One of the great minds behind the Tomb Raider reboot and its sequel Rise of the Tomb Raider will no longer be writing for the franchise. The writer Rhianna Pratchett and developer Crystal Dynamics made the announcement on Crystal Dynamics’ official Tumblr page.
“Crystal Dynamics and Rhianna Pratchett are announcing today that Rhianna is off to pursue new adventures separate from the Tomb Raider franchise,” the statement reads. “Rhianna was instrumental in helping us find Lara’s voice in the 2013 origin story, and through Rise of the Tomb Raider she shaped Lara into the evolving heroin we know today. The entire team thanks Rhianna for her dedication and tireless efforts on the games. Please join us in wish Rhianna the absolute best in her next adventure.”
Pratchett made the announcement her own way in a series of tweets, seen below:
So, I’m packing up my climbing axe plus a little venison jerky for the road, and bidding a fond farewell to Lara. Onwards to new adventures!
— Rhianna Pratchett (@rhipratchett) January 3, 2017
I want to thank the @CrystalDynamics team for their dedication esp. @jstafford @josefkstories & @noahmhughes. Guys, it’s been emotional.
— Rhianna Pratchett (@rhipratchett) January 3, 2017
But, I like to think we did some good things. Maybe shifted the gaming landscape a wee bit. And that feels damn good.
— Rhianna Pratchett (@rhipratchett) January 3, 2017
I also want to thank TR’s terrific fan community. You really are the best in the world. Constantly helping me remember why I do this job.
— Rhianna Pratchett (@rhipratchett) January 3, 2017
There are no new plans on continuing the series with a new game. However, there is expected to be a sequel to Rise of the Tomb Raider, because Tomb Raider was supposed to be the beginning of a trilogy. Nothing has been confirmed; The rumored title of a new game is Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
Pratchett has also written for Mirror’s Edge, Overwatch and Heavenly Sword.