Yesterday, Square Enix issued a statement confirming the development of a third Tomb Raider game. The last installment of the long-running series’ reboot was in 2015 with Rise of the Tomb Raider. This time, Square Enix has apparently decided to announce the game relatively close to its release (as opposed to announcing the title early on in its development), according to the statement.
“Honestly, we wish we could share it with you now, but we’re taking a new approach this time. Driven by our goal of putting our fans first, we want you to know that it won’t be very long between the official reveal and when you can play,” said Square Enix.
A message to our fans! pic.twitter.com/HlDYsUtZMs
— Tomb Raider (@tombraider) December 7, 2017
Square Enix has yet to reveal the game’s title, a more specific release window, or any more information about the game. However, a potential title was leaked earlier this year when someone took a somewhat blurry photo on a Montreal subway – which also supports rumors that Eidos Montreal may be developing the new game. Zooming in on the laptop screen shows the name “Shadow of the Tomb Raider,” possibly referring to the upcoming game. You can see the leaked picture here:
Square Enix has refused to comment on the leak, though there’s a theory circulating that Square Enix’s official statement alludes to the leaked title, as the first letter of every sentence put together spells ‘shadow.’
“Our journey will begin with a major event in 2018,” Square Enix said. “We simply can’t wait to take you on Lara Croft’s defining adventure.” With further information about this new Tomb Raider title coming during a “major event,” it’s possible news will coincide with the release of the new Tomb Raider film adaptation, which arrives on March 16th, or a major gaming trade show.