LaraCroftForum.com

Quoted

To: SCi Entertainment Group, Eidos PLC, Crystal Dynamics

On October 6th 2008, Eidos Interactive announced that Tomb Raider Underworld would have Downloadable Content (a.k.a DLC) and a demo. Unfortunately these are only exclusive to the 360 (excluding the demo which will be available on PC).

Not only has this further alienated the Tomb Raider fan base but it has fueled peoples anger and resulted in many fans, and potential customers, cancelling their pre-orders, refusing to buy the game, boycotting Tomb Raider all-together and in extreme cases even stating that they will simply *illegally* download Tomb Raider Underworld.

Whether Eidos got paid a substantial amount for this deal or not is not what upsets us (the fans) the most. It is that PC and PS3 users have been left out. In the case of the demo not coming out on the PS3, fans have been given no reason by Eidos, Crystal Dynamics or any of their employees who visit Tomb Raider related forums.

This issue has spread rapidly amongst not just Tomb Raider related sites and forums but even other, general gaming forums such as NeoGAF, one of the world’s largest gaming forums. Eidos holds a responsibility to reward fans and it should treat all fans whether new or old the same. We, the fans, should be rewarded for supporting the series for many years, buying the games, watching the movies, etc. with things like DLC and not for just having the “right” console.

The situation needs attention and action needs to be taken immediately as the severity of the problem is not only affecting the fans base as mentioned above but also harming sales and putting off potential customers. Eidos is a business and all business’ need money and customers. This is why this petition has been created. This petition wants the following actions to be taken by Eidos:

1) A demo to be released for PS3 users – there is no excuse for this one and why a reason has not been provided for the absence of a PS3 demo is disgraceful and quite offensive to long-term Tomb Raider fans who want to try the game on this platform. Many PS3 users will most likely want to try out the game before buying it and not giving a demo is giving off the wrong message about the product on this specific platform.

2) Downloadable Content for both PC and PS3 – Microsoft should have no problem with the Tomb Raider Underworld DLC being released on the PC as it has created the ‘Games for Windows’ and ‘Games for Windows - LIVE’ brands for a reason – to help the so called “ailing” PC gaming market. It is also a member of the ‘PC Gaming Alliance’, an organization created by Microsoft and other leading PC companies as well as games publishers to help the PC gaming Market and to make PC gaming better for all. If it is not willing to show how dedicated it is in helping PC gaming and PC gamers and can’t even support its own brands then what does this say about Microsoft? Microsoft has secured exclusive DLC for Fallout 3, for both the 360 *and* PC platforms. There is no reason why it can’t do the same here. For PS3 users the problem can be overcome if the DLC is released at a later date.

3) The PC & PS3 DLC and Demo should be released in a timely manner - This could be anytime from the exact day as the 360 DLC/Demo or up to 4 months after. We, the fans, do realize it can, at times, take some time to make Demos and DLC available and properly made for all suitable platforms that is why we can understand a four month gap may be necessary for Crystal Dynamics to complete the Demo and DLC for all suitable platforms.

We, the fans, do realize that the Mobile, DS, and PS2 (and maybe even the Wii) platforms are outdated in terms of hardware and technology therefore meaning a Demo and DLC is not possible. We do realize and understand this and we are willing to accept that it most likely will be impossible to release a demo and DLC for these platforms because they are now technically outdated and because of Eidos’ financial situation it may not be able to invest more money in making a demo and DLC for these outdated platforms. But for the PC and PS3 users there is no reason why they should be left out as it is unfair no matter what excuses Eidos/Crystal Dynamics come out with. Tomb Raider fans, whether you own a 360 or not, please, please support the rest of the fan base and upset fans by signing this petition. Together we can stand up and show Eidos that they need to respect and reward all of the fan base and not just a select group. Thank-you to everyone who signs.

NOTE: We know that some Tomb Raider fans that have 360’s, and don’t really care about this situation because they are happy, are around. If you don’t care about this cause and the rest of us please don’t leave rude/immature comments as it harms the petition for us and will only make yourself look immature.

Sincerely,