London-based
publisher Eidos
plc has confirmed 30 employees - including
creative director Eric Lindstrom - were dismissed
on Friday amid disappointing sales of Tomb
Raider Underworld and fresh speculation on
the future of the company.
In a
statement released by Eidos: "We have increased
the focus on the Tomb Raider franchise at Crystal
Dynamics, regrettably this has resulted in the
reduction in headcount."
Speaking
on the future direction of Tomb Raider, chief
financial officer Robert Brent told The
Times that another rejuvenation of the Lara
Croft brand was looking likely. "We need to
look at everything, as we develop the next game.
Look at how Batman changed successfully, from
the rather sad character of the Michael Keaton
era to the noir style of The Dark Knight."
Eidos
downgraded forecast projections on Friday blaming
a precarious North America economy which has seen
retailers restricting inventory levels and triple-A
products being price discounted above expectation.
At close of trade on Friday, shares were down
30% to 13.00.
