Crystal Dynamics: Difference between revisions
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=== Background and early years (1992–1995) === |
=== Background and early years (1992–1995) === |
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Crystal Dynamics was founded by Madeline Canepa, Judy Lange, and [[Dave Morse (executive)|Dave Morse]] on July 8, 1992, when they [[Corporate spin-off|spun off]] from [[The 3DO Company]].<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 2" /><ref name="GameSpot: 30th" /> Canepa and Lange were previously marketing executives for [[Sega]], where the former's integral role in the launch of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' gave her the nickname "Mother of Sonic".<ref name="NYTimes 1994-02" /><ref name="Oakland Tribune 1994-11" /> Morse had co-founded [[Amiga Corporation]], the creator of the [[Amiga]] family of [[home computer]]s, and New Technology Group, which sought to design a [[video game console]].<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 2" /><ref name="Game Informer: History" /> In 1990, New Technology Group had partnered with [[Electronic Arts]] to create the [[3DO Interactive Multiplayer]], a collaboration that eventually grew into The 3DO Company.<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 2" /> At Crystal Dynamics, Lange assumed the [[President (corporate title)|president]] role and Canepa headed the marketing department.<ref name="NYTimes 1993-06" /><ref name="3DO Magazine: Profile" /> While Morse became its [[chairman]] and [[chief executive officer]] (CEO), he also continued as New Technology Group's CEO until that company was merged into The 3DO Company.<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 1" /><ref name="3DO Magazine: Morse" /> Technology Partners and [[Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers]] provided Crystal Dynamics with [[seed capital]].<ref name="SFGate: Shakeup" /> The studio set up its first offices in the retail space of [[Palo Alto Airport]] in [[Palo Alto, California]].<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /><ref name="The Dispatch 1993-04" /> [[Mark Cerny]], also from Sega, became its first developer later that year.<ref name="VGC: Cerny" /> The studio's first projects were ''[[Crash 'N Burn (1993 video game)|Crash 'N Burn]]'' and ''[[Total Eclipse (1994 video game)|Total Eclipse]]'', which entered production simultaneously and were announced as [[launch titles]] for the upcoming 3DO in April 1993.<ref name="NYTimes 1993-06" /><ref name="The Dispatch 1993-04" /> Cerny was vital in the development of the [[game engine]] technology used by ''Crash 'N Burn'', ''Total Eclipse'', and ''[[Off-World Interceptor]]''.<ref name="Game Informer: History" /> Developing for the system meant that the company could produce games for the [[CD-ROM]] format, avoiding the higher costs associated with [[ROM cartridge|cartridges]].<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> |
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Crystal Dynamics was founded by Madeline Canepa, Judy Lange, and [[Dave Morse (executive)|Dave Morse]] on July 8, 1992, when they [[Corporate spin-off|spun off]] from [[The 3DO Company]].<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 2">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94003448/crystal-dynamics-profile-part-2/ |title=Crystal Dynamics faces bumpy road |first=Gina |last=Smith |date=October 23, 1994 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |page=B-6 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212813/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94003448/crystal-dynamics-profile-part-2/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GameSpot: 30th">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/crystals-dynamics-confirms-legacy-of-kain-still-exists-in-30th-anniversary-celebration/1100-6505252/ |title=Crystals Dynamics Confirms Legacy Of Kain Still Exists in 30th Anniversary Celebration |first=Darryn |last=Bonthuys |date=July 8, 2022 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914165908/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/crystals-dynamics-confirms-legacy-of-kain-still-exists-in-30th-anniversary-celebration/1100-6505252/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Canepa and Lange were previously marketing executives for [[Sega]], where the former's integral role in the launch of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (1991 video game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' gave her the nickname "Mother of Sonic". |
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<ref name="NYTimes 1994-02">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/13/business/sound-bytes-the-not-so-silent-screen.html |title=Sound Bytes; The Not-So-Silent Screen |first=Lawrence M. |last=Fisher |date=February 13, 1994 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=June 14, 2012 |archive-date=January 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125183052/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/13/business/sound-bytes-the-not-so-silent-screen.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Oakland Tribune 1994-11">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109555943/marketing-developers-disparage-ethical/ |title=Marketing: Developers disparage ethical criticism |first=Howard |last=Bryant |date=November 6, 1994 |newspaper=[[Oakland Tribune]] |page=D-4 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914213439/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109555943/marketing-developers-disparage-ethical/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Morse had co-founded [[Amiga Corporation]], the creator of the [[Amiga]] family of [[home computer]]s, and New Technology Group, which sought to design a [[video game console]].<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 2" /><ref name="Game Informer: History">{{cite journal |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/12/14/the-history-of-crystal-dynamics.aspx |title=The History Of Crystal Dynamics |first=Matt |last=Miller |date=December 14, 2010 |journal=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505212954/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/12/14/the-history-of-crystal-dynamics.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1990, New Technology Group had partnered with [[Electronic Arts]] to create the [[3DO Interactive Multiplayer]], a collaboration that eventually grew into The 3DO Company.<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 2" /> At Crystal Dynamics, Lange assumed the [[President (corporate title)|president]] role and Canepa headed the marketing department.<ref name="NYTimes 1993-06">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/22/business/company-news-fox-film-president-resigns-to-head-start-up-company.html |title=COMPANY NEWS; Fox Film President Resigns To Head Start-Up Company |first=Calvin |last=Sims |date=June 22, 1993 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914155736/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/22/business/company-news-fox-film-president-resigns-to-head-start-up-company.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="3DO Magazine: Profile">{{cita journal |url=https://archive.org/details/3-do-01/page/22/mode/2up |title=Profile: Crystal Dynamics – Gamers Extraordinaire |first=Stuart |last=Wynne |journal=3DO Magazine |issue=1 |date=December 1994 |publisher=[[Paragon Publishing]] |pages=22–23 |via=[[Internet Archive]] |access-date=November 13, 2023}}</ref> While Morse became its [[chairman]] and [[chief executive officer]] (CEO), he also continued as New Technology Group's CEO until that company was merged into The 3DO Company. |
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<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 1">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94003404/crystal-dynamics-profile-part-1/ |title=Game over? Not by a long shot |first=Gina |last=Smith |date=October 23, 1994 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |page=B-5 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212737/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94003404/crystal-dynamics-profile-part-1/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="3DO Magazine: Morse">{{cite journal |url=https://archive.org/details/3-do-magazine-03/page/14/mode/2up |title=Interview: David Morse – Silicon Messiah |first=Stuart |last=Wynne |journal=3DO Magazine |issue=3 |date=April 1995 |publisher=[[Paragon Publishing]] |pages=14–15 |via=[[Internet Archive]] |access-date=November 13, 2023}}</ref> Technology Partners and [[Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers]] provided Crystal Dynamics with [[seed capital]].<ref name="SFGate: Shakeup">{{cite web |url=https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/crystal-dynamics-shakeup-2977945.php |title=Crystal Dynamics Shakeup |first=Jeff |last=Pelline |date=June 14, 1996 |website=[[SFGate]] |access-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112141328/https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/crystal-dynamics-shakeup-2977945.php |url-status=live}}</ref> The studio set up its first offices in the retail space of [[Palo Alto Airport]] in [[Palo Alto, California]].<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsByUubJkk8 |title=The 30 Year History of Crystal Dynamics – Noclip Documentary |publisher=[[Noclip]] |date=November 23, 2022 |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123162730/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsByUubJkk8&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Dispatch 1993-04">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109538069/3do-setting-new-standard-in-video-game/ |title=3DO setting new standard in video game multimedia |agency=[[Knight-Ridder Newspapers]] |date=April 25, 1993 |newspaper=[[The Dispatch / The Rock Island Argus|The Dispatch]] |page=B2 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914165751/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109538069/3do-setting-new-standard-in-video-game/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Mark Cerny]], also from Sega, became its first developer later that year.<ref name="VGC: Cerny">{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/who-is-mark-cerny/ |title=Who is Mark Cerny, the man behind PS5? |first=Tom |last=Ivan |date=February 13, 2020 |website=[[Video Games Chronicle]] |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114172832/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/who-is-mark-cerny/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The studio's first projects were ''[[Crash 'N Burn (1993 video game)|Crash 'N Burn]]'' and ''[[Total Eclipse (1994 video game)|Total Eclipse]]'', which entered production simultaneously and were announced as [[launch titles]] for the upcoming 3DO in April 1993.<ref name="NYTimes 1993-06" /><ref name="The Dispatch 1993-04" /> Cerny was vital in the development of the [[game engine]] technology used by ''Crash 'N Burn'', ''Total Eclipse'', and ''[[Off-World Interceptor]]''.<ref name="Game Informer: History" /> Developing for the system meant that the company could produce games for the [[CD-ROM]] format, avoiding the higher costs associated with [[ROM cartridge|cartridges]].<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> |
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In June 1993, Crystal Dynamics hired [[Strauss Zelnick]] as its president and CEO, who resigned from the same roles at [[20th Century Fox]]. According to Lange, Zelnick had been hired for his business expertise, whereas creative expertise was already present at the studio, which had twenty-eight developers at that time.<ref name="NYTimes 1993-06" /> Zelnick acquired between 25% and 50% of Crystal Dynamics and brought in further investors through earlier connections: [[Home Box Office, Inc.|Home Box Office]] bought 10% in July 1993, followed by [[King World Productions]] acquiring 10% for {{US$|7.5 million}} in September of that year.<ref name="NYTimes 1993-06" /><ref name="Variety: HBO" |
In June 1993, Crystal Dynamics hired [[Strauss Zelnick]] as its president and CEO, who resigned from the same roles at [[20th Century Fox]]. According to Lange, Zelnick had been hired for his business expertise, whereas creative expertise was already present at the studio, which had twenty-eight developers at that time.<ref name="NYTimes 1993-06" /> Zelnick acquired between 25% and 50% of Crystal Dynamics and brought in further investors through earlier connections: [[Home Box Office, Inc.|Home Box Office]] bought 10% in July 1993, followed by [[King World Productions]] acquiring 10% for {{US$|7.5 million}} in September of that year.<ref name="NYTimes 1993-06" /><ref name="Variety: HBO" /><ref name="LA Times: King World" /> The combined value of the latter two stakes was estimated at {{US$|20 million|long=no}}.<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1993-10-24" /> Zelnick's background in film and television increased Crystal Dynamics's focus on [[full-motion video]] in its games.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> ''Crash 'N Burn'' was released as the 3DO's [[pack-in game]] in October 1993.<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1993-10-23" /> An editorial in ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' from the same month declared the studio "the hottest new video game company on the upscale scene".<ref name="EGM: Hottest" /> |
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In January 1994, Zelnick drafted plans for Star Interactive, which was to publish third-party games by [[outsourcing]] the management and distribution to Crystal Dynamics and the manufacturing to a third company.<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-01 1" |
In January 1994, Zelnick drafted plans for Star Interactive, which was to publish third-party games by [[outsourcing]] the management and distribution to Crystal Dynamics and the manufacturing to a third company.<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-01 1" /><ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-01 2" /> Crystal Dynamics was to receive annual payments of {{US$|1.5 million|long=no}} and 10% of Star Interactive's profit for the management role, plus 22.5% of its gross receipts for the distribution. Star Interactive's management was to consist of [[The Software Toolworks]]'s former senior [[Vice president (corporate title)|vice president]] (VP) Mark Beaumont as CEO, in addition to Crystal Dynamics's VP of sales Allen Chaplin, and Lange, then the company's executive VP.<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-01 3" /> In February, Zelnick announced his intent for Crystal Dynamics to, like a movie studio, produce games internally while also releasing titles from independent developers.<ref name="NYTimes 1994-02" /> It hired [[Fred Ford (programmer)|Fred Ford]] and [[Paul Reiche III]] of [[Toys for Bob]], initially as contractors and later as employees, to release ''[[The Horde (video game)|The Horde]]'', which they had pitched to Canepa and Lange during their time at Sega.<ref name="Ars Technica: Toys for Bob" /> Another potential publishing project had been [[Naughty Dog]]'s ''[[Way of the Warrior (video game)|Way of the Warrior]]'', which the developer showed to multiple companies during the 1994 [[Consumer Electronics Show]].<ref name="IGN: Way of the Warrior" /> In March 1994, [[Bertelsmann Music Group]] (BMG), which Zelnick had been [[consulting]], agreed to handle marketing and distribution for Crystal Dynamics and Star Interactive outside North America.<ref name="LA Times 1994" /> However, as Star Interactive failed to raise the targeted {{US$|30 million|long=no}}, the plan for this company was scrapped in early 1994 and Lange soon departed Crystal Dynamics.<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 1" /><ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-08 2" /> In August, the studio had more than 100 employees.<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-08 1" /> |
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Also in 1994, Crystal Dynamics became the first developer for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] outside Japan.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /><ref name="Wired: Cerny" /> Zelnick had wanted to move away from the struggling 3DO for some time, and Cerny traveled to the headquarters of the PlayStation maker [[Sony]] in [[Tokyo]] on the company's behalf.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /><ref name="VGC: Cerny" /> Although PlayStation contracts were limited to companies in Japan at the time, Cerny spoke Japanese fluently and signed the agreement in that language, which was approved by [[Shuhei Yoshida]].<ref name="VGC: Cerny" /><ref name="Wired: Cerny" /> As Cerny was hired as the head of [[Universal Interactive Studios]] shortly thereafter, he never used the PlayStation [[game development kit]] the company received.<ref name="VGC: Cerny" /> By October 1994, the 3DO's poor commercial performance had a significant impact on the company.<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 1" /> John Eastburn, the studio's [[chief operating officer]], estimated that 3DO game developers could not [[break even]] unless its consumer base expanded from 75,000 to 500,000.<ref name="The Miami Herald 1994-10" /> In December 1994, the studio partnered with the 3DO manufacturer [[Matsushita Electric]], enabling its 3DO games to be distributed through 10,000 [[consumer electronics]] stores.<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-12" /> In January 1995, Zelnick left Crystal Dynamics to manage BMG's North American operations, remaining a [[Company director|director]] and [[shareholder]] in Crystal Dynamics.<ref name="LA Times 1995-09" /> After this move was announced in September 1994, the vacant CEO position attracted several parties interested in acquiring the studio. Although The 3DO Company and [[Spectrum HoloByte]] were frequently rumored as potential buyers, Morse stated that Crystal Dynamics was not for sale, having spare savings of {{US$|20 million|long=no}} and a newly acquired loan of {{US$|5 million|long=no}} from [[Silicon Valley Bank]].<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 2" /><ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 1" /> He subsequently took up the CEO role and became significantly more involved in the studio.<ref name="3DO Magazine: Morse" /><ref name="SFGate: Komisar" /> The company hired [[Randy Komisar]] from [[LucasArts]] as president and CEO in May 1995.<ref name="SFGate: Komisar" /> Under Komisar, Crystal Dynamics began converting its older 3DO games to the PlayStation and [[Sega Saturn]].<ref name="Hounslow Borough Chronicle 1995-07" /><ref name="Santa Maria Times 1996-06" /> |
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Also in 1994, Crystal Dynamics became the first developer for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] outside Japan.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> |
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<ref name="Wired: Cerny">{{cite journal |url=https://www.wired.com/2013/11/playstation-4/ |title=Exclusive: The American Who Designed the PlayStation 4 and Remade Sony |first=Cade |last=Metz |date=November 7, 2013 |journal=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |access-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212142633/https://www.wired.com/2013/11/playstation-4/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Zelnick had wanted to move away from the struggling 3DO for some time, and Cerny traveled to the headquarters of the PlayStation maker [[Sony]] in [[Tokyo]] on the company's behalf.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /><ref name="VGC: Cerny" /> Although PlayStation contracts were limited to companies in Japan at the time, Cerny spoke Japanese fluently and signed the agreement in that language, which was approved by [[Shuhei Yoshida]].<ref name="VGC: Cerny" /><ref name="Wired: Cerny" /> As Cerny was hired as the head of [[Universal Interactive Studios]] shortly thereafter, he never used the PlayStation [[game development kit]] the company received.<ref name="VGC: Cerny" /> By October 1994, the 3DO's poor commercial performance had a significant impact on the company.<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 1" /> John Eastburn, the studio's [[chief operating officer]], estimated that 3DO game developers could not [[break even]] unless its consumer base expanded from 75,000 to 500,000.<ref name="The Miami Herald 1994-10">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109553492/software-developers-angry/ |title=Software developers angry |date=October 25, 1994 |newspaper=[[The Miami Herald]] |page=6B |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212744/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109553492/software-developers-angry/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 1994, the studio partnered with the 3DO manufacturer [[Matsushita Electric]], enabling its 3DO games to be distributed through 10,000 [[consumer electronics]] stores.<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-12">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109555383/crystal-dynamics-lands-big-contract/ |title=Crystal Dynamics lands big contract |date=December 14, 1994 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |page=B-1 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212814/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109555383/crystal-dynamics-lands-big-contract/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 1995, Zelnick left Crystal Dynamics to manage BMG's North American operations, remaining a [[Company director|director]] and [[shareholder]] in Crystal Dynamics.<ref name="LA Times 1995-09">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109550861/bmg-picks-zelnick-to-run-north-american/ |title=BMG Picks Zelnick to Run North American Operations |date=September 14, 1994 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |page=B6 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212745/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109550861/bmg-picks-zelnick-to-run-north-american/ |url-status=live}}</ref> After this move was announced in September 1994, the vacant CEO position attracted several parties interested in acquiring the studio. Although The 3DO Company and [[Spectrum HoloByte]] were frequently rumored as potential buyers, Morse stated that Crystal Dynamics was not for sale, having spare savings of {{US$|20 million|long=no}} and a newly acquired loan of {{US$|5 million|long=no}} from [[Silicon Valley Bank]].<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 2" /><ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 1" /> He subsequently took up the CEO role and became significantly more involved in the studio.<ref name="3DO Magazine: Morse" /><ref name="SFGate: Komisar">{{cite web |url=https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/crystal-dynamics-snags-rival-s-ceo-lucasarts-3033654.php |title=Crystal Dynamics Snags Rival's CEO / LucasArts' Komisar joins gamemaker |first=David |last=Einstein |date=May 10, 1995 |website=[[SFGate]] |access-date=October 15, 2023 |archive-date=October 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015083732/https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/crystal-dynamics-snags-rival-s-ceo-lucasarts-3033654.php |url-status=live}}</ref> The company hired [[Randy Komisar]] from [[LucasArts]] as president and CEO in May 1995.<ref name="SFGate: Komisar" /> Under Komisar, Crystal Dynamics began converting its older 3DO games to the PlayStation and [[Sega Saturn]].<ref name="Hounslow Borough Chronicle 1995-07">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109588612/byte-back/ |title=Byte Back |date=July 6, 1995 |newspaper=[[Hounslow Borough Chronicle]] |page=18 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915143213/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109588612/byte-back/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Santa Maria Times 1996-06">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109589528/briefs/ |title=Video game maker reorganizes |agency=[[The Associated Press]] |date=June 15, 1996 |newspaper=[[Santa Maria Times]] |page=B-10 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915144158/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109589528/briefs/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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=== ''Gex'', ''Legacy of Kain'', and acquisition by Eidos Interactive (1995–2000) === |
=== ''Gex'', ''Legacy of Kain'', and acquisition by Eidos Interactive (1995–2000) === |
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Crystal Dynamics sought to emulate major game companies by designing a [[Video game mascot|mascot character]], resulting in the 1995 game ''[[Gex (video game)|Gex]]'', which features an [[anthropomorphic]] gecko of the same name.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> Around this time, Crystal Dynamics published ''[[Slam 'N Jam '95]]'' and ''[[Blazing Dragons (video game)|Blazing Dragons]]'', while also was working with Canada-based [[Silicon Knights]] on ''[[Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain]]''. The latter project began to lose focus as it grew in scope, so the publisher engaged [[Amy Hennig]] to make the game more engaging.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> |
Crystal Dynamics sought to emulate major game companies by designing a [[Video game mascot|mascot character]], resulting in the 1995 game ''[[Gex (video game)|Gex]]'', which features an [[anthropomorphic]] gecko of the same name.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> Around this time, Crystal Dynamics published ''[[Slam 'N Jam '95]]'' and ''[[Blazing Dragons (video game)|Blazing Dragons]]'', while also was working with Canada-based [[Silicon Knights]] on ''[[Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain]]''. The latter project began to lose focus as it grew in scope, so the publisher engaged [[Amy Hennig]] to make the game more engaging.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> |
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By 1996, due largely to the unexpectedly slow growth of the CD-ROM games market, the studio was financially stricken.<ref name="NG: Financial Reality" |
By 1996, due largely to the unexpectedly slow growth of the CD-ROM games market, the studio was financially stricken.<ref name="NG: Financial Reality" /><ref name="GamePro: Dynamic Changes" /> In June, the company revealed plans for a reorganization: The [[board of directors]] appointed Ted Ardell, a [[general partner]] at Technology Partners, as CEO. Komisar, Canepa, and Eastburn were ousted and a third of the company's 102 employees were laid off over three months.<ref name="SFGate: Shakeup" /><ref name="Santa Maria Times 1996-06" /> Crystal Dynamics subsequently ceased publishing efforts to focus solely on internally developed games.<ref name="NG: Financial Reality" /> Surplus computer hardware and office equipment were auctioned off in September of that year.<ref name="San Francisco Chronicle 1996-09" /> Ardell managed the day-to-day operations, and the studio lacked a president until Rob Dyer, previously senior VP and [[general manager]], was promoted to this position in April 1997.<ref name="NG: slim down" /><ref name="SFGate: Dyer" /> |
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Following the release of the second ''Gex'' game, ''[[Gex: Enter the Gecko]]'', Crystal Dynamics began producing ''[[Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko]]''.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> By this point, many developers—including most of the ''Gex'' team and ''Enter the Gecko''{{'}}s lead designer, Daniel Arey—had left the company, with some of them joining Naughty Dog.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /><ref name="GameSpot: Arey leaves" |
Following the release of the second ''Gex'' game, ''[[Gex: Enter the Gecko]]'', Crystal Dynamics began producing ''[[Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko]]''.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> By this point, many developers—including most of the ''Gex'' team and ''Enter the Gecko''{{'}}s lead designer, Daniel Arey—had left the company, with some of them joining Naughty Dog.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /><ref name="GameSpot: Arey leaves" /> [[Bruce Straley]], a [[Video game designer|designer]] on ''Enter the Gecko'', was offered the director role for the third game, but he chose to join his friends at Naughty Dog instead.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> Crystal Dynamics further began the development of a second ''Legacy of Kain'' game, codenamed ''Shifter'', without Silicon Knights's involvement. While Hennig and Seth Carus created original characters, Silicon Knights filed an [[injunction]], accusing Crystal Dynamics of plagiarizing the characters from ''Blood Omen''. In a private [[Settlement (litigation)|settlement]], the two companies agreed that Crystal Dynamics could use ''Blood Omen''{{'}}s characters as long as Silicon Knights was credited as their creator. ''Shifter'' ultimately became ''[[Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver]]''.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> Toys for Bob, as part of Crystal Dynamics, developed ''[[Pandemonium! (video game)|Pandemonium!]]'' and ''[[The Unholy War]]'', while consulting on ''[[Pandemonium 2]]''.<ref name="Ars Technica: Toys for Bob" /> |
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Following losses of {{US$|1.5 million|long=no}} in its 1997 [[fiscal year]], Crystal Dynamics agreed to be bought by the British publisher [[Eidos Interactive]] in September 1998 for {{GBP|28.4 million}} (equivalent to {{US$|47.5 million|long=no}}) paid in cash.<ref name="The Sacramento Bee 1998-09" |
Following losses of {{US$|1.5 million|long=no}} in its 1997 [[fiscal year]], Crystal Dynamics agreed to be bought by the British publisher [[Eidos Interactive]] in September 1998 for {{GBP|28.4 million}} (equivalent to {{US$|47.5 million|long=no}}) paid in cash.<ref name="The Sacramento Bee 1998-09" /><ref name="The Birmingham Post 1998-09" /> The studio had returned to over 100 employees by this time.<ref name="GameSpot: Eidos" /> Originally set to close on October 31, the acquisition was completed on November 5, 1998.<ref name="The Birmingham Post 1998-09" /><ref name="GameSpot: Eidos complete" /><ref name="Star Tribune 1999-01" /> Dyer and Crystal Dynamics's VP of marketing, Scott Steinberg, subsequently acceded to Eidos Interactive as president and senior VP of marketing, respectively, in January 1999.<ref name="GameSpot: Eidos president" /> Toys for Bob's final project under Crystal Dynamics was ''[[Disney's 102 Dalmatians: Puppies to the Rescue]]''. The team was subsequently fired during a Christmas party.<ref name="Ars Technica: Toys for Bob" /> |
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=== Taking over ''Tomb Raider'' for Eidos Interactive (2001–2009) === |
=== Taking over ''Tomb Raider'' for Eidos Interactive (2001–2009) === |
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Among Crystal Dynamics's early projects under Eidos Interactive were ''[[Mad Dash Racing]]'' (2001) and ''[[Whiplash (video game)|Whiplash]]'' (2003). The publisher also sought a [[first-person shooter]] with a [[sci-fi]] setting akin to ''[[Deus Ex]]'', ultimately mandating it be part of the series. This decision was reversed six months before the game's completion, and it was released as ''[[Project: Snowblind]]'' in 2005.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> In the meantime, the Eidos Interactive studio [[Core Design]] was completing its work on ''[[Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness]]'', its sixth game in the ''[[Tomb Raider]]'' series within seven years. Released as a commercial failure failure in 2003, developers at Crystal Dynamics believed the game to be in a poor final state. Eidos Interactive consequently assigned the series to Crystal Dynamics, with several staffers excited about the possibility of working on a large franchise they had played before.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /><ref name="The Guardian 2003-08" |
Among Crystal Dynamics's early projects under Eidos Interactive were ''[[Mad Dash Racing]]'' (2001) and ''[[Whiplash (video game)|Whiplash]]'' (2003). The publisher also sought a [[first-person shooter]] with a [[sci-fi]] setting akin to ''[[Deus Ex]]'', ultimately mandating it be part of the series. This decision was reversed six months before the game's completion, and it was released as ''[[Project: Snowblind]]'' in 2005.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> In the meantime, the Eidos Interactive studio [[Core Design]] was completing its work on ''[[Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness]]'', its sixth game in the ''[[Tomb Raider]]'' series within seven years. Released as a commercial failure failure in 2003, developers at Crystal Dynamics believed the game to be in a poor final state. Eidos Interactive consequently assigned the series to Crystal Dynamics, with several staffers excited about the possibility of working on a large franchise they had played before.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /><ref name="The Guardian 2003-08" /> Hennig, who had since been the director for most ''Legacy of Kain'' games, requested to be involved with such a project but was directed to design another ''Soul Reaver'' game instead. This led her to leave the studio and join Naughty Dog, where she created the ''[[Uncharted]]'' series.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> |
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For ''[[Tomb Raider: Legend]]'', the developers at Crystal Dynamics played through all previous games and read [[Strategy guide|guides]] to gain a better understanding of their design. They intended to return to the series's roots of exploring abandoned places while adding an original feel, particularly through a new control scheme.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> The game was released in April 2006 and proved successful, selling 2.9 million copies within its first few months.<ref name="SCi: 2006 results" |
For ''[[Tomb Raider: Legend]]'', the developers at Crystal Dynamics played through all previous games and read [[Strategy guide|guides]] to gain a better understanding of their design. They intended to return to the series's roots of exploring abandoned places while adding an original feel, particularly through a new control scheme.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> The game was released in April 2006 and proved successful, selling 2.9 million copies within its first few months.<ref name="SCi: 2006 results" /> Its designers then pitched ''[[Tomb Raider: Anniversary]]'', a [[Video game remake|remake]] of [[Tomb Raider (1996 video game)|the original ''Tomb Raider'']] based on the gameplay of ''Legend''. They worked with [[Toby Gard]], one of the series's creators, to understand the intentions behind certain scenes and unrealized concepts from the original game. The game's scope was reduced to roughly half of the original game, which had been deemed too large to remake entirely, and the studio needed to deviate from the original design where it did not suit the newer gameplay. ''Anniversary'' was completed in nine months.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> |
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The last game in Crystal Dynamics's original ''Tomb Raider'' trilogy was ''[[Tomb Raider: Underworld]]''. Around this time, a team within the studio pitched a new [[intellectual property]] called ''Downfall'', a post-apocalyptic, [[open-world]] game set in [[San Francisco]]. However, the studio considered working on two large projects simultaneously as too ambitious and decided to halt development on ''Downfall''.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> Eidos Interactive laid off roughly 30 people from Crystal Dynamics in January 2009, citing the studio's increased focus on ''Tomb Raider'', and installed Darrell Gallagher as the [[head of studio]].<ref name="MCV: Layoffs 2009-01" |
The last game in Crystal Dynamics's original ''Tomb Raider'' trilogy was ''[[Tomb Raider: Underworld]]''. Around this time, a team within the studio pitched a new [[intellectual property]] called ''Downfall'', a post-apocalyptic, [[open-world]] game set in [[San Francisco]]. However, the studio considered working on two large projects simultaneously as too ambitious and decided to halt development on ''Downfall''.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> Eidos Interactive laid off roughly 30 people from Crystal Dynamics in January 2009, citing the studio's increased focus on ''Tomb Raider'', and installed Darrell Gallagher as the [[head of studio]].<ref name="MCV: Layoffs 2009-01" /><ref name="PCGamesN: Gallagher leaves" /> |
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=== ''Tomb Raider'' reboot trilogy under Square Enix (2009–2022) === |
=== ''Tomb Raider'' reboot trilogy under Square Enix (2009–2022) === |
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By January 2009, ''Underworld'' had sold 1.5 million, falling short of Eidos Interactive's expectations. The publisher blamed this largely on issues distributing the game in North America. Eidos plc, Eidos Interactive's [[publicly traded]] parent company, then significantly lowered its sales forecast, and its [[share price]] fell to its lowest point in mid-January.<ref name="GameSpot: Eidos sales forecast" |
By January 2009, ''Underworld'' had sold 1.5 million, falling short of Eidos Interactive's expectations. The publisher blamed this largely on issues distributing the game in North America. Eidos plc, Eidos Interactive's [[publicly traded]] parent company, then significantly lowered its sales forecast, and its [[share price]] fell to its lowest point in mid-January.<ref name="GameSpot: Eidos sales forecast" /><ref name="GIbiz: Square Enix bid" /> The Japanese video game company [[Square Enix]] subsequently offered to acquire Eidos plc, citing particular interest in the ''Tomb Raider'' franchise and the prospect of expanding its Western operations.<ref name="GIbiz: Square Enix bid" /> The buy-out was approved by Eidos plc in March and completed in April.<ref name="Game Developer: Square Enix complete" /> Under Square Enix, another 25 staffers were dismissed from Crystal Dynamics in June 2009 "to focus resources".<ref name="Kotaku: Layoffs 2009-06" /> Gard, who had led a team for an unannounced project for a few months, left the studio in September.<ref name="GameSpot: Gard leaves" /> In November, Square Enix integrated Eidos Interactive into its European operations to form [[Square Enix Limited]].<ref name="Yahoo: Square Enix Europe" /><ref name="VG247: Square Enix Europe" /> Gallagher was later promoted to oversee all Square Enix studios in Europe and North America while retaining his role at Crystal Dynamics.<ref name="GIbiz: Gallagher promotion" /> |
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Crystal Dynamics continued to work on the ''Tomb Raider'' series, with intentions to [[Reboot (fiction)|reboot]] the series for new audiences. Over several years, the team discarded many concepts that would have drastically changed the core gameplay, before deciding on a modern, story-driven game with [[Survival game|survival]] elements. The story was planned over three games, beginning with a new [[origin story]]. In the meantime, Crystal Dynamics sustained the franchise with the 2010 release of ''[[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light]]'', a [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] with different gameplay. The first game in the reboot trilogy, titled ''[[Tomb Raider (2013 video game)|Tomb Raider]]'', was released in 2013.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> The studio followed up ''Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light'' with ''[[Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris]]'' in 2014. ''[[Rise of the Tomb Raider]]'' was released in 2015.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> In December of that year, Gallagher left the studio and was replaced by Scot Amos and Ron Rosenberg, long-time producers at the company.<ref name="PCGamesN: Gallagher leaves" /><ref name="Eurogamer: Gallagher leaves" |
Crystal Dynamics continued to work on the ''Tomb Raider'' series, with intentions to [[Reboot (fiction)|reboot]] the series for new audiences. Over several years, the team discarded many concepts that would have drastically changed the core gameplay, before deciding on a modern, story-driven game with [[Survival game|survival]] elements. The story was planned over three games, beginning with a new [[origin story]]. In the meantime, Crystal Dynamics sustained the franchise with the 2010 release of ''[[Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light]]'', a [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] with different gameplay. The first game in the reboot trilogy, titled ''[[Tomb Raider (2013 video game)|Tomb Raider]]'', was released in 2013.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> The studio followed up ''Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light'' with ''[[Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris]]'' in 2014. ''[[Rise of the Tomb Raider]]'' was released in 2015.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> In December of that year, Gallagher left the studio and was replaced by Scot Amos and Ron Rosenberg, long-time producers at the company.<ref name="PCGamesN: Gallagher leaves" /><ref name="Eurogamer: Gallagher leaves" /> Brian Horton, the senior art director for ''Tomb Raider'' and director of ''Rise of the Tomb Raider'', left in 2016.<ref name="GameSpot: Horton leaves" /> |
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In January 2017, Square Enix announced a partnership with [[Marvel Entertainment]] to create multiple video games based on [[Marvel characters]], with Crystal Dynamics developing ''[[Marvel's Avengers (video game)|Marvel's Avengers]]''.<ref name="Polygon: Avengers" |
In January 2017, Square Enix announced a partnership with [[Marvel Entertainment]] to create multiple video games based on [[Marvel characters]], with Crystal Dynamics developing ''[[Marvel's Avengers (video game)|Marvel's Avengers]]''.<ref name="Polygon: Avengers" /> The studio had pitched a single-player game akin to ''Tomb Raider'' that would see the player take control of the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]] group of superheroes, switching between characters as the story progressed. However, the studio found that playing one character at a time failed to capture the team dynamic of the Avengers, leading them to refocus the project on multiplayer gameplay.<ref name="Polygon: Avengers" /> With Crystal Dynamics working on ''Marvel's Avengers'', the third game in the ''Tomb Raider'' reboot trilogy, ''[[Shadow of the Tomb Raider]]'', was handed to the sister studio [[Eidos-Montréal]], with a small team at Crystal Dynamics working on minor parts of the game.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> |
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In August 2018, Crystal Dynamics opened the satellite studio Crystal Northwest in [[Bellevue, Washington]], to support the development of ''Marvel's Avengers''.<ref name="Gematsu: Northwest" |
In August 2018, Crystal Dynamics opened the satellite studio Crystal Northwest in [[Bellevue, Washington]], to support the development of ''Marvel's Avengers''.<ref name="Gematsu: Northwest" /> The late stages of the development saw the onset of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the San Francisco Bay Area|COVID-19 pandemic]] and consequent shift to [[work from home]], which the studio had not been used to. Because the developers mostly worked alone during this time, the game launched with several issues they had been unaware of and needed later addressing. Afterward, Crystal Dynamics implemented hybrid work and remote hiring.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /> In May 2021, Crystal Dynamics opened Crystal Southwest in [[Austin, Texas]], under the leadership of Dallas Dickinson, who had been an [[executive producer]] for the company.<ref name="IGN: Southwest" /> Later that year, Crystal Dynamics joined Gallagher's newer studio, [[The Initiative (company)|The Initiative]], in developing [[Perfect Dark (upcoming video game)|a reboot]] of the ''[[Perfect Dark (series)|Perfect Dark]]'' series.<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History" /><ref name="GameSpot: Perfect Dark" /> Crystal Dynamics was initially to replace the departed [[Certain Affinity]] as a support studio but soon took over several unfilled lead roles as the game's development was restarted.<ref name="IGN: Perfect Dark" /> The studio further announced another ''Tomb Raider'' game in April 2022.<ref name="Polygon: Tomb Raider UE5" /> |
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=== Acquisition by Embracer Group (2022–present) === |
=== Acquisition by Embracer Group (2022–present) === |
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In May 2022, [[Embracer Group]] announced it would acquire several games and studios, including Crystal Dynamics with its ''Tomb Raider'' and ''Legacy of Kain'' series, from Square Enix for {{US$|300 million|long=no}}.<ref name="VentureBeat: Embracer Group" |
In May 2022, [[Embracer Group]] announced it would acquire several games and studios, including Crystal Dynamics with its ''Tomb Raider'' and ''Legacy of Kain'' series, from Square Enix for {{US$|300 million|long=no}}.<ref name="VentureBeat: Embracer Group" /> At the time, the studio had 273 employees across its three studios.<ref name="Embracer Group: Acquisition" /> Square Enix told investors it feared the studios would subsist off the revenue of the group's Japanese-made games, so their sale "could improve [[Capital (economics)|capital]] efficiency".<ref name="Polygon: cannibalized" /> Embracer Group expressed interest in continuing the studio's established franchises, including ''Tomb Raider'' and ''Legacy of Kain'', through sequels, remakes, and [[Video game remaster|remasters]].<ref name="VGC: Embracer Grup potential" /> The acquisition was completed on August 26, 2022, and Crystal Dynamics became a part of the new [[CDE Entertainment]] operating group.<ref name="Embracer Group: Acquisition complete" /> Square Enix retained the ''Gex'' franchise and announced ports to modern platforms with ''[[Gex Trilogy]]'' in July 2023.<ref name="Jeuxvideo.com: Gex Trilogy" /> In September 2023, at a time when Embracer Group was implementing [[cost reduction]] measures, Crystal Dynamics laid off nine marketing personnel and one [[IT]] worker.<ref name="GamesRadar+: Layoffs 2023-09" /> The studio had previously stated that such layoffs would not impact its ''Perfect Dark'' and ''Tomb Raider'' projects.<ref name="GameSpot: Embracer layoffs impact" /> Also in September, Crystal Dynamics revealed ''[[Tomb Raider I-III Remastered]]'', a remastered collection of Core Design's first three ''Tomb Raider'' games. [[Aspyr]], another Embracer Group company, developed the collection in collaboration with Crystal Dynamics.<ref name="RPS: Tomb Raider I-III" /> |
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== Games developed == |
== Games developed == |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{Reflist |
{{Reflist|refs= |
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<ref name="3DO Magazine: Morse">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/3-do-magazine-03/page/14/mode/2up |title=Interview: David Morse – Silicon Messiah |first=Stuart |last=Wynne |magazine=3DO Magazine |issue=3 |date=April 1995 |publisher=[[Paragon Publishing]] |pages=14–15 |via=[[Internet Archive]] |access-date=November 13, 2023}}</ref> |
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<ref name="3DO Magazine: Profile">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/3-do-01/page/22/mode/2up |title=Profile: Crystal Dynamics – Gamers Extraordinaire |first=Stuart |last=Wynne |magazine=3DO Magazine |issue=1 |date=December 1994 |publisher=[[Paragon Publishing]] |pages=22–23 |via=[[Internet Archive]] |access-date=November 13, 2023}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Ars Technica: Toys for Bob">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs8RY31Byzg |title=Star Control Creators Paul Reiche & Fred Ford: Extended Interview |first1=Sean |last1=Dacanay |first2=Marcus |last2=Niehaus |date=July 7, 2020 |publisher=[[Ars Technica]] |via=[[YouTube]] |time=1:25:35–1:26:56, 1:32:57–1:37:12 |access-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003152444/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs8RY31Byzg |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="EGM: Hottest">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_51/page/n55/mode/2up |title=Gaming Gossip |author=Quartermann |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=51 |date=October 1993 |publisher=Sendai Publishing |page=54 |via=[[Internet Archive]] |access-date=September 15, 2022}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Embracer Group: Acquisition">{{cite web |url=https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Embracer_Presentation_Eidos_Crystal_Dynamic_SE_Montreal_2022.05.02.pdf |title=Embracer Group acquires Eidos, Crystal Dynamics, and Square Enix Montréal |publisher=[[Embracer Group]] |date=May 2, 2022 |page=5 |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914215828/https://embracer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Embracer_Presentation_Eidos_Crystal_Dynamic_SE_Montreal_2022.05.02.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Embracer Group: Acquisition complete">{{cite press release |url=https://embracer.com/release/embracer-group-completes-acquisition-of-crystal-dynamics-eidos-montreal-square-enix-montreal-amongst-other-assets/ |title=Embracer Group completes acquisition of Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montréal, Square Enix Montréal amongst other assets |publisher=[[Embracer Group]] |date=August 26, 2022 |access-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826131110/https://embracer.com/release/embracer-group-completes-acquisition-of-crystal-dynamics-eidos-montreal-square-enix-montreal-amongst-other-assets/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Eurogamer: Gallagher leaves">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/crystal-dynamics-boss-quits-after-decade-at-square-enix |title=Crystal Dynamics boss quits after decade at Square Enix |first=Tom |last=Phillips |date=December 16, 2015 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=May 1, 2022 |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501232416/https://www.eurogamer.net/crystal-dynamics-boss-quits-after-decade-at-square-enix |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Game Developer: Square Enix complete">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/pc/court-approves-eidos-takeover-by-square-enix |title=Court Approves Eidos Takeover by Square Enix |first=Kris |last=Graft |date=April 21, 2009 |website=[[Game Developer (website)|Game Developer]] |access-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105133728/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/pc/court-approves-eidos-takeover-by-square-enix |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Game Informer: History">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/12/14/the-history-of-crystal-dynamics.aspx |title=The History Of Crystal Dynamics |first=Matt |last=Miller |date=December 14, 2010 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505212954/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/12/14/the-history-of-crystal-dynamics.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="GamePro: Dynamic Changes">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/gameproissue009april1990 |title=Dynamic Changes at Crystal Dynamics |magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=96 |date=September 1996 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |pages=20–21 |via=[[Internet Archive]] |access-date=September 15, 2022}}</ref> |
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<ref name="GameSpot: 30th">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/crystals-dynamics-confirms-legacy-of-kain-still-exists-in-30th-anniversary-celebration/1100-6505252/ |title=Crystals Dynamics Confirms Legacy Of Kain Still Exists in 30th Anniversary Celebration |first=Darryn |last=Bonthuys |date=July 8, 2022 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914165908/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/crystals-dynamics-confirms-legacy-of-kain-still-exists-in-30th-anniversary-celebration/1100-6505252/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="GameSpot: Arey leaves">{{cite web |url=http://headline.gamespot.com/news/97_08/12_naughty/index.html |title=Naughty Dog Gets Gex Designer |first=Chris |last=Johnston |date=August 12, 1997 |website=[[GameSpot]] |archive-date=February 10, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990210085046/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/97_08/12_naughty/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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<ref name="GameSpot: Eidos">{{cite web |url=http://headline.gamespot.com/news/98_09/08_eidoscd/index.html |title=Eidos Buys Crystal Dynamics |date=September 8, 1998 |website=[[GameSpot]] |archive-date=December 2, 1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19981202161441/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/98_09/08_eidoscd/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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<ref name="GameSpot: Eidos complete">{{cite web |url=http://headline.gamespot.com/news/99_02/26_pc_eidos/index.html |title=Eidos in the Money |first=Harley |last=Jebens |date=February 26, 1999 |website=[[GameSpot]] |archive-date=January 19, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000119002145/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/99_02/26_pc_eidos/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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<ref name="GameSpot: Eidos president">{{cite web |url=http://headline.gamespot.com/news/99_01/19_pc_eidos/index.html |title=New Eidos President |date=January 19, 1999 |website=[[GameSpot]] |archive-date=April 17, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000417102551/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/99_01/19_pc_eidos/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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<ref name="GameSpot: Eidos sales forecast">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tomb-raider-sales-fall-short-eidos-shares-plummet/1100-6202953/ |title=Tomb Raider sales fall short, Eidos shares plummet |first=Mark |last=Walton |date=January 13, 2009 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105130939/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tomb-raider-sales-fall-short-eidos-shares-plummet/1100-6202953/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="GameSpot: Embracer layoffs impact">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/crystal-dynamics-says-tomb-raider-perfect-dark-wont-be-affected-by-embracer-layoffs/1100-6515171/ |title=Crystal Dynamics Says Tomb Raider, Perfect Dark Won't Be Affected By Embracer Layoffs |first=Evan |last=Campbell |date=June 13, 2023 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212145941/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/crystal-dynamics-says-tomb-raider-perfect-dark-wont-be-affected-by-embracer-layoffs/1100-6515171/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="GameSpot: Gard leaves">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tomb-raider-creator-departs-crystal-dynamics/1100-6227680/ |title=Tomb Raider creator departs Crystal Dynamics |date=September 15, 2009 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105132605/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tomb-raider-creator-departs-crystal-dynamics/1100-6227680/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="GameSpot: Horton leaves">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/rise-of-the-tomb-raider-director-leaves-crystal-dy/1100-6433898/ |title=Rise of the Tomb Raider Director Leaves Crystal Dynamics |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |date=January 16, 2016 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=May 24, 2016 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108143750/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/rise-of-the-tomb-raider-director-leaves-crystal-dy/1100-6433898/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="GameSpot: Perfect Dark">{{cite web |title=Perfect Dark Reboot Being Co-Developed By Tomb Raider Dev Crystal Dynamics |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/perfect-dark-reboot-being-co-developed-by-tomb-raider-dev-crystal-dynamics/1100-6496517/ |first=George |last=Yang |date=September 23, 2021 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=September 24, 2021 |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414022124/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/perfect-dark-reboot-being-co-developed-by-tomb-raider-dev-crystal-dynamics/1100-6496517/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="GamesRadar+: Layoffs 2023-09">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/months-after-declaring-tomb-raider-unaffected-by-layoffs-tomb-raider-dev-hit-with-wave-of-layoffs/ |title=Months after declaring Tomb Raider unaffected by layoffs, Tomb Raider dev hit with wave of layoffs |first=Austin |last=Wood |date=September 21, 2023 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=September 21, 2023 |archive-date=September 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921070316/https://www.gamesradar.com/months-after-declaring-tomb-raider-unaffected-by-layoffs-tomb-raider-dev-hit-with-wave-of-layoffs/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Gematsu: Northwest">{{cite web |title=Crystal Dynamics expands with new Washington studio Crystal Northwest |url=https://gematsu.com/2018/08/crystal-dynamics-expands-with-new-washington-studio-crystal-northwest |first=Sal |last=Romano |date=August 13, 2018 |website=Gematsu |access-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-date=August 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814001813/https://gematsu.com/2018/08/crystal-dynamics-expands-with-new-washington-studio-crystal-northwest |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="GIbiz: Gallagher promotion">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/square-enix-names-crystal-dynamics-boss-as-new-head-of-studios |title=Square Enix names Crystal Dynamics boss as new head of studios |first=Matthew |last=Handrahan |date=June 21, 2013 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105125306/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/square-enix-names-crystal-dynamics-boss-as-new-head-of-studios |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="GIbiz: Square Enix bid">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/square-enix-reveals-eidos-bid |title=Square Enix reveals Eidos bid |first=Phil |last=Elliott |date=February 12, 2009 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105130143/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/square-enix-reveals-eidos-bid |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Hounslow Borough Chronicle 1995-07">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109588612/byte-back/ |title=Byte Back |date=July 6, 1995 |newspaper=[[Hounslow Borough Chronicle]] |page=18 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915143213/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109588612/byte-back/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="IGN: Perfect Dark">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/xboxs-perfect-dark-reboot-is-still-years-away |title=Xbox's Perfect Dark Reboot Is Still Years Away |first=Rebekah |last=Valentine |date=June 26, 2023 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117101737/https://www.ign.com/articles/xboxs-perfect-dark-reboot-is-still-years-away |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="IGN: Southwest">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/crystal-dynamics-southwest |title=Crystal Dynamics Opens Southwest Studio Led by Industry Vets |first=Joseph |last=Knoop |date=May 26, 2021 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=May 26, 2021 |archive-date=May 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531065433/https://www.ign.com/articles/crystal-dynamics-southwest |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="IGN: Way of the Warrior">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/04/rising-to-greatness-the-history-of-naughty-dog |title=Rising to Greatness: The History of Naughty Dog |first=Colin |last=Moriarty |date=October 4, 2013 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003161340/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/04/rising-to-greatness-the-history-of-naughty-dog |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Jeuxvideo.com: Gex Trilogy">{{cite web |url=https://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/1778222/c-etait-impossible-a-prevoir-cette-licence-vieille-de-20-ans-fait-un-retour-inattendu.htm |title=C'était impossible à prévoir ! Cette licence vieille de 20 ans fait un retour inattendu |language=fr |trans-title=It was impossible to predict! This 20-year-old license makes an unexpected return |first=Nicolas |last=Dixmier |date=July 13, 2023 |website=[[Jeuxvideo.com]] |access-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112142552/https://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/1778222/c-etait-impossible-a-prevoir-cette-licence-vieille-de-20-ans-fait-un-retour-inattendu.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Kotaku: Layoffs 2009-06">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/crystal-dynamics-loses-another-25-jobs-5285762 |title=Crystal Dynamics Loses Another 25 Jobs |first=Mike |last=Fahey |date=June 10, 2009 |website=[[Kotaku]] |access-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105132211/https://kotaku.com/crystal-dynamics-loses-another-25-jobs-5285762 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="LA Times 1994">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109547494/company-town-annex/ |title=Company Town Annex |date=March 30, 1994 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |page=D2 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212736/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109547494/company-town-annex/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="LA Times 1995-09">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109550861/bmg-picks-zelnick-to-run-north-american/ |title=BMG Picks Zelnick to Run North American Operations |date=September 14, 1994 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |page=B6 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212745/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109550861/bmg-picks-zelnick-to-run-north-american/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="LA Times: King World">{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-09-08-fi-32912-story.html |title=Entertainment |date=September 8, 1993 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212630/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-09-08-fi-32912-story.html |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="MCV: Layoffs 2009-01">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/development-news/lay-offs-hit-tomb-raider-developer-crystal-dynamics/ |title=Lay-offs hit Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics |first=Michael |last=French |date=January 11, 2009 |magazine=[[MCV/Develop]] |access-date=May 1, 2022 |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501232409/https://www.mcvuk.com/development-news/lay-offs-hit-tomb-raider-developer-crystal-dynamics/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="NG: Financial Reality">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_20/page/n23/mode/2up |title=Crystal Dynamics Faces Financial Reality |first=Christian |last=Svensson |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=20 |date=August 1996 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |page=22 |via=[[Internet Archive]] |access-date=September 15, 2022}}</ref> |
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<ref name="NG: slim down">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_31/page/n23/mode/2up |title=Cleaning time: Corporations slim down |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=31 |date=July 1997 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |page=23 |via=[[Internet Archive]] |access-date=September 15, 2022}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Noclip: 30 Year History">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsByUubJkk8 |title=The 30 Year History of Crystal Dynamics – Noclip Documentary |publisher=[[Noclip]] |date=November 23, 2022 |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123162730/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsByUubJkk8&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="NYTimes 1993-06">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/22/business/company-news-fox-film-president-resigns-to-head-start-up-company.html |title=COMPANY NEWS; Fox Film President Resigns To Head Start-Up Company |first=Calvin |last=Sims |date=June 22, 1993 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914155736/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/22/business/company-news-fox-film-president-resigns-to-head-start-up-company.html |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="NYTimes 1994-02">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/13/business/sound-bytes-the-not-so-silent-screen.html |title=Sound Bytes; The Not-So-Silent Screen |first=Lawrence M. |last=Fisher |date=February 13, 1994 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=June 14, 2012 |archive-date=January 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125183052/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/13/business/sound-bytes-the-not-so-silent-screen.html |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Oakland Tribune 1994-11">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109555943/marketing-developers-disparage-ethical/ |title=Marketing: Developers disparage ethical criticism |first=Howard |last=Bryant |date=November 6, 1994 |newspaper=[[Oakland Tribune]] |page=D-4 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914213439/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109555943/marketing-developers-disparage-ethical/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="PCGamesN: Gallagher leaves">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/just-causetm-3/tomb-raider-boss-darrell-gallagher-quits-crystal-dynamics-after-six-years-at-the-top |title=Tomb Raider boss Darrell Gallagher quits Crystal Dynamics after six years at the top |first=Ben |last=Barrett |date=December 16, 2015 |website=[[PCGamesN]] |access-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105133310/https://www.pcgamesn.com/just-causetm-3/tomb-raider-boss-darrell-gallagher-quits-crystal-dynamics-after-six-years-at-the-top |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Polygon: Avengers">{{cite web |title=Square Enix teams up with Marvel for The Avengers project |url=http://www.polygon.com/2017/1/26/14397916/the-avengers-trailer-square-enix-marvel |first=Allegra |last=Frank |date=January 26, 2017 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=January 26, 2017 |archive-date=January 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126164115/http://www.polygon.com/2017/1/26/14397916/the-avengers-trailer-square-enix-marvel |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Polygon: cannibalized">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/23293797/why-did-square-enix-sell-crystal-dynamics-tomb-raider-eidos |title=Square Enix feared Eidos, Crystal Dynamics games cannibalized other sales |first=Owen S. |last=Good |date=August 5, 2022 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105125134/https://www.polygon.com/23293797/why-did-square-enix-sell-crystal-dynamics-tomb-raider-eidos |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Polygon: Tomb Raider UE5">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/23011809/tomb-raider-new-game-unreal-engine-5 |title=A new Tomb Raider is coming, built on Unreal Engine 5 |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=April 5, 2022 |access-date=February 28, 2023 |archive-date=February 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228161309/https://www.polygon.com/23011809/tomb-raider-new-game-unreal-engine-5 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="RPS: Tomb Raider I-III">{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-original-tomb-raider-trilogy-is-being-remastered-for-release-next-year |title=The original Tomb Raider trilogy is being remastered for release next year |first=Graham |last=Smith |date=September 14, 2023 |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |access-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105141157/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-original-tomb-raider-trilogy-is-being-remastered-for-release-next-year |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="San Francisco Chronicle 1996-09">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109590641/major-public-auction-by-order-of/ |title=Major Public Auction by Order of Crystal Dynamics |date=September 11, 1996 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |page=C-12 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915150111/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109590641/major-public-auction-by-order-of/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1993-10-23">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109543804/at-the-controls/ |title=At the Controls |first=Glenn |last=Rubenstein |date=October 23, 1993 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |page=C-1 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212629/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109543804/at-the-controls/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1993-10-24">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109543590/playing-with-your-money/ |title=Playing With Your Money |first=Thom |last=Calandra |date=October 24, 1993 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |page=E-1 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212629/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109543590/playing-with-your-money/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-01 1">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109545219/under-zelnick-a-star-is-born-1/ |title=Under Zelnick a Star is born |first=Gina |last=Smith |date=January 30, 1994 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |page=E-1 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212630/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109545219/under-zelnick-a-star-is-born-1/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-01 2">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109545254/under-zelnick-a-star-is-born-2/ |title=Under Zelnick a Star is born |first=Gina |last=Smith |date=January 30, 1994 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |page=E-4 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212736/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109545254/under-zelnick-a-star-is-born-2/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-01 3">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109545273/under-zelnick-a-star-is-born-3/ |title=Under Zelnick a Star is born |first=Gina |last=Smith |date=January 30, 1994 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |page=E-5 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212737/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109545273/under-zelnick-a-star-is-born-3/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-08 1">{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109549411/where-hollywood-and-high-tech-do-lunch/ |title=Where Hollywood and high-tech do lunch |first=David |last=Armstrong |date=August 9, 1994 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |page=B-1 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212816/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109549411/where-hollywood-and-high-tech-do-lunch/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-08 2">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109535900/where-hollywood-high-tech-do-lunch/ |title=Where Hollywood, high-tech do lunch |first=David |last=Armstrong |date=August 9, 1994 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |page=B-5 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914155734/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109535900/where-hollywood-high-tech-do-lunch/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 1">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94003404/crystal-dynamics-profile-part-1/ |title=Game over? Not by a long shot |first=Gina |last=Smith |date=October 23, 1994 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |page=B-5 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212737/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94003404/crystal-dynamics-profile-part-1/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-10 2">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94003448/crystal-dynamics-profile-part-2/ |title=Crystal Dynamics faces bumpy road |first=Gina |last=Smith |date=October 23, 1994 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |page=B-6 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212813/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94003448/crystal-dynamics-profile-part-2/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="San Francisco Examiner 1994-12">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109555383/crystal-dynamics-lands-big-contract/ |title=Crystal Dynamics lands big contract |date=December 14, 1994 |newspaper=[[San Francisco Examiner]] |page=B-1 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212814/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109555383/crystal-dynamics-lands-big-contract/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Santa Maria Times 1996-06">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109589528/briefs/ |title=Video game maker reorganizes |agency=[[The Associated Press]] |date=June 15, 1996 |newspaper=[[Santa Maria Times]] |page=B-10 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915144158/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109589528/briefs/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="SCi: 2006 results">{{cite web |url=http://miranda.hemscott.com/servlet/HsPublic?context=ir.access&ir_option=RNS_NEWS&item=36352603381022&ir_client_id=3144 |title=Preliminary results for the twelve months ended 30 June 2006 |date=September 27, 2006 |publisher=[[SCi Entertainment]] |access-date=March 20, 2012 |archive-date=February 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207202501/http://miranda.hemscott.com/servlet/HsPublic?context=ir.access&ir_option=RNS_NEWS&item=36352603381022&ir_client_id=3144 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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<ref name="SFGate: Dyer">{{cite web |url=https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/people-in-business-people-in-business-2847264.php |title=People in Business – People in Business |first=Colleen |last=Benson |date=April 7, 1997 |website=[[SFGate]] |access-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112141325/https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/people-in-business-people-in-business-2847264.php |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="SFGate: Komisar">{{cite web |url=https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/crystal-dynamics-snags-rival-s-ceo-lucasarts-3033654.php |title=Crystal Dynamics Snags Rival's CEO / LucasArts' Komisar joins gamemaker |first=David |last=Einstein |date=May 10, 1995 |website=[[SFGate]] |access-date=October 15, 2023 |archive-date=October 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015083732/https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/crystal-dynamics-snags-rival-s-ceo-lucasarts-3033654.php |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="SFGate: Shakeup">{{cite web |url=https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/crystal-dynamics-shakeup-2977945.php |title=Crystal Dynamics Shakeup |first=Jeff |last=Pelline |date=June 14, 1996 |website=[[SFGate]] |access-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112141328/https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/crystal-dynamics-shakeup-2977945.php |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Star Tribune 1999-01">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109598501/mergers-and-acquisitions/ |title=Mergers and acquisitions |date=January 25, 1999 |newspaper=[[Star Tribune]] |page=D6 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 21, 2022 |archive-date=September 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921130413/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109598501/mergers-and-acquisitions/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="The Birmingham Post 1998-09">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109591405/eidoss-284m-deal-for-crystal-is/ |title=Eidos's £28.4m deal for Crystal is virtual reality |first=Guy |last=Dresser |date=September 8, 1998 |newspaper=[[The Birmingham Post]] |page=22 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915152107/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109591405/eidoss-284m-deal-for-crystal-is/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="The Dispatch 1993-04">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109538069/3do-setting-new-standard-in-video-game/ |title=3DO setting new standard in video game multimedia |agency=[[Knight-Ridder Newspapers]] |date=April 25, 1993 |newspaper=[[The Dispatch / The Rock Island Argus|The Dispatch]] |page=B2 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914165751/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109538069/3do-setting-new-standard-in-video-game/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="The Guardian 2003-08">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109599708/bleak-future-for-laras-founder/ |title=Bleak future for Lara's founder |date=August 7, 2003 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |page=17 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 21, 2022 |archive-date=September 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921130415/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109599708/bleak-future-for-laras-founder/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="The Miami Herald 1994-10">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109553492/software-developers-angry/ |title=Software developers angry |date=October 25, 1994 |newspaper=[[The Miami Herald]] |page=6B |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212744/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109553492/software-developers-angry/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="The Sacramento Bee 1998-09">{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109591303/in-short/ |title=In short... |date=September 8, 1998 |newspaper=[[The Sacramento Bee]] |page=E1 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915152104/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109591303/in-short/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Variety: HBO">{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/1993/tv/news/hbo-invests-in-crystal-109121/ |title=HBO invests in Crystal |first=J. Max |last=Robins |date=July 29, 1993 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914212627/https://variety.com/1993/tv/news/hbo-invests-in-crystal-109121/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="VentureBeat: Embracer Group">{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2022/05/01/embracer-agrees-to-buy-crystal-dynamics-eidos-montreal-square-enix-montreal-and-their-ip/ |title=Embracer agrees to buy Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montréal, Square Enix Montréal, and their IP |first=Mike |last=Minotti |date=May 1, 2022 |website=[[VentureBeat]] |access-date=May 2, 2022 |archive-date=May 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502065956/https://venturebeat.com/2022/05/01/embracer-agrees-to-buy-crystal-dynamics-eidos-montreal-square-enix-montreal-and-their-ip/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="VG247: Square Enix Europe">{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/square-and-eidos-now-known-as-square-enix-europe |title=Square and Eidos now known as Square Enix Europe |first=Stephany |last=Nunneley |date=November 10, 2009 |website=[[VG247]] |access-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105135840/https://www.vg247.com/square-and-eidos-now-known-as-square-enix-europe |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="VGC: Cerny">{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/who-is-mark-cerny/ |title=Who is Mark Cerny, the man behind PS5? |first=Tom |last=Ivan |date=February 13, 2020 |website=[[Video Games Chronicle]] |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114172832/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/who-is-mark-cerny/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="VGC: Embracer Grup potential">{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embracer-sees-great-potential-in-crystal-dynamics-and-eidos-montreal-sequels-remakes-and-remasters/ |title=Embracer sees 'great potential' in Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal sequels, remakes and remasters |first=Tom |last=Ivan |date=May 20, 2022 |website=[[Video Games Chronicle]] |access-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522080931/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/embracer-sees-great-potential-in-crystal-dynamics-and-eidos-montreal-sequels-remakes-and-remasters/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Wired: Cerny">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2013/11/playstation-4/ |title=Exclusive: The American Who Designed the PlayStation 4 and Remade Sony |first=Cade |last=Metz |date=November 7, 2013 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |access-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212142633/https://www.wired.com/2013/11/playstation-4/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Yahoo: Square Enix Europe">{{cite web |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2009-07-07-eidos-dissolved-into-square-enix-europe-layoffs-likely.html |title=Eidos dissolved into 'Square Enix Europe,' layoffs likely |first=James |last=Ransom-Wiley |date=July 7, 2009 |website=[[Yahoo! Finance]] |access-date=May 1, 2022 |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501232409/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2009-07-07-eidos-dissolved-into-square-enix-europe-layoffs-likely.html |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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}} |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
Revision as of 17:01, 21 December 2023
Company type | Subsidiary |
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Industry | Video games |
Founded | July 8, 1992Palo Alto, California, US | in
Founders |
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Headquarters | , US |
Key people | Scot Amos (head of studio) |
Products |
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Number of employees | 273 (2022) |
Parent |
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Divisions |
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Website | crystaldynamics.com |
Crystal Dynamics, Inc. is an American video game developer based in San Mateo, California. The studio is best known for its games in the Tomb Raider, Legacy of Kain, and Gex series.
Madeline Canepa, Judy Lange, and Dave Morse founded Crystal Dynamics as a spin-off from The 3DO Company in July 1992. Initially focusing on the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer console, the studio's first title, Crash 'N Burn (1993), was the system's pack-in game. In 1994, it became the first developer for the PlayStation outside Japan and soon began converting its older titles for the system. The studio also created Gex (1995) and published Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain (1996), later expanding both into franchises. Facing financial hardships in 1996, the company's investors instituted significant layoffs and the discontinuation of its game publishing business. As fiscal issues persisted, the publisher Eidos Interactive acquired the studio in November 1998.
In 2003, Eidos Interactive put Crystal Dynamics in charge of the Tomb Raider series, and the studio consequently developed a modernized trilogy with Tomb Raider: Legend (2006), Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007), and Tomb Raider: Underworld (2008). In 2009, Crystal Dynamics became part of the Japanese conglomerate Square Enix as that company acquired and consolidated Eidos Interactive's parent company. The studio then developed the first two games in a Tomb Raider reboot trilogy—Tomb Raider (2013) and Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015)—and shifted into a support role for Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) while working on Marvel's Avengers (2020). Square Enix sold Crystal Dynamics to Embracer Group in August 2022.
As of 2022, Crystal Dynamics employs 273 people across three studios under the leadership of head of studio Scot Amos. It is working on another Tomb Raider game and co-developing Perfect Dark.
History
Background and early years (1992–1995)
Crystal Dynamics was founded by Madeline Canepa, Judy Lange, and Dave Morse on July 8, 1992, when they spun off from The 3DO Company.[1][2] Canepa and Lange were previously marketing executives for Sega, where the former's integral role in the launch of Sonic the Hedgehog gave her the nickname "Mother of Sonic".[3][4] Morse had co-founded Amiga Corporation, the creator of the Amiga family of home computers, and New Technology Group, which sought to design a video game console.[1][5] In 1990, New Technology Group had partnered with Electronic Arts to create the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, a collaboration that eventually grew into The 3DO Company.[1] At Crystal Dynamics, Lange assumed the president role and Canepa headed the marketing department.[6][7] While Morse became its chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), he also continued as New Technology Group's CEO until that company was merged into The 3DO Company.[8][9] Technology Partners and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers provided Crystal Dynamics with seed capital.[10] The studio set up its first offices in the retail space of Palo Alto Airport in Palo Alto, California.[11][12] Mark Cerny, also from Sega, became its first developer later that year.[13] The studio's first projects were Crash 'N Burn and Total Eclipse, which entered production simultaneously and were announced as launch titles for the upcoming 3DO in April 1993.[6][12] Cerny was vital in the development of the game engine technology used by Crash 'N Burn, Total Eclipse, and Off-World Interceptor.[5] Developing for the system meant that the company could produce games for the CD-ROM format, avoiding the higher costs associated with cartridges.[11]
In June 1993, Crystal Dynamics hired Strauss Zelnick as its president and CEO, who resigned from the same roles at 20th Century Fox. According to Lange, Zelnick had been hired for his business expertise, whereas creative expertise was already present at the studio, which had twenty-eight developers at that time.[6] Zelnick acquired between 25% and 50% of Crystal Dynamics and brought in further investors through earlier connections: Home Box Office bought 10% in July 1993, followed by King World Productions acquiring 10% for US$7.5 million in September of that year.[6][14][15] The combined value of the latter two stakes was estimated at $20 million.[16] Zelnick's background in film and television increased Crystal Dynamics's focus on full-motion video in its games.[11] Crash 'N Burn was released as the 3DO's pack-in game in October 1993.[17] An editorial in Electronic Gaming Monthly from the same month declared the studio "the hottest new video game company on the upscale scene".[18]
In January 1994, Zelnick drafted plans for Star Interactive, which was to publish third-party games by outsourcing the management and distribution to Crystal Dynamics and the manufacturing to a third company.[19][20] Crystal Dynamics was to receive annual payments of $1.5 million and 10% of Star Interactive's profit for the management role, plus 22.5% of its gross receipts for the distribution. Star Interactive's management was to consist of The Software Toolworks's former senior vice president (VP) Mark Beaumont as CEO, in addition to Crystal Dynamics's VP of sales Allen Chaplin, and Lange, then the company's executive VP.[21] In February, Zelnick announced his intent for Crystal Dynamics to, like a movie studio, produce games internally while also releasing titles from independent developers.[3] It hired Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III of Toys for Bob, initially as contractors and later as employees, to release The Horde, which they had pitched to Canepa and Lange during their time at Sega.[22] Another potential publishing project had been Naughty Dog's Way of the Warrior, which the developer showed to multiple companies during the 1994 Consumer Electronics Show.[23] In March 1994, Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG), which Zelnick had been consulting, agreed to handle marketing and distribution for Crystal Dynamics and Star Interactive outside North America.[24] However, as Star Interactive failed to raise the targeted $30 million, the plan for this company was scrapped in early 1994 and Lange soon departed Crystal Dynamics.[8][25] In August, the studio had more than 100 employees.[26]
Also in 1994, Crystal Dynamics became the first developer for the PlayStation outside Japan.[11][27] Zelnick had wanted to move away from the struggling 3DO for some time, and Cerny traveled to the headquarters of the PlayStation maker Sony in Tokyo on the company's behalf.[11][13] Although PlayStation contracts were limited to companies in Japan at the time, Cerny spoke Japanese fluently and signed the agreement in that language, which was approved by Shuhei Yoshida.[13][27] As Cerny was hired as the head of Universal Interactive Studios shortly thereafter, he never used the PlayStation game development kit the company received.[13] By October 1994, the 3DO's poor commercial performance had a significant impact on the company.[8] John Eastburn, the studio's chief operating officer, estimated that 3DO game developers could not break even unless its consumer base expanded from 75,000 to 500,000.[28] In December 1994, the studio partnered with the 3DO manufacturer Matsushita Electric, enabling its 3DO games to be distributed through 10,000 consumer electronics stores.[29] In January 1995, Zelnick left Crystal Dynamics to manage BMG's North American operations, remaining a director and shareholder in Crystal Dynamics.[30] After this move was announced in September 1994, the vacant CEO position attracted several parties interested in acquiring the studio. Although The 3DO Company and Spectrum HoloByte were frequently rumored as potential buyers, Morse stated that Crystal Dynamics was not for sale, having spare savings of $20 million and a newly acquired loan of $5 million from Silicon Valley Bank.[1][8] He subsequently took up the CEO role and became significantly more involved in the studio.[9][31] The company hired Randy Komisar from LucasArts as president and CEO in May 1995.[31] Under Komisar, Crystal Dynamics began converting its older 3DO games to the PlayStation and Sega Saturn.[32][33]
Gex, Legacy of Kain, and acquisition by Eidos Interactive (1995–2000)
Crystal Dynamics sought to emulate major game companies by designing a mascot character, resulting in the 1995 game Gex, which features an anthropomorphic gecko of the same name.[11] Around this time, Crystal Dynamics published Slam 'N Jam '95 and Blazing Dragons, while also was working with Canada-based Silicon Knights on Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain. The latter project began to lose focus as it grew in scope, so the publisher engaged Amy Hennig to make the game more engaging.[11]
By 1996, due largely to the unexpectedly slow growth of the CD-ROM games market, the studio was financially stricken.[34][35] In June, the company revealed plans for a reorganization: The board of directors appointed Ted Ardell, a general partner at Technology Partners, as CEO. Komisar, Canepa, and Eastburn were ousted and a third of the company's 102 employees were laid off over three months.[10][33] Crystal Dynamics subsequently ceased publishing efforts to focus solely on internally developed games.[34] Surplus computer hardware and office equipment were auctioned off in September of that year.[36] Ardell managed the day-to-day operations, and the studio lacked a president until Rob Dyer, previously senior VP and general manager, was promoted to this position in April 1997.[37][38]
Following the release of the second Gex game, Gex: Enter the Gecko, Crystal Dynamics began producing Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko.[11] By this point, many developers—including most of the Gex team and Enter the Gecko's lead designer, Daniel Arey—had left the company, with some of them joining Naughty Dog.[11][39] Bruce Straley, a designer on Enter the Gecko, was offered the director role for the third game, but he chose to join his friends at Naughty Dog instead.[11] Crystal Dynamics further began the development of a second Legacy of Kain game, codenamed Shifter, without Silicon Knights's involvement. While Hennig and Seth Carus created original characters, Silicon Knights filed an injunction, accusing Crystal Dynamics of plagiarizing the characters from Blood Omen. In a private settlement, the two companies agreed that Crystal Dynamics could use Blood Omen's characters as long as Silicon Knights was credited as their creator. Shifter ultimately became Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver.[11] Toys for Bob, as part of Crystal Dynamics, developed Pandemonium! and The Unholy War, while consulting on Pandemonium 2.[22]
Following losses of $1.5 million in its 1997 fiscal year, Crystal Dynamics agreed to be bought by the British publisher Eidos Interactive in September 1998 for £28.4 million (equivalent to $47.5 million) paid in cash.[40][41] The studio had returned to over 100 employees by this time.[42] Originally set to close on October 31, the acquisition was completed on November 5, 1998.[41][43][44] Dyer and Crystal Dynamics's VP of marketing, Scott Steinberg, subsequently acceded to Eidos Interactive as president and senior VP of marketing, respectively, in January 1999.[45] Toys for Bob's final project under Crystal Dynamics was Disney's 102 Dalmatians: Puppies to the Rescue. The team was subsequently fired during a Christmas party.[22]
Taking over Tomb Raider for Eidos Interactive (2001–2009)
Among Crystal Dynamics's early projects under Eidos Interactive were Mad Dash Racing (2001) and Whiplash (2003). The publisher also sought a first-person shooter with a sci-fi setting akin to Deus Ex, ultimately mandating it be part of the series. This decision was reversed six months before the game's completion, and it was released as Project: Snowblind in 2005.[11] In the meantime, the Eidos Interactive studio Core Design was completing its work on Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness, its sixth game in the Tomb Raider series within seven years. Released as a commercial failure failure in 2003, developers at Crystal Dynamics believed the game to be in a poor final state. Eidos Interactive consequently assigned the series to Crystal Dynamics, with several staffers excited about the possibility of working on a large franchise they had played before.[11][46] Hennig, who had since been the director for most Legacy of Kain games, requested to be involved with such a project but was directed to design another Soul Reaver game instead. This led her to leave the studio and join Naughty Dog, where she created the Uncharted series.[11]
For Tomb Raider: Legend, the developers at Crystal Dynamics played through all previous games and read guides to gain a better understanding of their design. They intended to return to the series's roots of exploring abandoned places while adding an original feel, particularly through a new control scheme.[11] The game was released in April 2006 and proved successful, selling 2.9 million copies within its first few months.[47] Its designers then pitched Tomb Raider: Anniversary, a remake of the original Tomb Raider based on the gameplay of Legend. They worked with Toby Gard, one of the series's creators, to understand the intentions behind certain scenes and unrealized concepts from the original game. The game's scope was reduced to roughly half of the original game, which had been deemed too large to remake entirely, and the studio needed to deviate from the original design where it did not suit the newer gameplay. Anniversary was completed in nine months.[11]
The last game in Crystal Dynamics's original Tomb Raider trilogy was Tomb Raider: Underworld. Around this time, a team within the studio pitched a new intellectual property called Downfall, a post-apocalyptic, open-world game set in San Francisco. However, the studio considered working on two large projects simultaneously as too ambitious and decided to halt development on Downfall.[11] Eidos Interactive laid off roughly 30 people from Crystal Dynamics in January 2009, citing the studio's increased focus on Tomb Raider, and installed Darrell Gallagher as the head of studio.[48][49]
Tomb Raider reboot trilogy under Square Enix (2009–2022)
By January 2009, Underworld had sold 1.5 million, falling short of Eidos Interactive's expectations. The publisher blamed this largely on issues distributing the game in North America. Eidos plc, Eidos Interactive's publicly traded parent company, then significantly lowered its sales forecast, and its share price fell to its lowest point in mid-January.[50][51] The Japanese video game company Square Enix subsequently offered to acquire Eidos plc, citing particular interest in the Tomb Raider franchise and the prospect of expanding its Western operations.[51] The buy-out was approved by Eidos plc in March and completed in April.[52] Under Square Enix, another 25 staffers were dismissed from Crystal Dynamics in June 2009 "to focus resources".[53] Gard, who had led a team for an unannounced project for a few months, left the studio in September.[54] In November, Square Enix integrated Eidos Interactive into its European operations to form Square Enix Limited.[55][56] Gallagher was later promoted to oversee all Square Enix studios in Europe and North America while retaining his role at Crystal Dynamics.[57]
Crystal Dynamics continued to work on the Tomb Raider series, with intentions to reboot the series for new audiences. Over several years, the team discarded many concepts that would have drastically changed the core gameplay, before deciding on a modern, story-driven game with survival elements. The story was planned over three games, beginning with a new origin story. In the meantime, Crystal Dynamics sustained the franchise with the 2010 release of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, a spin-off with different gameplay. The first game in the reboot trilogy, titled Tomb Raider, was released in 2013.[11] The studio followed up Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light with Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris in 2014. Rise of the Tomb Raider was released in 2015.[11] In December of that year, Gallagher left the studio and was replaced by Scot Amos and Ron Rosenberg, long-time producers at the company.[49][58] Brian Horton, the senior art director for Tomb Raider and director of Rise of the Tomb Raider, left in 2016.[59]
In January 2017, Square Enix announced a partnership with Marvel Entertainment to create multiple video games based on Marvel characters, with Crystal Dynamics developing Marvel's Avengers.[60] The studio had pitched a single-player game akin to Tomb Raider that would see the player take control of the Avengers group of superheroes, switching between characters as the story progressed. However, the studio found that playing one character at a time failed to capture the team dynamic of the Avengers, leading them to refocus the project on multiplayer gameplay.[60] With Crystal Dynamics working on Marvel's Avengers, the third game in the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, was handed to the sister studio Eidos-Montréal, with a small team at Crystal Dynamics working on minor parts of the game.[11]
In August 2018, Crystal Dynamics opened the satellite studio Crystal Northwest in Bellevue, Washington, to support the development of Marvel's Avengers.[61] The late stages of the development saw the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent shift to work from home, which the studio had not been used to. Because the developers mostly worked alone during this time, the game launched with several issues they had been unaware of and needed later addressing. Afterward, Crystal Dynamics implemented hybrid work and remote hiring.[11] In May 2021, Crystal Dynamics opened Crystal Southwest in Austin, Texas, under the leadership of Dallas Dickinson, who had been an executive producer for the company.[62] Later that year, Crystal Dynamics joined Gallagher's newer studio, The Initiative, in developing a reboot of the Perfect Dark series.[11][63] Crystal Dynamics was initially to replace the departed Certain Affinity as a support studio but soon took over several unfilled lead roles as the game's development was restarted.[64] The studio further announced another Tomb Raider game in April 2022.[65]
Acquisition by Embracer Group (2022–present)
In May 2022, Embracer Group announced it would acquire several games and studios, including Crystal Dynamics with its Tomb Raider and Legacy of Kain series, from Square Enix for $300 million.[66] At the time, the studio had 273 employees across its three studios.[67] Square Enix told investors it feared the studios would subsist off the revenue of the group's Japanese-made games, so their sale "could improve capital efficiency".[68] Embracer Group expressed interest in continuing the studio's established franchises, including Tomb Raider and Legacy of Kain, through sequels, remakes, and remasters.[69] The acquisition was completed on August 26, 2022, and Crystal Dynamics became a part of the new CDE Entertainment operating group.[70] Square Enix retained the Gex franchise and announced ports to modern platforms with Gex Trilogy in July 2023.[71] In September 2023, at a time when Embracer Group was implementing cost reduction measures, Crystal Dynamics laid off nine marketing personnel and one IT worker.[72] The studio had previously stated that such layoffs would not impact its Perfect Dark and Tomb Raider projects.[73] Also in September, Crystal Dynamics revealed Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, a remastered collection of Core Design's first three Tomb Raider games. Aspyr, another Embracer Group company, developed the collection in collaboration with Crystal Dynamics.[74]
Games developed
Year | Title | Platform(s) | Publisher(s) |
---|---|---|---|
1993 | Crash 'N Burn | 3DO | Crystal Dynamics |
1994 | Total Eclipse | 3DO, PlayStation | |
Off-World Interceptor | 3DO, PlayStation, Sega Saturn | ||
Samurai Shodown | 3DO | ||
1995 | Gex | 3DO, PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Windows | Crystal Dynamics, Microsoft |
Solar Eclipse | PlayStation, Sega Saturn | Crystal Dynamics | |
1996 | 3D Baseball | PlayStation, Sega Saturn | |
1997 | Pandemonium 2 | PlayStation, Windows | Midway Games |
1998 | Gex: Enter the Gecko | Nintendo 64, PlayStation, Windows | |
1999 | Akuji the Heartless | PlayStation | Eidos Interactive |
Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko | Nintendo 64, PlayStation | ||
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver | Dreamcast, PlayStation, Windows | ||
2000 | Walt Disney World Quest: Magical Racing Tour | Dreamcast, PlayStation, Windows | |
2001 | Soul Reaver 2 | PlayStation 2, Windows | |
Mad Dash Racing | Xbox | ||
2002 | Blood Omen 2 | GameCube, PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox | |
2003 | Legacy of Kain: Defiance | PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox | |
Whiplash | PlayStation 2, Xbox | ||
2005 | Project: Snowblind | PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox | |
2006 | Tomb Raider: Legend | GameCube, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Windows, Xbox, Xbox 360 | |
2007 | Tomb Raider: Anniversary | macOS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Windows, Xbox 360 | |
2008 | Tomb Raider: Underworld | macOS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, Windows, Xbox 360 | |
2010 | Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light | Android, BlackBerry PlayBook, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, Stadia, Windows, Xbox 360 | Square Enix |
2013 | Tomb Raider | Linux, macOS, Nvidia Shield TV, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One | |
2014 | Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Windows, Xbox One | |
2015 | Rise of the Tomb Raider | Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One | |
2018 | Shadow of the Tomb Raider | Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Windows, Xbox One | |
2020 | Marvel's Avengers | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | |
TBA | Perfect Dark | TBA | Xbox Game Studios |
Untitled Tomb Raider game | TBA | Amazon Games |
Games published
Year | Title | Platform(s) | Developer(s) |
---|---|---|---|
1994 | The Horde | 3DO, MS-DOS, PlayStation, Sega Saturn | Toys for Bob |
Star Control II | 3DO | ||
PaTaank | 3DO | PF.Magic | |
1995 | Slam 'N Jam '95 | 3DO | Left Field Productions |
1996 | Slam 'N Jam '96 Featuring Magic & Kareem | MS-DOS, PlayStation, Sega Saturn | |
Blazing Dragons | PlayStation, Sega Saturn | The Illusions Gaming Company | |
Pandemonium! | PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Windows | Toys for Bob | |
Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain | PlayStation, Windows | Silicon Knights |
References
- ^ a b c d Smith, Gina (October 23, 1994). "Crystal Dynamics faces bumpy road". San Francisco Examiner. p. B-6. Archived from the original on September 14, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Bonthuys, Darryn (July 8, 2022). "Crystals Dynamics Confirms Legacy Of Kain Still Exists in 30th Anniversary Celebration". GameSpot. Archived from the original on September 14, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ a b Fisher, Lawrence M. (February 13, 1994). "Sound Bytes; The Not-So-Silent Screen". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 25, 2020. Retrieved June 14, 2012.
- ^ Bryant, Howard (November 6, 1994). "Marketing: Developers disparage ethical criticism". Oakland Tribune. p. D-4. Archived from the original on September 14, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Miller, Matt (December 14, 2010). "The History Of Crystal Dynamics". Game Informer. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ a b c d Sims, Calvin (June 22, 1993). "COMPANY NEWS; Fox Film President Resigns To Head Start-Up Company". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 14, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
- ^ Wynne, Stuart (December 1994). "Profile: Crystal Dynamics – Gamers Extraordinaire". 3DO Magazine. No. 1. Paragon Publishing. pp. 22–23. Retrieved November 13, 2023 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ a b c d Smith, Gina (October 23, 1994). "Game over? Not by a long shot". San Francisco Examiner. p. B-5. Archived from the original on September 14, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Wynne, Stuart (April 1995). "Interview: David Morse – Silicon Messiah". 3DO Magazine. No. 3. Paragon Publishing. pp. 14–15. Retrieved November 13, 2023 – via Internet Archive.
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External links
- Official website
- Media related to Crystal Dynamics at Wikimedia Commons
- 1992 establishments in California
- 1998 mergers and acquisitions
- 2022 mergers and acquisitions
- American companies established in 1992
- American subsidiaries of foreign companies
- Eidos
- Embracer Group
- Square Enix
- Video game companies established in 1992
- Video game companies of the United States
- Video game development companies