Days Gone Director Joins Crystal Dynamics as Design Director

Following its announcement of the next Tomb Raider running on Unreal Engine 5, Crystal Dynamics tweeted a list of job openings across its studios. More interesting, however, is that Days Gone director Jeff Ross confirmed he had joined the team. He now works as a design director, which is all he could say other than “I’m thrilled with the project, and especially the team of really wonderful people.”

Obviously there are questions about what Ross may be working on. If it’s Tomb Raider, does this indicate a shift to a full open world structure (especially given how the Survivor Trilogy featured larger, more open levels)? Could he be working on Perfect Dark, whose development is reportedly led by Crystal Dynamics? Given the number of departures that The Initiative has apparently seen in the last year – including its design director – the latter seems more plausible.

There’s no word yet on when the next Tomb Raider will release, though Perfect Dark is apparently still a ways off. As for Unreal Engine 5, it’s now available for developers worldwide with The Coalition recently showcasing a cinematic tech test called The Cavern.

https://twitter.com/CrystalDynamics/status/1511121129326276608

I'm excited to announce I now work at the amazing Crystal Dynamics as Design Director. That's all I can say other than I'm thrilled with the project, and especially the team of really wonderful people.

I will become a Seattleite this summer.

Also–Come work with me! https://t.co/HjDFIFk7MF

— Jeff Ross (@JakeRocket) April 5, 2022