Crystal Dynamics explains AI use in Tomb Raider development

Developers Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog used generative AI to create placeholder assets for Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. The tool helped visualize ideas during early level design.

Crystal Dynamics director of experience Jeff Adams said the technology lets teams test concepts quickly without committing full development resources upfront. If an idea proves viable, it moves into the standard human-led pipeline where concepting and building occur.

Adams noted that all final content in the game remains human-crafted. He added that the approach helps the studios reach the right answers faster while delivering high-quality experiences.

The game is scheduled for release on 12 February 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 and PC via Steam. Earlier plans had targeted a 2026 launch.

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A video from Game Informer captured an awkward moment at Summer Game Fest where Crystal Dynamics public relations staff stopped a follow-up question about generative AI use in Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a full remake of the 1996 original, will launch on February 12, 2027. The game was developed by Flying Wild Hog with guidance from Crystal Dynamics using Unreal Engine 5. It will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC.

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