Microsoft confirmed in June that the next 'Tomb Raider' game, 'Rise of the Tomb Raider', would be released exclusively for Xbox 360 and Xbox One during the holiday season in 2015.

Now reports say that the game will eventually come out on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 following its release for the Xbox consoles.

In fact, Microsoft's announcement angered many fans. They were irked that the game was only being released for the Xbox and would not be available for PlayStation.

Nevertheless, GameSpot reported some time back that the arrangement to keep 'Rise of the Tomb Raider exclusive to the Xbox was probably not permanent.

The website quoted an interview of Microsoft Xbox division head Phil Spencer with Eurogamer, wherein he said the game will come to the PlayStation 4 as "the deal has a specific duration, we don't own the franchise."

Meanwhile, Geek also reported that the deal to keep 'Rise of the Tomb Raider' exclusive to the Xbox is time-bound and it will expire at the end of the holiday season in 2015.

The report by Geek has also emphasized the fact that more PlayStation 4 consoles are being sold compared to Xbox One units. Hence, the demand for the game on PS4 is naturally more.

While Sony has sold 10 million PS4 units, Microsoft has just sold 5.3 million Xbox One units. It is being said that this is one reason why Microsoft is looking to boost the sales of Xbox One during Christmas season in 2015 with the exclusive deal.

Microsoft hopes that they will succeed in tempting people who want to play the game and make them also buy the Xbox One.

However, practically as well as commercially it might not seem sensible to prevent the game from arriving on the PS4 for too long.

'Rise of the Tomb Raider' is a sequel to the 'Lara Croft' saga reboot. The second installment of the franchise will continue with the story and events from its prequel, drawing out details from Gail Simone's 'Tomb Raider' comic book series.