Crystal Dynamics has confirmed that Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis was built from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5. This decision was necessary because no source code from the original 1996 Tomb Raider game exists. During a Q&A at Gamescom, experience director Jeff Adams clarified that the studio did not use any old code from the original game. Instead, they created a "reimagining" of the classic title, focusing on modernizing the experience while staying true to the spirit of the original.
Adams highlighted that Unreal Engine 5 provided the team with tools to develop custom technology for the game. This includes their own physics implementation, which allowed for more realistic and dynamic interactions within the game world. While features like Nanite and Lumen—two advanced rendering technologies in Unreal Engine 5—helped enhance the game’s visual quality, the team also developed custom solutions to address specific design and performance needs.
The new Tomb Raider installment is set to launch on February 27, 2027, for multiple platforms. These include PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. This wide release aims to bring the new Tomb Raider experience to a broad audience, ensuring accessibility across different gaming systems.
The project represents a significant step forward for Crystal Dynamics, showcasing their ability to innovate while honoring the legacy of the Tomb Raider franchise. By leveraging the latest game development tools and creating custom solutions, the studio aims to deliver a fresh and immersive experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
Crystal Dynamics Builds Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis from Scratch Using Unreal Engine 5
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