Crystal Dynamics has announced that 17 employees have been laid off. The studio–currently working on a new Tomb Raider and Perfect Dark–stated that this will help with “future success,” while adding it’s not tied to a person’s performance or ability.
On X, the official Crystal Dynamics account posted about the layoffs. “We did not make this decision lightly,” reads the statement from the developer. “Ultimately, this step was necessary to better align our current business needs and the studio’s future success. It is not a reflection of the dedication or ability of those affected.”
This morning, Crystal Dynamics made the difficult decision to reduce our workforce by 17 talented team members. We did not make this decision lightly. Ultimately, this step was necessary to better align our current (cont) https://t.co/wKWtl5Be8S pic.twitter.com/q482GyteoJ
— Crystal Dynamics (@CrystalDynamics) March 26, 2025
In addition, Crystal Dynamics claims that the company’s downsizing won’t affect development on any projects. Almost two years ago, the studio made similar reassurances about Tomb Raider and Perfect Dark not being disrupted after the massive Embracer Group layoffs and developer closures in 2023.
Just over a year ago, Lara Croft’s new “unified” design was shown off for the heroine’s next game, which will be published by Amazon. There is also a Prime Video TV series in the works for Tomb Raider, but it won’t be connected to the game.
Crystal Dynamics is also co-developing Perfect Dark with The Initiative for Xbox Game Studios. The game starring Joanna Dark got its first gameplay trailer last summer, but it still doesn’t have a release window.
Most recently, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered came out on PC and consoles last month. Crystal Dynamics worked with Aspyr on the remastered bundle.