Eidos confirms staff layoffs

Increased focus on the Tomb Raider franchise results in cut backs.

Joystiq reports that Crytstal Dynamics, developer of the Tomb Raider series, has laid off approximately 30 employees. The news quickly followed word from Eidos that the latest instalment in the Tomb Raider franchise, Tomb Raider Underworld, sold only 1.5 million units up to the end of 2008 and did not perform as had been forecast internally.

Commenting on the job losses, Eidos stated: "We have increased the focus on the Tomb Raider franchise at Crystal Dynamics, regrettably this has resulted in the reduction in headcount."

Speaking to The Times, Robert Brent, chief financial officer of Eidos revealed that a re-imagining of Lara Croft is on the cards: "We need to look at everything, as we develop the next game. Look at how Batman changed successfully, from the rather sad character of the Michael Keaton era to the noir style of The Dark Knight."

Brent also reiterated an earlier comment from Eidos that Underworld has underperformed in the US.

"Europe was fine, but America was not as anticipated," said Brent. "You would normally expect Tomb Raider sales to be split half and half between Europe and North America, but this time America was considerably below that."