New Tomb Raider due Xmas 2011

Eurogamer has learned that Crystal Dynamics is hard at work on the next main game in the Tomb Raider series that should be released during the Christmas period 2011.

US developer Crystal Dynamics is currently exclusively working on the Tomb Raider franchise, a source told us.

Although our source was unable to confirm rumours that the game's subtitle will be Downfall, we do know that it will be released for multiple platforms including PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

Earlier this week a number of artworks popped up on ex-CD artist Joel Boucquemont's site.

Those listed under Tomb Raider show a devastated and deserted cityscape and some dark environments.

Our source said "some" of the artworks featured on the site relate to the next Tomb Raider game.

In July last year, a leaked document was linked to the development of a brand new Tomb Raider game.

It detailed a "reboot" that would explore the origins of a "young and inexperienced Lara Croft" who investigates tombs in an island off the coast of Japan. We've been told the document did indeed relate to the new Tomb Raider game in question.

Crystal Dynamics has two teams: one small gang working on the downloadable spin-off Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, due out later this year, and everybody else concentrating on the pillar Tomb Raider instalments.

According to our source, Crystal Dynamics has now wrapped up work on Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and turned its attention to the next game in the series.

A spokesperson for Square Enix told us the company has no comment to make on the matter.