Tomb Raider: Underworld fails to uncover treasure
Eidos talking with lenders
BBC News reports that Eidos is facing difficult times due to the console versions of Lara Croft’s latest outing Tomb Raider: Underworld underperforming.
The gaming giant blames a difficult US economy for the poor reaction to the new episode in the long running franchise, with retailers offering harmful reductions to remove excess stock.
"In an difficult North American economy, we have seen retailers restricting inventory levels and [prices] discounted above our expectations," says Eidos.
The company’s predictions for 2008 revenues were between £180 and £200 million, though forecasts now suggest a figure more in the region of £160 million. The severe downturn has apparently left Eidos no choice but to discuss repayment difficulties with lenders.
It did take the opportunity to reassure the industry that a full recovery is expected on the strength of the forthcoming Batman: Arkham Asylum game, though little else is in the works to provide a safety net if the same thing should happen again.
Note, there's no suggestion that the mobile version of Tomb Raider Underworld, released by EA Mobile, has underperformed or affected Eidos' financial position.
However, Eidos' ongoing problems were undoubtedly a factor in its decision to pull out of the mobile games market in 2008, choosing instead to license its titles to EA Mobile.
