Tomb Raider Parent Company Embraces AI, but Promises “Human-Led” Creativity Will Remain
•February 13, 2026
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Why It Matters
Embracer’s AI stance could reshape development economics for legacy franchises while preserving brand integrity, setting a precedent for mid‑tier publishers navigating emerging technology.
Key Takeaways
- •Embracer plans AI tools, but keeps creativity human‑led
- •Upcoming Tomb Raider titles slated 2026 and 2027
- •AI use remains controversial after voice‑line legal case
- •Crystal Dynamics co‑develops with Flying Wild Hog
- •Amazon will publish the next Tomb Raider games
Pulse Analysis
Embracer Group’s latest quarterly report signals a strategic embrace of artificial‑intelligence tools across its development pipeline, while publicly pledging that core storytelling and world‑building will stay “human‑led.” CEO Phil Rogers highlighted AI’s capacity to accelerate asset creation, streamline production workflows, and cut operational costs, positioning the technology as a supportive utility rather than a creative substitute. This stance mirrors a growing industry pattern where publishers experiment with machine‑learning assistants for texture generation, animation rigs, and quality‑assurance testing, yet remain wary of diluting brand identity.
The announcement arrives as Embracer prepares two high‑profile Tomb Raider installments—Legacy of Atlantis for 2026 and Catalyst for 2027—co‑developed by Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog. Amazon’s publishing deal ensures global distribution, while the new voice talent, Alix Wilton Regan, refreshes Lara Croft’s persona. Although the studio has not confirmed AI integration on these titles, the promise of AI‑driven efficiencies could shorten production cycles and free artists to focus on narrative depth. Stakeholders will watch whether the technology translates into measurable cost savings without compromising the franchise’s iconic feel.
AI’s role in gaming remains contentious, illustrated by recent legal disputes over synthetic voice replacements in Tomb Raider 4‑6 Remastered and backlash against Larian’s concept‑art experiments. While studios like Activision and Rebel Wolves report productivity gains, consumer sentiment still favors authentic human performance. Embracer’s cautious messaging—positioning AI as an auxiliary tool—aims to balance efficiency with brand integrity, a formula that could become a benchmark for other mid‑tier publishers. As generative models mature, the industry will need clear ethical guidelines to prevent reputational risk while harnessing AI’s potential to accelerate development.
Tomb Raider parent company embraces AI, but promises “human-led” creativity will remain
Embracer and the use of AI in future Tomb Raider games
Tomb Raider parent company Embracer recently shared its Q3 FY 2025/26 report for investors. In addition to outlining the company’s financial performance and future outlook, CEO Phil Rogers commented on how Embracer plans to utilize AI while maintaining “human‑led” creativity.
As part of a press release published on February 12, Rogers said that Embracer sees “significant and accelerating potential in AI‑driven tools to meaningfully enhance development, production, and operations.”
Rogers elaborated, “The pace of technological advancement is extraordinary, and as an industry that has always embraced innovation, we actively explore and adopt AI where it strengthens our products and improves efficiency.”
He added, “We view AI as a tool to support and empower our teams,” but emphasized that “world‑building, storytelling, and creative direction will remain firmly human‑led, ensuring that creativity and originality continue to define our experiences.”
Image credit: Embracer Group
Embracer became the parent company of Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics in 2022 after acquiring the studio, alongside Eidos Montréal, from Square Enix for a reported $300 million. Following the acquisition, Crystal Dynamics secured ownership of the Tomb Raider intellectual property, while Embracer owns the studio.
Future Tomb Raider games are being published by Amazon, with Legacy of Atlantis scheduled for 2026 and Catalyst slated for 2027. Polish studio Flying Wild Hog, best known for the Shadow Warrior trilogy, is co‑developing Legacy of Atlantis, a reimagining of Lara Croft’s 1996 debut.
Embracer’s endorsement of AI tools
Embracer’s endorsement of AI tools does not mean Legacy of Atlantis or Catalyst will use AI, particularly generative AI.
AI remains a divisive topic within the industry, despite more developers openly acknowledging its use. Call of Duty has used AI to generate “some in‑game assets,” and the studio behind Stellar Blade is planning to use AI in the future. Meanwhile, Larian faced backlash after revealing it had used AI‑inspired concept art for Divinity, prompting the studio to swear off generative AI for all phases of the game’s development.
Tomb Raider has also recently been involved in AI‑related controversy. AI was used to “restore” missing voice lines for the French version of Tomb Raider 4–6 Remastered, prompting French actress Françoise Cadol to take legal action. This resulted in developer Aspyr removing the lines in a hotfix.
While concerns largely focus on generative AI and the replacement of voice actors, The Witcher 3 game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz has previously spoken about AI’s benefits. While discussing Dispatch as his Game of the Year, Tomaszkiewicz said his new studio, Rebel Wolves, is using AI to assist the Blood of the Dawnwalker quality‑assurance team.
Legacy of Atlantis was not shown during the February 2026 State of Play, but Embracer’s financial report reaffirmed that it is scheduled to release in 2026. Summer Game Fest, set for June, is likely when the game will appear next, assuming nothing occurs on Lara Croft’s birthday, February 14.
Image credit: Embracer Group
Alix Wilton Regan from Mass Effect and Cyberpunk 2077 is the new Lara Croft voice actor, and Crystal Dynamics has teased new “surprises” as Legacy of Atlantis reimagines the original 1996 classic while still maintaining its feeling.
What new surprises await haven’t been revealed, but leaks suggest the debut of the Society of Raiders.
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