Xbox One exclusive ‘Rise of the Tomb Raider’ sparks online outrage

At its Gamescom 2014 press conference, Microsoft announced that “Rise of the Tomb Raider” is an Xbox One exclusive. Furthermore, the hotly anticipated sequel to 2013’s excellent “Tomb Raider” reboot is slated for a 2015 holiday season launch.

 

“In the next chapter of her journey, Lara must use her survival skills and wits, learn to trust new friends, and ultimately accept her destiny as the Tomb Raider,” said Microsoft at the game’s E3 announcement. “Featuring epic, high-octane action moments, Rise of the Tomb Raider will take gamers to multiple locations around the world filled with exploration spaces that are some of the most beautifully hostile places on earth. In addition, after hearing the cry from fans loud and clear, the game will put the tombs back into ‘Tomb Raider’ all in the franchise’s gritty Survival-Action style.”

 

 

That’s all well and good, but the venerable action-adventure franchise has always graced a broad range of platforms, including but not limited to the Sony PlayStation and the classic Sega Saturn console. This is partly why “Rise of the Tomb Raider’s” Xbox One exclusivity is so shocking to so many of those heavily invested in the series.

 

And we’re not just talking about the PlayStation 4 owners here, but gamers who first experienced the joys of Lara Croft on the PC, as well. Because yes, exclusivity to Xbox One could very well mean that PC aficionados won’t be getting to enjoy the sequel on their preferred gaming system, either.

 

So fans of the franchise who don’t own Microsoft’s Xbox One console are understandably upset, with many focusing their unbridled rage on developer Crystal Dynamics, publisher Square Enix, tech giant Microsoft, or all three. Many unflattering theories are cropping up, with one in particular accusing Microsoft of paying off both developer and publisher to withhold releasing the game on Sony’s latest console and the PC.

 

“A slap in my face as a Tomb Raider fan,” said one irate commenter. “You sold your soul for $$$$ Crystal Dynamics.”

 

“Bullsh#t @SquareEnix @TombRaider. What a f#ck you to your fans,” tweeted Joshua Ogborn.

 

A Twitter account parodying Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai throws a cheeky jab at Square Enix: “Rise of the Tomb Raider is now exclusive to Xbox One. Square Enix clearly wants the game to be uncharted: as in, not entering the charts.” 

 

“'Tomb Raider is an Xbox exclusive' = Microsoft literally paid Square Enix to deny their game to people,” tweeted Jason Schreier.

 

There is even a change.org petition calling for a boycott of the game should it not be released for the PC and PlayStation 4!

 

None of the involved parties have yet to comment on the speculations, but Crystal Dynamics Head of Studios Darrell Gallagher did state in a blog post (Rise of the Tomb Raider - Update) that “Our friends at Microsoft have always seen huge potential in Tomb Raider and have believed in our vision since our first unveil with them on their stage at E3 2011. We know they will get behind this game more than any support we have had from them in the past – we believe this will be a step to really forging the Tomb Raider brand as one of the biggest in gaming, with the help, belief and backing of a major partner like Microsoft.”

 

It has to be noted that it is presently unclear what Microsoft meant exactly when it used the term, “exclusive”. Does this imply the game will absolutely never appear on any system but the Xbox One? Or is “Rise of the Tomb Raider” simply a “timed” exclusive, meaning that though the title will be initially released for the Microsoft’s console, it will be available to other platforms further down the line? 

 

Whatever the truth may be, expect more revelations about this controversial issue in the upcoming weeks. — TJD, GMA News