Skip to main content PC Gamer THE GLOBAL AUTHORITY ON PC GAMES Search PC Gamer View Profile Movies & TV Gaming Industry PC Gaming Show Newsletter Signup Community Guidelines Affiliate Links Meet the team About PC Gamer PC Gamer Magazine Subscription Why subscribe? Subscribe to the world's #1 PC gaming mag Try a single issue or save on a subscription Issues delivered straight to your door or device From£35.99View Spring Prime Day Monster Hunter Wilds Marvel Rivals Gaming Industry Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics lays off 17 employees 'to better align our current business needs and the studio's future success' Andy Chalk 26 March 2025 Crystal Dynamics is currently working on a new Tomb Raider game and is also co-developing a Perfect Dark reboot. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Crystal Dynamics) Crystal Dynamics, which is currently working on a Perfect Dark reboot and a new Tomb Raider game, has announced the layoff of 17 employees. "This morning, Crystal Dynamics made the difficult decision to reduce our workforce by 17 talented team members," the studio said in a message posted to X. "We did not make this decision lightly. 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." (Image credit: Crystal Dynamics (Twitter)) The past five years have not been especially kind to Crystal Dynamics. Marvel's Avengers, the live service superhero game that debuted in 2020 (and CD's last big project), did poorly and was removed from sale just three years later. The studio itself, meanwhile, was acquired by Embracer in 2022, and while that ultimately put Tomb Raider back in the studio's hands, it also happened less than a year ahead of Embracer's infamous $2 billion "rough night" that saw numerous studios gutted and closed. As game industry layoffs go, 17 isn't a huge number, at least when compared to the tens of thousands that have been put out of work over the past few years. That's obviously no comfort to the people who have been let go, nor does it seem like an especially good sign for a studio that by all appearances has plenty to do. Crystal Dynamics is currently co-developing a reboot of Perfect Dark alongside The Initiative; it's also got a new Tomb Raider on the go, the first new addition to the series since Shadow of the Tomb Raider in 2018, although nothing's been heard about that since the reveal of character art in early 2024. It's also recently worked with Aspyr on remasters of older Tomb Raider games and Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver. The studio said the layoffs will "not alter our current project plans." The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Embracer Group Tomb Raider Perfect Dark Social Links Navigation US News Lead Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. 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