Rise of the Tomb Raider game director leaves for Call of Duty developer

Rise of the Tomb Raider game director Brian Horton has left Crystal Dynamics to join Call of Duty developer Infinity Ward as studio art director.

“It’s been a huge honor to be a part of the Tomb Raider franchise and the team at Crystal Dynamics,” Horton said in a statement posted to Tumblr. “I’ve met fans from all over the world, both in person and online, to share in our love for the franchise and Lara Croft."

During his time at Cyrstal Dynamics, Horton also worked as Senior Art Director on Tomb Raider and Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition.

"After working on two amazing games, my family and I have decided to return to Southern California and start a new adventure. As sad as I am to leave the team at Crystal, I’m excited to play their future games as a fan. Thanks again for the years of support and feedback and I hope to stay in touch with you all online.”

Horton's LinkedIn page suggests his "new adventure" will be as studio art director at Infinity Ward where he'll manage the art direction of the developer's next game, presumably this year's Call of Duty installment. Infinity Ward last worked on 2013's Call of Duty: Ghosts, and after Treyarch and Sledgehammer's turn with the franchise, it is now Infinity Ward up to bat again for Activision's behemoth franchise.