Tomb Raider Creator Leaves Crystal Dynamics

Toby Gard, the creator of the Tomb Raider series, has unexpectedly left Crystal Dynamics.

After nine months “leading a design group for an unannounced project” at Californian studio Crystal Dynamics, Gard has updated his website and LinkedIn profile to indicate he now  provides “consultancy services to video game companies.”

“Obviously it’s confidential what goes on at Crystal Dynamics,” Gard told Develop, “but the situation is that I’m no longer working with them, and I’ve started up my own consultancy business.” He did not comment on the reason behind leaving Crystal Dynamics.

Gard started work on Tomb Raider Legend as a consultant, taking the role of lead designer for Tomb Raider Anniversary, which is a retrospective on Gard’s previous work. He later changed role again, becoming cinematic director for Tomb Raider Underworld.