Crystal Dynamics has clarified how artificial intelligence will be applied in development of the upcoming Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis.
In a recent interview with Polygon, the studio's experience director Jeff Adams explained that generative AI will be used as a development aid during early level creation, but that the final game will remain a human-crafted product.
Background
Crystal Dynamics is the longtime steward of the Tomb Raider franchise, credited with the 2013 reboot and subsequent entries that updated Lara Croft for modern platforms.
The studio's comments arrive amid a broader industry conversation about how AI tools can speed up creative workflows in game development.
Fans who follow platform news on outlets such as Nintendo Direct or who check storefronts like the Nintendo eShop will often look for developer updates as projects progress.
How Crystal Dynamics plans to use AI
According to Adams, the team will employ generative AI to visualize and iterate on in-game objects during early level prototyping.
Adams told Polygon that when designers have a concept but lack time to fully build it, a generative tool can produce a quick visual reference in the world.
If the AI-produced element proves useful, the team will then move the asset into Crystal Dynamics' traditional pipeline for concepting and hand-built implementation.
Adams emphasized that the finished assets in the released game will be completed by human creators.
Adams framed AI as a productivity tool rather than a replacement for developers.
He said the studio views AI as a way to ‘‘help our team get the right answers faster’’ and to reduce friction so designers can focus on high-quality experiences that players expect.
What this means for players and the industry
Crystal Dynamics' approach demonstrates a cautious, tool-first application of generative AI: use for rapid visualization, followed by human-led iteration and finalization.
This model mirrors practices being discussed across AAA and indie studios, where AI assists early-stage design while creative control remains with human teams.
As Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis progresses, players can expect further developer updates through official channels.
For now, Crystal Dynamics has made clear that AI will augment the studio’s workflow during development, not replace the hands-on craftsmanship that defines the final game.
In a recent interview with Polygon, the studio's experience director Jeff Adams explained that generative AI will be used as a development aid during early level creation, but that the final game will remain a human-crafted product.
Background
Crystal Dynamics is the longtime steward of the Tomb Raider franchise, credited with the 2013 reboot and subsequent entries that updated Lara Croft for modern platforms.
The studio's comments arrive amid a broader industry conversation about how AI tools can speed up creative workflows in game development.
Fans who follow platform news on outlets such as Nintendo Direct or who check storefronts like the Nintendo eShop will often look for developer updates as projects progress.
How Crystal Dynamics plans to use AI
According to Adams, the team will employ generative AI to visualize and iterate on in-game objects during early level prototyping.
Adams told Polygon that when designers have a concept but lack time to fully build it, a generative tool can produce a quick visual reference in the world.
If the AI-produced element proves useful, the team will then move the asset into Crystal Dynamics' traditional pipeline for concepting and hand-built implementation.
Adams emphasized that the finished assets in the released game will be completed by human creators.
Adams framed AI as a productivity tool rather than a replacement for developers.
He said the studio views AI as a way to ‘‘help our team get the right answers faster’’ and to reduce friction so designers can focus on high-quality experiences that players expect.
What this means for players and the industry
Crystal Dynamics' approach demonstrates a cautious, tool-first application of generative AI: use for rapid visualization, followed by human-led iteration and finalization.
This model mirrors practices being discussed across AAA and indie studios, where AI assists early-stage design while creative control remains with human teams.
As Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis progresses, players can expect further developer updates through official channels.
For now, Crystal Dynamics has made clear that AI will augment the studio’s workflow during development, not replace the hands-on craftsmanship that defines the final game.