Cory Barl-God

Former God of War director, Cory Barlog, has joined Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics after exiting Just Cause studio Avalanche Games.

Barlog, who left Sony Santa Monica after the completion of God of War II, was thought to be fronting a Mad Max title at the studio.

It’s unclear whether Barlog will slot into the Tomb Raider team, or start work on the studio’s still unannounced new IP.

Crystal Dynamics’ gaffer, Darrell Gallagher said:

Cory’s heritage in building industry defining action adventure titles, together with our focus on delivering quality character driven blockbuster entertainment makes Cory a tremendously exciting addition to the team.

Meanwhile, Avalanche was keen to quell reports that suggested Cory’s departure signalled trouble for the Swedish studio.

Studio founder Cristofer Sundberg told Eurogamer.net:

I can't comment on our project, but all I can say is that the projects we've been working on for the last two years and the one we recently started up in NY are sailing along like never before.

Good news all around, then.