The Impact of Lara Croft
The world of video games has exploded enormously over the decades, not just in graphics and mechanics but in representation.
From the start, there needed to be more room for women in the gaming industry. In a primarily male-dominated space, women were met with few games where their presence was welcome. Despite this, we have made tremendous strides over the last few years, beginning with your favorite British heroine, Lara Croft.
1997 Lara Croft
When Princess Peach was the standard for female characters in video games, the industry demanded a shift toward more complex and emotional characters that displayed real characteristics of women rather than stereotypes. So, in 1996, the studio Core Design created Lara Croft, a strong female archeologist known for venturing through tombs and discovering the secrets of the past. Lara is one of the first female protagonists in gaming history, and she instantly became a staple of pop culture, inspiring women around the globe to step into the shoes of an adventurer. She challenged classic stereotypes of how women are portrayed in games and pushed developers to consider habiting a female audience.
Tomb Raider (remastered),
art by nicolebounxe.
Her signature turquoise body suit, khaki shorts, and utility belt holding two gun hoists cemented her iconic image. However, Lara was also known for her pointy chest and curvy body, causing her to be hypersexualized throughout the earlier franchise. However, despite criticism, Lara’s figure is arguably one of the most iconic things about her. Despite the ‘unrealistic standard’ many preach, Lara Crofts's immaculate body and image are what made her so badass! It had the same effect on audiences as Black Widow did in the Marvel Franchise. Strong, powerful women who know they look good no matter how rough the fight gets. This character style reaches so many viewers, and as time has passed, more women of the genre have been implemented into video games.
However, with this in mind, just because a female video game character has immaculate looks does not mean she lacks a deep, compelling story and arc.
Lara Crofts's rise to where she is now was a long, treacherous road, and through her struggles, we see her emerge into the strong badass we know and love.
Crystal Dynamics began the release of the newest wave of Tomb Raider games in 2013, introducing a new Lara that wavers from the previous version players were once introduced to. This new portrayal of her presented a more realistic and grounded depiction that highlighted her vulnerability alongside her strength.
Lara transforms from her previous calm, stylish, badass demeanor to a naive girl scared out of her mind. When the crew of the Endurance crash lands and washes up on the lost island of Yamatai, Lara's initial moments display a fearful young girl, clearly naive to the world of violence and barbarianism she is now thrust into
When I began playing the first game, all I remember thinking as I navigated the brutal sequences Lara had to endure was, “This is the strongest person I’ve ever seen.” Witnessing her push through every impossible and grueling challenge shifted my perspective on strength and the limits we have as individuals. It made me realize that this strength doesn't stem from physical endurance- it's about the mental fortitude to keep going. She faces literally every possible bad scenario and somehow makes it out with only a scratch each time. The stakes in the new games were so high, and it was so enjoyable!
When players first interact with this new version of Lara, she is far more emotional and in distress than players are used to; however, as the game continues, we see what trauma and hardship Lara endured to make her the modern stone icon we know today.
The first game plays such a pivotal role in Lara’s development. Throughout the following two installments, Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, we see her gain her strong moral compass and passion for preserving the ancient treasures of the past we once became so familiar with.
Lara has left a lasting impression on me. From early childhood, Lara has remained one of the consistent role models on my vision board. She is strong and brave, and she has taught me how to be a better person. She doesn't care what anyone has to say; she simply does what she believes is right. She is capable of the masses, and she taught me so much about what it means to be a woman.
Actors such as Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander later secured her a role on the big screen, and Netflix released their new series, ‘Tomb Raider - Legend of Lara Croft’ this fall. These new installments only cemented her as a multimedia icon. Lara's character played a pivotal role in securing female characters a worthy role in video games, and we have her to thank for the amount of representation we now have.
Lara Croft’s bold legacy can only continue forward, and I, alongside the world, cannot wait to see what adventure she takes on next. Her influence extends beyond her storyline; it symbolizes the progress women have made in the gaming industry and inspires a whole new generation of players to push for more complex and diverse female protagonists.
This universe is filled with undiscovered treasures, ancient mysteries, and perilous challenges, and I can only imagine one British heroine with the strength and muscle to take them on:
Lara Croft, The Tomb Raider.
By Blythe, with love.
