So the rumors were true! A few days ago, we had posted that content from Tomb Raider: Anniversary would be available on the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live. Microsoft has now confirmed that Tomb Raider: Anniversary will be released on the Xbox 360 primarily in the form of downloadable episodic content, which will be available for purchase to owners of Tomb Raider Legend.
A full retail version of the game will be released for Xbox 360 later in 2007. As of now, it will be available in four episodes; Episodes 1 & 2 will be available in September 2007, while the next two episodes will come some time later. It is the first time ever that the serialization of a full retail game will be available for purchase through Xbox Live Marketplace.
George Peckham, GM, 3rd Party Publishing, Xbox, Microsoft says, “We are continuing to break new ground in getting incredible gaming experiences in the hands of consumers. We are thrilled to be able to carry one of the well-recognized franchises in video game history with Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary to our more than six million Xbox Live members worldwide in the form of episodic content.”
Jane Cavanagh, Chief Executive, Eidos quotes, “We have created this version of Anniversary specifically for digital distribution as episodic content. This is part of our tactic to grow our presence in online and digital distribution as we believe there are huge growth opportunities arising from this delivery format and we intend to capitalize on the increasing demand for digitally downloaded content. Lara has always been at the forefront of technology and this world first initiative with Microsoft really highlights that fact. Ultimately we also intend to make the title available at retail so that it reaches the highest possible audience.”
All the four episodes of Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary will together cost 2400 Microsoft points. The Croft Manor level will be free to download with both sets of episodes. They will also release picture packs and theme packs on the Marketplace. The game has already been released for the PS2 and the PC.