Happy December Everyone!

Hopefully you’re staying warm and keeping busy hunkered down with some of this season’s amazing games. I’ve had my hands full with some impressive titles that make me even more excited to share Tomb Raider with the world in 2012.

For now we must focus on the present, however!

The studio was ecstatic to learn that Tomb Raider’s “Turning Point” trailer nabbed a nomination for the VGA Trailer of the Year. The epic endeavour took over a year to produce from conceptualization to completion, and was a collaborative effort between the team at Crystal Dynamics and Square Enix’s VisualWorks studio. If you missed Tomb Raider’s debut trailer, you can watch it here, as well as a behind-the-scenes diary here. Scoring a nomination was a huge honor for the studio and everyone involved in its creation.

Last month I detailed Crystal Dynamics’ participation in Movember’s annual charitable initiative. Movember has officially come to a close, and we consider the industry’s involvement a massive success. As a studio we were able to raise over $9,500 in donations, and the greater Gaming Challenge crossed the $130,000 mark. We’re all very proud to have been involved in such a fantastic cause, and to have aided in raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer research and other men’s health programs. Thank you to everyone who donated!

Two official contests are currently underway. A handful of exclusive prizes are on the line, perfect to stuff your own stocking or to give as a holiday gift. The first contest is the third in our line of trivia challenges, with a one-of-a-kind Tomb Raider North Face bag up for grabs. You can find the rules for entry (and our newest studio podcast) here. Be sure to enter if you haven’t already – the contest concludes December 15!

We’re also ramping up our official forum involvement leading into the New Year, including monthly contests. Our “Internet meme” challenge will resume in January so to give our holiday themed competition some time in the spotlight! Check it out!

Lastly, if you’ve yet to nab your Nerd Machine 15-year goodies quantities are now limited. Make sure to pick up a tee or poster as a perfect holiday gift!

That’s all for now! I sincerely hope your holidays are filled with fun, family, and friends.

See you in the New Year!

Meagan Marie
@_MeaganMarie_
Meagan Marie on Facebook