Rise of the Tomb Raider director leaves Crystal Dynamics for Infinity Ward

Now art director at Call of Duty studio

Tomb Raider Senior Art Director and Rise of the Tomb Raider Game Director Brian Horton has left Crystal Dynamics, the developer announced via the official Tomb Raider Tumblr account Friday.

“It’s been a huge honor to be a part of the Tomb Raider franchise and the team at Crystal Dynamics,” shared Horton. “I’ve met fans from all over the world, both in person and online, to share in our love for the franchise and Lara Croft.

“After working on two amazing games, my family and I have decided to return to Southern California and start a new adventure,” Horton continued. “As sad as I am to leave the team at Crystal, I’m excited to play their future games as a fan. Thanks again for the years of support and feedback and I hope to stay in touch with you all online.”

That next adventure in Southern California is apparently Activision’s Los Angeles-based Call of Duty factory, Infinity Ward, the studio behind Modern Warfare and Call of Duty: Ghosts. As of this month, Horton is Infinity Ward’s Studio Art Director, according to his LinkedIn account.

Previously, Horton worked at a number of companies, including Disney Interactive, EA, Vivendi Universal, and DreamWorks Interactive on titles such as Medal of Honor and F.E.A.R. 3. 

Infinity Ward is expected to unveil and release a new Call of Duty title later this year, following the launches of Sledgehammer Games’ Call of Duty: Advance Warfare in 2014 and Treyarch’s more recent offering, Call of Duty: Black Ops III.

Crystal Dynamics and Square Enix plan to unleash Rise of the Tomb Raider for PC on January 28.

Bon voyage Brian Horton! [Crystal Dynamics, LinkedIn]