hard work Brian. May you enjoy a bright future in SoCal. Hopefully in San Diego!
  • Yeah, we're screwed now...
  • San Fran, where the average rent for a one bedroom apartment is $3,500 a month. You have to make $126k a year to qualify to rent such a place. No wonder he's leaving. Hopefully TR won't die.
  • TR won't die... Microsoft will buy it before that happens
  • I personally think they should, and still be platform.
  • True
  • Why would microsoft buy tomb raider ? Its a square enix frenchise since first game. >.< only because microsoft was the publisher for the xbox 1 version for 2 or 3 month doesnt mean its theirs. Get your stuff together guy
  • I didn't say Microsoft owned it! But if SE decided to kill off TR, Microsoft may offer to buy the franchise. Guy.
  • There is always the option of renting a space in some ghetto east bay city like Oakland and spending 3 hours a day commuting to work. Just have bulletproof vest ready as people got shot by stray bullets while sitting in their homes.
  • Best of luck! He made two of my favorite games of all time.
  • Game appears to have not sold well for such big budget AAA title and it is time for honorable retirement?
  • We shall see when this game comes to Ps4. Remember Microsoft got a timed exclusive to it. Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
  • Lol well taking the franchise in a different direction is quite a risk that mustn't have gone well enough to satisfy shareholders
  • This has nothing to do with the game. The game is fantastic and it's doing fine, considering it's an xbox timed exclusive. And even if it tanked, he had nothing to do with those business decisions. Probably somebody offered him a better job. People in this business tend to move a lot.
  • Thanks for the time spent creating these experiences for the gaming community. It's much appreciated Brian Horton. Best of luck.
  • TR should have stayed like TR not morphed into a uncharted type game
  • Thank you for your hard work, I love those games
  • He took a job at Infinity Ward according to IGN