The downloadable Lara Croft 'n the Guardian a Light isn't just an odd one-off from Crystal Dynamics, it be the first effort in a new strategy from the developer. General manager Darrell Gallagher told Gamasutra that Crystal Dynamics be using Guardian a Light, 'n future digitally-distributed titles, as a way t' bridge larger-scale console installments.

Gallagher said that it be a plan that Crystal Dynamics intends t' continue with -- 'n one that other publishers will also pick up. The use a a smaller, downloadable game as a promotional device or stopgap release for a console game has been catching on even before Guardian a Light be announced, mostly with Capcom, whose Dark Void Zero 'n Bionic Commando Rearmed be released t' warmer receptions than either a their disc-based counterparts.

Gallagher told Gamasutra that because downloadable games have shorter development cycles, they can be used t' bring people into a franchise or keep it popular while the next major installment be still in development.