Crystal Dynamics takes on Dead Space art lead as new Tomb Raider director

EA veteran Ian Milham has joined Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics.

Milham has spent the majority of his 20-plus years in the games industry at EA, where he served as art director for the Dead Space horror franchise before moving to become creative director on games including DICE shooters Battlefield 4 and Battlefield Hardline.

Before joining EA, he also held positions at LucasArts and Crave Entertainment.

Milham will take on the role of game director for the Tomb Raider series at Crystal Dynamics, which revived the long-running adventure franchise in 2013 with a self-titled reboot before following up with last year’s sequel, Rise of the Tomb Raider.

“Ian is one of those rare veterans who combines creativity, artistry, and passion into excellence on-screen,” said co-head of studio Scot Amos. “It’s a matching type of DNA that Crystal Dynamics has forged itself upon over these last few years.

“We’re very excited to welcome Ian as the newest top-tier talent joining our studio. His attitude, aptitude, and aspirations for crafting great game experiences are perfectly aligned with who and what Crystal Dynamics is all about.”

“Adventure games have always been my first love,” Milham added in the announcement on the Tomb Raider blog. “When the opportunity came to join Crystal Dynamics, I had to jump on it. This is the home of Lara Croft, who is a legend in action-adventure gaming and a pillar of the industry.

“I’ve admired Crystal’s work for a while now, as they continue to deliver top-notch narrative and spectacle, coupled with deep systems and player choice. I’m very excited about where the studio is headed and I’m eager to be a part of it.”