Core Design
From Derby Roots to Global Phenomenon: The Birthplace of Lara Croft
Core Design Ltd was a prominent British video game developer founded in Derby in 1988 by Jeremy Heath-Smith and former Gremlin Graphics staff. Flourishing during the 16-bit Amiga era with Rick Dangerous and Chuck Rock, the studio achieved world renown in 1996 through the creation of Tomb Raider.
From 16-Bit Amiga Artisans to 3D Innovators
Core Design thrived on the Commodore Amiga and Atari ST platforms with arcade-inspired action games. In 1994, a small six-person team led by artist Toby Gard and programmer Paul Douglas initiated an exploratory 3D adventure project originally intended for the Sega Saturn, which became Tomb Raider.
Annualized Sequels, Eidos Pressures, and Civic Legacy
Acquired by Eidos Interactive, Core faced demanding annual production deadlines to deliver Tomb Raider sequels throughout the late 1990s. Following the turbulent release of The Angel of Darkness in 2003, development was reassigned to Crystal Dynamics. In tribute, the city of Derby named an inner ring road 'Lara Croft Way'.