Shares in Eidos plunged 25 per cent this morning as the computer games developer warned it may have to enter discussions with lenders about its bank covenants after it was forced to revise full-year profits and sales forecasts.

The company has lowered its full-year revenue expectations by £20 million after demand for its new Tomb Raider computer game, starring the pneumatic adventuress, Lara Croft, was lower than expected, selling only 1.5 million units.

In early trading shares fell 4.25p to 13p.

Eidos said that sales of Tomb Raider: Underworld, launched in November last year, had been particularly impacted in North America where retailers had cut stock levels and introduced steep discounts.

The group said, as it enters the second half of its financial year, it is cautious about retailers' discounts and now expects full-year sales to reach between £160 million and £180 million as opposed to the original forecast of £180 million and £200 million.

Eidos admitted today that it had passed its net debt peak and, while it retains some headroom on its borrowing facilities, it said it may need to enter discussions with its banks regarding its June 2009 covenants in the light of "revised profit expectations".

Looking ahead, Eidos said it was "encouraged" by the reaction to its forthcoming Batman:Arkham Asylum games.

It said: "We are working closely with DC Comics and Warner Bros. and through our strategic partnership we are benefitting from cross-promotional opportunities including the first video trailer for Batman: Arkham Asylum featured on all DVDs of the movie The Dark Knight this Christmas."

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