The Hint That Changed Everything
When The Game Awards confirmed a Tomb Raider announcement for tonight’s show, fans expected a single trailer for the long-awaited next game in the franchise. Then Shinobi602 showed up on ResetEra and changed the conversation entirely. Responding to speculation about what Crystal Dynamics would reveal, the reliable insider suggested there are “multiple elements” coming tonight, with at least one being a main series entry. That two-word tease has the Tomb Raider community buzzing with theories about exactly how many projects Lara Croft is starring in.
The timing couldn’t be better for a major Tomb Raider push. It’s been seven years since Shadow of the Tomb Raider concluded the reboot trilogy in 2018. Fans have been starving for news about what comes next, with only breadcrumbs dropped here and there about Crystal Dynamics working on something in Unreal Engine 5. Tonight’s Game Awards broadcast at 4:30 PM PT could finally deliver answers, and according to Shinobi, those answers might be plural rather than singular.
The Remake Everyone Saw Coming
Just days before The Game Awards, a leak surfaced claiming that a full remake of the original 1996 Tomb Raider would be announced at the show. The source, Raiders Society on Twitter, has been tracking Tomb Raider news for years and dropped this bombshell with confidence. Unlike Tomb Raider Anniversary from 2007 which reimagined the first game, this would reportedly be a ground-up remake built for modern hardware.
The leak makes sense from multiple angles. Remakes are hot right now, with everything from Resident Evil to Dead Space getting modern overhauls. The original Tomb Raider remains iconic but plays extremely rough by 2025 standards, with tank controls and dated visuals that scare away new players. A remake using Unreal Engine 5 could introduce an entirely new generation to where Lara Croft’s legend began, complete with updated graphics, modernized gameplay, and quality of life improvements that don’t sacrifice the core experience.
What’s interesting is how this would coexist with the Tomb Raider I-III Remastered collection that launched in February 2024, followed by Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered in February 2025. Those remasters preserved the original gameplay while adding graphical toggles and modern conveniences. A full remake would be something entirely different, potentially targeting players who bounced off the remasters because the core design felt too archaic. Some fans on Reddit have questioned whether announcing a remake makes sense when Anniversary already exists, but 18 years is a long time in gaming technology, and a 2025 remake could justify its existence through sheer visual and mechanical improvements.
The Next Mainline Game We’ve Been Waiting For
Beyond the remake speculation, there’s the game Crystal Dynamics officially announced way back in 2022. The studio confirmed it was working on a new Tomb Raider powered by Unreal Engine 5, with Amazon Games attached as publisher. Since that announcement, information has been scarce, with multiple rounds of layoffs hitting Crystal Dynamics throughout 2025 and raising concerns about the project’s health.
Internal leaks have referred to this game by the codename “Black Diamond.” According to rumors that surfaced in June 2025 and were quickly deleted from Reddit, the game underwent a major graphical overhaul in 2023 and is targeting a May 2026 release window. That timing would pit it directly against Grand Theft Auto 6, which seems like a risky move, but it also suggests the game is far enough along to show something substantial tonight.
The next Tomb Raider reportedly aims to unify the franchise’s disparate timelines. The original Core Design games from 1996-2003 existed in their own continuity, Tomb Raider Legend through Underworld rebooted things, and the 2013 Survivor trilogy rebooted again. Crystal Dynamics has hinted at bringing all these eras together somehow, creating a definitive version of Lara Croft that draws from each interpretation. That’s ambitious storytelling that could either be brilliant or messy depending on execution. A trailer tonight could finally show us what that unified vision looks like in practice.
The Metroidvania Wild Card
Here’s where things get really interesting. Multiple ResetEra users, including one named blackthorn_orion who gained traction with their prediction, have suggested that Crystal Dynamics could announce a 2D metroidvania Tomb Raider game alongside the main AAA title. At first glance this sounds absurd, but think about it for a second. Tomb Raider’s DNA includes exploration, backtracking through environments with new abilities, and combat against increasingly dangerous enemies. That’s literally the metroidvania formula.
A smaller-scale 2D Tomb Raider could work beautifully as a companion piece to the big-budget mainline entry. It would give Crystal Dynamics a way to experiment with gameplay ideas in a lower-stakes environment, provide content for fans between major releases, and tap into the thriving indie metroidvania market that’s produced hits like Hollow Knight and Ori. The Tomb Raider franchise has always been about traversal and unlocking new paths, which translates perfectly to the genre.
This theory gained steam when Shinobi’s comment about “multiple elements” started circulating. If the reveal includes both a remake and a new mainline game, that’s already two projects. Throwing in a surprise metroidvania would make tonight’s announcement genuinely historic, positioning Tomb Raider as a multimedia franchise attacking multiple fronts simultaneously. Whether this prediction pans out remains to be seen, but the enthusiasm from fans suggests there’s real appetite for Crystal Dynamics to get weird with the IP.
Why Shinobi’s Word Carries Weight
For those unfamiliar with gaming insider circles, Shinobi602 is a ResetEra user with an extremely reliable track record for PlayStation and major third-party announcements. This isn’t someone throwing wild guesses at a wall to see what sticks. When Shinobi speaks up, they typically have actual knowledge, even if they communicate through cryptic hints to protect sources.
The specific wording Shinobi used matters. By saying “multiple elements” rather than a single project, they’re clearly indicating tonight’s reveal encompasses more than just one trailer. The follow-up clarification that at least one element is a main series game suggests the remake is real and coming alongside the Unreal Engine 5 sequel. That level of specificity doesn’t happen by accident.
Shinobi has been particularly active around Game Awards season, correctly hinting at reveals like Control 2 and various PlayStation exclusives. Their involvement in the Tomb Raider discussion adds serious credibility to what would otherwise be pure speculation. Combined with the IGN leak that dropped hours before tonight’s show revealing the remake, all the puzzle pieces are falling into place for a massive Tomb Raider night.
What This Means for the Franchise
If tonight delivers multiple Tomb Raider announcements, it represents Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Games making a statement. After seven years of silence and multiple development struggles, they’re not just tiptoeing back into the spotlight. They’re kicking down the door with multiple projects designed to appeal to different audiences.
A remake targets nostalgia while onboarding new players who never experienced classic Lara. The mainline sequel satisfies fans of the modern trilogy while pushing the franchise forward. A potential metroidvania experiment taps into a genre that’s exploding in popularity while giving the franchise a lower-budget testbed for ideas. That’s a smart multi-pronged strategy that acknowledges Tomb Raider means different things to different people.
Amazon’s involvement as publisher for at least the mainline game also signals serious financial backing. The company is simultaneously developing a Tomb Raider live-action series for Prime Video starring Sophie Turner from Game of Thrones. That transmedia push mirrors what Marvel does with its properties, suggesting Amazon wants Tomb Raider to become a genuine entertainment empire rather than just a gaming franchise. Tonight’s announcements could be the opening salvo in that larger campaign.
FAQs
When will the Tomb Raider announcements happen?
The Game Awards 2025 starts tonight at 4:30 PM Pacific Time, 7:30 PM Eastern Time, or 12:30 AM GMT on December 12. The Tomb Raider reveals could happen at any point during the show, though major announcements typically occur in the first two hours.
Is the 1996 Tomb Raider remake confirmed?
Not officially, but IGN reported hours before the show that a remake has leaked and will be revealed tonight. Combined with Shinobi602’s hints about multiple announcements, the remake seems extremely likely even without formal confirmation from Crystal Dynamics.
What is the new mainline Tomb Raider game about?
Details remain scarce, but internal leaks refer to it as “Black Diamond.” The game is being built in Unreal Engine 5 and reportedly aims to unify the franchise’s different timelines. Amazon Games is publishing, and the game may target a 2026 release window.
Who is Shinobi602 and why should we trust them?
Shinobi602 is a ResetEra forum user with years of accurate insider information, particularly regarding PlayStation and major third-party games. They have a proven track record of hinting at announcements before they happen, making their involvement in the Tomb Raider discussion significant.
Will the remake replace Tomb Raider Anniversary?
Presumably yes, though both can coexist. Anniversary launched in 2007 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 2 era hardware. A 2025 remake would leverage modern technology like Unreal Engine 5 for significantly improved visuals and gameplay. Think of it like how Resident Evil 2 Remake replaced earlier remasters.
Is a 2D metroidvania Tomb Raider actually happening?
This remains pure speculation based on fan theories and ResetEra predictions. However, Shinobi’s comment about “multiple elements” has fueled theories that Crystal Dynamics could surprise everyone with a smaller-scale experimental project alongside the AAA games. Nothing is confirmed.
What happened to the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered collection?
That launched in February 2025 and remains available. Those are remasters of the classic games with graphical improvements and modern controls, not full remakes. A remake of the 1996 original would be a completely separate project with entirely rebuilt assets and gameplay.
Why has it taken seven years for a new Tomb Raider?
Shadow of the Tomb Raider concluded in 2018, after which Crystal Dynamics shifted focus to Marvel’s Avengers. That game underperformed, leading to restructuring. Crystal Dynamics then started work on the new Tomb Raider using Unreal Engine 5, but the project has faced delays and multiple rounds of layoffs throughout 2025.
Conclusion
Tonight could be the most important moment for Tomb Raider in nearly a decade. If Shinobi602’s hints prove accurate and Crystal Dynamics reveals multiple projects, Lara Croft is officially back in a major way. Whether you’re a fan of classic tank-control tomb raiding, modern cinematic action, or just want to see what a metroidvania spin-off could look like, there might be something for you. The seven-year wait since Shadow of the Tomb Raider has been painful, filled with layoffs, rumors, and uncertainty about the franchise’s future. Tonight’s Game Awards broadcast offers Crystal Dynamics a chance to silence the doubters and prove Lara Croft remains one of gaming’s most iconic characters. Set those reminders for 4:30 PM PT, because if the leaks and insider hints are accurate, we’re about to witness Tomb Raider’s biggest night in years. The only question left is whether Crystal Dynamics can stick the landing after making us wait this long.