14 DAY TRIAL // Just a couple of weeks ago, rumors of Lara Croft grappling herself with the latest installment onto Microsoft's Xbox 360, were posted everywhere. As the ESRB (rating board) had rated Eidos' game not once, not twice, but 5 times, one could only expect a mini series or some downloadable episodic content. As all major platforms - except the 360 - got it, it was obvious. Users of Microsoft's XBL Marketplace would see Lara too. Now, those rumors have been officially confirmed.
The official report says that "Episodic Serialization on Xbox 360 for Tomb Raider Anniversary" is what users of Microsoft's platform are getting. Eidos has confirmed that the latest Lara Croft adventure, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, will be released on the Xbox 360, initially in the form of downloadable episodic content. However, they made sure only dedicated fans would benefit from this, as the content will be available for purchase only to owners of Tomb Raider Legend, Xbox 360 version.
"We have created this version of Anniversary specifically for digital distribution as episodic content. This is part of our strategy to grow our presence in online and digital distribution as we believe there are huge growth opportunities arising from this delivery format and we intend to capitalize on the increasing demand for digitally downloaded content," said Jane Cavanagh, Chief Executive, Eidos. "Lara has always been at the forefront of technology and this world first initiative with Microsoft really highlights that fact. Ultimately we also intend to make the title available at retail so that it reaches the maximum possible audience."
One thing that I also found interesting is that, apparently, this is the first time ever that the serialization of a full retail game will be available for purchase through Xbox Live Marketplace. The game will be available in four episodes; Episodes 1 & 2 will be available in September, with the next two episodes arriving shortly afterwards. Of course, there will be the full version too, which is planned for a release later this year, but who will even buy it then...?