Recent industry reports indicate that Crystal Dynamics may be seeking an external development partner for the next installment in the legendary Tomb Raider franchise. This move comes as the studio faces delays with one of its current AAA projects, as revealed in a financial report from parent company Embracer Group.

The Tomb Raider series, which debuted in 1996, has grown into one of gaming's most iconic franchises, selling over 100 million copies across its 11 mainline entries. While the last core title, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, released in 2018, protagonist Lara Croft has remained prominent through appearances in Fortnite, Dead by Daylight, and other popular games.

Embracer's quarterly report (via Videogamer) mentions an unannounced AAA title being delayed to fiscal year 2026/27 (April 2026-March 2027), along with confirmation of an external partnership for "one of its largest IPs." While not explicitly naming Tomb Raider, industry analysts widely believe this refers to the franchise, given its status as Crystal Dynamics' flagship property.

The studio is also developing Perfect Dark for Microsoft, but unlike Tomb Raider, Crystal Dynamics doesn't own that IP. This makes the external partnership news particularly significant for the future of Lara Croft's adventures.

Despite the apparent delay, recent job listings suggest the project may be entering its final development phases. A posting for Senior Level Designer mentioned "strike teams," which are typically deployed late in a game's production cycle. This aligns with Embracer's statement that the delayed title "will likely need a few more quarters to polish" before release.

While a 2025 release seems unlikely, speculation points to a potential reveal during Summer Game Fest 2025. However, fans should temper expectations until official announcements are made, especially considering the reported development challenges.

The Tomb Raider franchise remains one of gaming's most enduring properties, having successfully transitioned Lara Croft from polygonal pioneer to modern action heroine. As Crystal Dynamics navigates these development challenges with potential external support, the gaming community eagerly awaits news of Lara's next adventure.

For now, fans can revisit Lara's previous journeys, including the recently updated Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered Collection, while keeping an eye on upcoming gaming events for official announcements about the series' future.