Despite performing below publisher Square Enix’s expectations, as was reported to the company’s investors recently, the Tomb Raider reboot starring a young Lara Croft – developed by Crystal Dynamics – has had the largest first week of sales in the iconic gaming franchise’s history. The multiplatform title has also had the strongest start of any game release this year so far.

This information comes via the head of Crystal Dynamics Darrell Gallagher, speaking at this year’s Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. Gallagher said that “It’s been the biggest week one sales in franchise history, and we’re only a few weeks into that launch right now, and it’s been the biggest opening so far in 2013.”

“So, we’re happy with the outcome. It’s certainly in a place where we feel like we’re on the road to achieving everything we wanted to.”

“Certainly we’re proud of what we achieved, and I think for the most part, the whole organisation is happy with what we did… Actuals and expectations, I guess, are two slightly different things. What I’m telling you is the actuals, and they’re communicating expectations.”

Unfortunately, in spite of the relatively strong sales of Tomb Raider, Square Enix posted a considerable loss for the past fiscal year. The loss, assisted by recent releases Hitman: Absolution and Sleeping Dogs both performing below publisher expectations, prompted CEO Yoichi Wada’s resignation last week.

Source: GamesIndustry