When it was

Frustrating as it is, it’s understandable that Spencer wouldn’t be forthcoming with those details–that is what Microsoft (and Sony, in similar cases) has effectively paid to keep secret for now. At least we now have confirmation that this is a timed-exclusive deal. The original language around the announcement was worded in such a way as to prevent us from understanding what kind of deal Microsoft had actually struck.

A Microsoft press release sent out after the company’s Gamescom press conference stated Rise of the Tomb Raider “will launch in holiday 2015, exclusively on Xbox.” A message to fans from developer Crystal Dynamics said, “[W]e’ve just announced that Rise of the Tomb Raider, coming holiday 2015, is exclusively on Xbox.” These lines left room for interpretation.

Spencer also said he understands fans’ negative reaction to the news. “If I’m a PlayStation person all of a sudden I feel like, the franchise has gone,” he said. “I didn’t buy the IP. I didn’t buy the studio. It’s not mine. Where this thing will go over time, just like Dead Rising [3] or Ryse, we’ll see what happens with the game. I don’t own every iteration of Tomb Raider.” Dead Rising 3 and Ryse, two Xbox One launch games, are each coming to PC later this year.

Does knowing that Rise of the Tomb Raider is only a timed exclusive change your feelings on this situation at all? Let us know in the comments.