Team Lara: You can be our new Lead Designer — with a catch

Toby Gard’s short-lived tenure as Lead Designer at Crystal Dynamics has sent the team hunting for a new guy to take helm. This time though, Team Lara prefers someone who can contribute something entirely new and different to the Tomb Raider franchise.

For one, they’re looking for someone who “demonstrates advanced knowledge of current multiplayer design (systems, ability and technical interface).” He should also have the “ability to design multiplayer maps from written map designs” and “to work closely and communicate effectively with artists to implement overall vision of those map.”

This isn’t the first time that Team Lara has shown interest in multiplayer, however. Back in November of 2008, Eric Lindstrom, former Creative Director at Crystal D, hinted on the possibility of a multiplayer feature in Tomb Raider 9. In March 2009, the team posted similar job openings, particularly for an Online Programmer who can “develop and iterate on an online functionality including areas like multiplayer, user content sharing, community features, game metrics, etc.”

Without saying too much, Crystal Dynamics has somehow managed to tell the world all about their exciting (?) plans for the franchise. We’re expecting a full unveiling of the game some time next year — and it would be interesting to see if the multiplayer mechanics will see the light of day.