Developer Crystal Dynamics announced on Tuesday that the rebooted Tomb Raider sequel Rise of the Tomb Raider would now be an Xbox exclusive release.
The reboot previously appeared on Sony's Playstation 3 as well as PCs and Macs, with an upgraded Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition following on the now-current gen consoles.
According to BBC News, Crystal Dynamics claims the move to exclusivity, which could turn out to just be 'timed,' will help the grow the brand. A rep was not able to say specifically if the game will remain exclusive.
One analyst believes that it could be a good move for Microsoft. "If you look at the third-party titles that come to market, Tomb Raider is up there as one of the most anticipated third-person action titles," Piers Harding-Rolls, consultancy firm IHS head of games, said.
The move is an intriguing one for Crystal Dynamics and publisher Square Enix, which could very well hurt the Tomb Raider series, since the previous title sold nearly three times better on the Sony PS3 and PS4.
Square Enix was also disappointed with the high sales for the reboot, which makes the move even sillier, unless Microsoft drove up with trucks full of cash.
As gamers have blasted the move, Crystal Dynamics took to Tumblr to weakly explain why the move was a good one for the company. The post, written by head of studios Darrel Gallagher claims that the move will "be a step to really forging the Tomb Raider brand as one of the biggest in gaming."
He also noted that with Microsoft in their corner, they expect they will have more support than previously for the Tomb Raider brand.
Microsoft is hoping the sequel will be able to compete with the upcoming fourth title in the juggernaut series Uncharted.