Rhianna Prachett gets Lead Writer Slot for next Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider

Crystal Dynamics, a Square Enix studio, today announced award-winning games writer Rhianna Pratchett is the lead writer of TOMB RAIDER, the acclaimed origins story of Lara Croft, set for release on March 5th, 2013.

English-born Pratchett has been writing for and about videogames for over 14 years. Initially a games journalist, Pratchett quickly moved her passion and skills for creating immersive stories into the narrative of several highly successful videogames.

"Rhianna has been working on the game with the narrative from its early inception," said Darrell Gallagher, head of Crystal Dynamics. "She has brought a unique perspective to the project and helped us explore the character origins of Lara Croft. There is no doubt that Rhianna has brought a depth and credibility to Lara, a heroine who will really connect with today's gamers."

"I grew up playing TOMB RAIDER, uncovering the world's secrets and unearthing its treasures; I have lived and died as Lara Croft, but nothing comes close to the challenge of re-writing her," says Rhianna Pratchett, lead writer of TOMB RAIDER. "Seldom do we get the opportunity to reimagine and reinvent a legend, so getting my narrative hands on Miss Croft was a once-in-a-life-time opportunity. It was going back to the genesis of videogame action heroines and exploring how to make such an iconic character meaningful and relatable for gamers today."

Pratchett will be participating on two panels during San Diego Comic-Con, both on Saturday, July 14:

12:00 p.m. -- 2:00 p.m.: The TOMB RAIDER development team will talk about the reimagining of a gaming icon on a panel hosted by Zachary Levi (star of Chuck and Tangled and a long-time gamer) at The Nerd Machine's "Nerd HQ" at Block No. 16 Union & Spirits (344 7th Avenue).

6:00 p.m. -- 7:00 p.m.: Pratchett joins recently revealed voice of Lara Croft, Camilla Luddington, TOMB RAIDER creative director, Noah Hughes, global brand director, Karl Stewart and narrative designer, John Stafford in a panel moderated by Geoff Keighley (host, Spike TV) at the San Diego Convention Center (Room 5AB).

For more information on how to attend these panels, please visit The Nerd Machine's Official Homepage. For more information on Rhianna Prachett, please visit her official homepage at www.rhiannapratchett.com.