Further layoffs at Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics

25 workers have been let go at California-based developer Crystal Dynamics, publisher Eidos has confirmed.

The news comes only a matter of months after the Tomb Raider developer had seen around an initial staff cut of 30.

"We can confirm that Crystal Dynamics has made a reduction of approximately 25 people at the San Francisco studio,” a company representative told news site Kotaku.

“This decision is a reflection of the continued drive to focus resources at the studio. We would like to thank all of the employees affected by this difficult decision for their hard work during their time at Crystal and we wish them all the best in the future."

Problems for the Square Enix-owned Crystal Dynamics began at the end of 2008 after the release of Tomb Raider Underworld which, at least for Eidos, sold below expectations – particularly in North America.

No new projects have been announced at Crystal Dynamics since. Little was said of the fate of the developer during Square Enix’s acquisition of Eidos.

Upon gathering sales figures for Underworld, Eidos subsequently called for a review of the Tomb Raider franchise itself, with one company executive stating that “we need to look at everything, as we develop the next game.”

There were also implications that Tomb Raider’s star protagonist Lara could be receiving a thorough, more female-friendly, makeover.