The studio explained how it used generative AI during the development of the game.

Shortly after Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis was featured on State of Play, the game’s Steam page went live. Players quickly noticed a statement about the use of generative AI on the page. Jeff Adams, the director of experience, provided some clarification: he described generative AI as a tool that helps the team find the right answers more quickly.

His comments came from an interview with Game Informer, which included a short video of him answering the question of how the technology is used in Crystal Dynamics’ development process, and in which the studio’s PR representative interrupted before he could delve further into the topic. Adams gave an example of how the studio uses the technology: essentially, they use it to develop ideas without spending time creating assets they will ultimately never use.

“At Crystal Dynamics, we see AI as a tool that can help our team find the right answers faster. Let me give you an example of what that looks like. In early level development, for example, we might have an idea for an object but not be sure whether we want to spend the development time building it. We can use a generative AI tool to visualize the object in the world. If it works, we’ll move it to our traditional pipeline. The team will then conceptualize and build it, and we’ll ensure that all finished content in the final game is human-crafted. It’s important to us that our team has the tools to create the highest-quality experience possible. Our fans deserve nothing less” – said Adams.

How much of the initial generative AI asset remains by the time the team decides to use it? The PR spokesperson chimed in to conclude the conversation: “I think we’ve said all we want to say about it now. Once the game is released and everyone can see how amazing it is, we’ll probably feel more comfortable. In this early stage, I just wouldn’t want us to start talking about it.” Adams added that they just want to make it as easy as possible to create a high-quality gaming experience. That’s what really matters.

Although generative AI tools will certainly remain a controversial topic for a while, the way Adams describes the team’s use of them will likely become the norm in the future, as this technology doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Players can and will continue to voice their opinions about studios using generative AI. However, the reality is that we haven’t yet seen players vote with their wallets against studios making meaningful use of this technology.

Source: WCCFTech

We asked the Crystal Dynamics team about its use of generative AI in developing Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. Here’s what Jeff Adams, experience director on the game, had to say.

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— Game Informer (@gameinformer.com) June 11, 2026 at 4:37 PM