'Rise of the Tomb Raider' latest news: Lead writer Rhianna Pratchett departs from 'Tomb Raider' franchise

Crystal Dynamics recently announced that writer Rhianna Pratchett, who served as the lead writer on the "Tomb Raider" game reboot in 2013 and its 2015 follow-up "Rise of the Tomb Raider, has officially left the company.

The company released a statement, informing gaming fans that Pratchett went off to pursue new adventures outside of the "Tomb Raider" game franchise. They also mention how instrumental Pratchett was in finding Lara's voice in the 2013 origin story and how "she shaped Lara into the evolving heroine" that fans have come to know through "Rise of the Tomb Raider."

The entire team also expressed their sincere thanks for Pratchett's "dedication and tireless efforts" in developing the new "Tomb Raider" games. From her end, Pratchett expressed her gratitude to everyone through her Twitter page. "So, I'm packing up my climbing axe plus a little venison jerky for the road, and bidding a fond farewell to Lara. Onwards to new adventures!" Pratchett wrote on Twitter. "I want to thank the Crystal Dynamics team for their dedication especially Josh Stafford, Cameron Suey, and Noah Hughes," she added to her Twitter post. "I also want to thank TR's terrific fan community. You really are the best in the world."

As reported by Engadget, Pratchett's contributions to the new and improved "Tomb Raider" franchise brought the games many accolades. As its lead writer, "Tomb Raider" was nominated for "Best Narrative" and "Game of the Year" at the Game Developers Choice Awards in 2014.

"Rise on the Tomb Raider," on the other hand, won the "Outstanding Achievement in Videogame Writing" award at the 2016 Writers Guild of America. That same year, the game also received the "Outstanding Achievement in Character" award at the DICE Awards.

At the moment, a third installment to the new and rebooted "Tomb Raider" series is yet to be revealed. And should its development push through, the "Tomb Raider" team will have to move forward in creating the game's storyline without Pratchett's creative expertise.