Evil Hat excited to salvage treasure from cancelled Tomb Raider RPG

Licensed tabletop games open a lot of possibilities (and money) to designers willing to work under the constraints of another company, but it also opens them up to unique considerations and risks. Evil Hat Productions recently ran into creative differences with video game developer Crystal Dynamics over competing visions for the Tomb Raider: Shadows of Truth RPG already in development. According to Evil Hat president Fred Hicks, the split was amicable but has left the Thirsty Sword Lesbians, Blades in the Dark, and FATE publisher with an interesting challenge: finishing half of a game with no clean split.

“We hit upon a disagreement on the game’s final form,” Hicks told Rascal via email. “Fans may find that disappointing but it’s not uncommon in a licensor/licensee arrangement. We’re proud of the talent and perspective our design team brought to the table. We look forward to showcasing their work in a new form in the future. Rather than spend time dissecting the differences — and out of respect for the NDA we signed — we’re focusing on plans to take the core of this system in a new direction, with a fresh and original setting. The team produced some exceptional work. We’re keen for our fans to see it.”

Hicks maintains that Crystal Dynamics was an exceptional partner during development of the RPG and “very kind” in mutually ending the two businesses’ contract. Essentially, Crystal Dynamics rescinded use of the Tomb Raider brand, along with any associated names and established narrative threads — no Lara Croft, no Jonah Maiava, and no Trinity. What remains is a core system, chiefly designed by Apocalypse Keys creator Rae Nedjadi, and six adventures already written by a team of contracted writers.