Eidos Interactive
Lara Croft's keepers
British publisher Eidos rose to prominence with Tomb Raider and became a major force in 1990s gaming before acquisition by Square Enix.
Overview
Eidos Interactive transformed from a small British publisher into a gaming powerhouse through one iconic character: Lara Croft. Tomb Raider made Eidos a household name and funded an ambitious publishing slate that included Deus Ex, Hitman, and Thief. The company’s trajectory traced the rise of 3D gaming and the PlayStation era.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1990 as Eidos plc (video game division active from 1995).
- Key acquisition: Core Design (1996), bringing Tomb Raider.
- Headquarters: Wimbledon, London.
- Major franchises: Tomb Raider, Deus Ex, Hitman, Thief, Legacy of Kain.
- Acquired by: Square Enix (2009).
The Tomb Raider phenomenon
Tomb Raider defined Eidos:
- Launch: 1996, developed by Core Design.
- Cultural impact: Lara Croft became gaming’s first mainstream icon.
- Sales: tens of millions across the franchise.
- Media expansion: films, comics, merchandise.
Publishing legacy
Beyond Lara:
- Ion Storm: published Deus Ex (2000), a landmark immersive sim.
- IO Interactive: Hitman series began under Eidos.
- Looking Glass: distributed Thief games.
- Crystal Dynamics: Legacy of Kain series.