Crystal Dynamics used AI for early design in Tomb Raider

Crystal Dynamics reported it used generative AI to visualize and iterate early level layouts and temporary props during development of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. The studio added that all finished assets in the released game are created by human artists.

The disclosure first appeared on the game’s Steam page and prompted questions from players about how much of the remake relied on AI tools.

Crystal Dynamics provided a written response describing the tools as support for early exploration and temporary development content. The studio stated any AI-assisted work was either replaced by hand-made content or refined by humans before the final release to maintain the project’s creative and artistic direction.

Experience director Jeff Adams explained the studio’s process for early level development. Developers may use generative AI to quickly place or visualize an object in a world to test whether a concept fits. If the concept is kept, the item moves into the studio’s standard production pipeline where artists and designers concept, build and polish the asset.

Adams added: “At the end, all the finished product in the final game will be human-crafted.”

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is a reimagining of the original 1996 game and is scheduled to launch on the Switch 2 on Feb. 12, 2027.

The studio described the intended purpose of the tools as speeding early iteration and helping developers reach decisions faster, while keeping final creative choices and asset production in human hands.