Microsoft’s recent announcement of a timed exclusivity deal to bring Tomb Raider to the Xbox before other platforms could be a big win for Microsoft. At least that’s what they’re hoping anyway. In fact, it looks like Microsoft has been looking for a game to rival Naughty Dog’s PlayStation Exclusive Uncharted series for quite some time.
While Naughty Dog’s next Uncharted game is still a ways off, Tomb Raider might be Microsoft’s answer.
Speaking with Eurogamer, Xbox head Phil Spencer explains the situation, his fondness of the Uncharted series, and desire for Microsoft to have an style game on the Xbox One.
“I’m a big fan of Uncharted,” says Spencer. “I wish we had an action adventure game of that ilk. We’ve started some, and we’ve looked at them. But we don’t have one today of that quality. This is an opportunity.” Spencer continues a clarifies that Tomb Raider is a game that “clearly fits” in the Microsoft portfolio.
Just how big of an opportunity for Microsoft has yet to be seen. Tomb Raider’s revival in 2013 saw critical acclaim, and obviously the timed exclusivity has rubbed some fans the wrong way. But will it make them go out and buy an Xbox One? It’s probably too early to tell.
Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics have yet to reveal just how long this exclusivity period will be.
