Crystal Dynamics has announced that Rhianna Pratchett has decided to move on and left the company. She served as lead writer for 2013’s Tomb Raider and the recent Rise of the Tomb Raider.
“Rhianna is off to pursue new adventures separate from the Tomb Raider franchise.” Crystal Dynamics continued, “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.”
Instrumental is a pretty good description for the person who won the Outstanding Achievement in Video Game Writing from the Writers Guild of America and the Outstanding Achievement in Character at the D.I.C.E. Awards in 2016. Not only that, but she was also nominated for the Best Videogame Script for her 2013’s Tomb Raider.
Pratchett recently took to Twitter to say her words and instead of showing numerous tweets, I’ll just write them out.
“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! I want to thank the Crystal Dynamics team for their dedication especially Josh Stafford, Cameron Suey, and Noah Hughes. Guys, it’s been emotional, but I like to think we did some good things. Maybe shifted the gaming landscape a wee bit and that feels damn good. I also want to thank TR’s [Tomb Raider’s] terrific fan community. You really are the best in the world. Constantly helping me remember why I do this job.”
As big fans of Tomb Raider, we too would like to thank Rhianna, and wish her all the best in her future endeavours. Thanks for making Lara Croft what she is today.