Those rumored layoffs at Tomb Raider: Underworld developer Crystal Dynamics have been confirmed by studio owner Eidos, with the company telling Joystiq that this was a result of an increased "focus on the Tomb Raider franchise at Crystal Dynamics."

Roughly 30 employees were laid off, including Tomb Raider: Underworld creative director Eric Lindstrom. It is not known if Crystal Dynamics was working on any non-Tomb Raider games--the studio is believed to be wrapping up the 360-exclusive TR:U downloadable content, and doing tentative work on the next Tomb Raider.

The layoffs came on the same day that Eidos expressed disappointment that Tomb Raider: Underworld only sold 1.5 million units, which may prompt a redesign.

That new direction could be "female-friendly," reports TimesOnline, adding that Eidos expected Tomb Raider: Underworld to sell 2 million--a milestone it missed by 500K.

"Look at how Batman changed successfully, from the rather sad... Read more