Crystal Dynamics cuts staff in 2025, Tomb Raider work unaffected

Crystal Dynamics has cut an undisclosed number of roles, the studio announced, marking a second round of layoffs in 2025 and the latest reduction since its acquisition by Embracer Group. In a company statement posted on social media, Crystal Dynamics said the move was driven by "evolving business conditions" and was taken to protect the "longterm health of our studio and core creative priorities in a continually shifting market." The studio said the decision "was not made lightly" and pledged to provide support and resources to affected employees. Crystal Dynamics added that development on the next Tomb Raider remains unaffected.

Company officials did not disclose how many staff were let go on this occasion, which teams or which of the studio's locations were impacted. Crystal Dynamics maintains offices at its headquarters in the Bay Area and satellite sites in Austin, Texas, and Bellevue, Washington. Earlier this year the studio laid off 17 employees in March, and it reduced staff by 10 in 2023. Observers note this is at least the third round of cuts since the studio became part of Embracer Group in 2022.

The latest reductions follow broader industry upheaval this summer,...