Tomb Raider Developer Cuts Staff by 30 (PC)

Joystiq is reporting that Crystal Dynamics has laid-off employees. Roughly 30 workers have been let go at the California developer. While it was not explicitly stated, the recent disappointing returns for Tomb Raider: Underworld likely factored into the lay-offs.

"We have increased the focus on the Tomb Raider franchise at Crystal Dynamics," said a Crystal Dynamics spokesperson to Joystiq. "Regrettably this has resulted in the reduction in headcount."

Part of the increased focus on Lara Croft will apparently include a makeover for the character herself to make her more "female-friendly," according to the Times Online. Tomb Raider's appeal in the U.S. in particular seems to be dwindling. Screen Digest's Piers Harding-Rolls commented, "Lara is still looked on with affection in Britain and Europe, but sequels don't necessarily go on for ever. The market in America is very competitive and if a game is not selling, retailers simply stop stocking it."

Robert Brent, Chief Financial Officer at Eidos, remarked, "We need to look at everything, as we develop the next game. Look at how Batman changed succesfully, from the rather sad character of the Michael Keaton era to the noir style of The Dark Knight."