14 DAY TRIAL // Whoever said that Tomb Raider wasn't popular was sadly mistaking. The game will not only hit all major retailers around the globe, but will be digitally distributed through Steam and GameTap's subscription service distribution also. With a June 5th release schedule, you'd better not be alone at the store, when you want to get your copy. It's going to be crowded.
Two months ago, Eidos (creators of the Tomb Raider series) had teamed up with Valve to offer their best titles through Steam, Valve's digital distribution system. Famous titles like Battlestations Midway, Just Cause, Hitman, Tomb Raider and Commandos were in order for the list. As for the price of each game, they would be US$ 35.95 for more recent games and 17.95 for older titles.
So here's your answer to why Tomb Raider Anniversary is available through Steam as well.
"For over 10 years, Eidos has been a leading publisher on every major gaming platform," said Gabe Newell, co-founder and president of Valve, at that time "Offering legendary action franchises in complete sets and working with Eidos to deliver new releases is a great step forward in our efforts to expand Steam's offerings, and to do so in ways that provide highest value to customers." Gamers acquiring any Eidos published title by 26th March (this year), would get a ten percent discount.
Following that agreement, Steam is now offering Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Anniversary, while GameTap and major retailers around the world also offer Eidos' famous title. However, with the game being distributed through so many means, Joystiq points out that we may be witnessing a new era of video game distribution, if the third person adventure title from Eidos sees an Xbox 360 port as well.
Think about it, GameTap, Steam, Retailers and XBLA all for the same game. And Lara doesn't even make the top ten female characters charts... But you know why? 'Cause she's too classy for them lousy charts, that's why!