Where to, nobody knows
The person who has guided Lara Croft since her 2013 reboot is moving on. Tomb Raider lead writer Rhianna Pratchett has parted ways with developer Crystal Dynamics.
The announcement was revealed on Crystal Dynamics’ tumblr where the studio released this brief statement: “Crystal Dynamics and Rhianna Pratchett are announcing today that Rhianna is off to pursue new adventures separate from the Tomb Raider franchise. 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 heroine we know today. The entire team thanks Rhianna for her dedication and tireless efforts on the games. Please join us in wishing Rhianna the absolute best in her next adventure.”
Pratchett made a few comments on Twitter, thanking former co-workers and saying “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!”
Pratchett has a storied career in games. Apart from the pair of Tomb Raider games, she has been a writer for titles such as Mirror’s Edge, Prince of Persia (2008), BioShock Infinite, and Thief. Last year, Rise of the Tomb Raider won for Outstanding Achievement in Videogame Writing at the Writers Guild of America Awards, and the Outstanding Achievement in Character categories at the DICE Awards; Pratchett obviously played a significant role in the game earning these accolades.
Pratchett vaguely made mention of a “new adventure” in her farewell note, but didn’t specify as to where she was going next. We’ll have to wait to see where she turns up. Wherever it is, that studio’s getting one hell of a writer.
Rhianna Pratchett to Pursue New Adventures Separate from the Tomb Raider Franchise [tumblr]
