This year, 2024, marks the 30th anniversary of the very inception of one of the most legendary video game characters of all time. In Derby, British developer Toby Gard created the initial design, with his ideas then going into production at Core Design in 1994. Just 18 months and £440,000 (around $552,640) later, Tomb Raider was unleashed.
A pioneer of its time for its innovative gameplay mechanics, controls system, and 3D graphics, what was also very notable about Tomb Raider was that the protagonist was a woman. Despite any preconceptions market onlookers may have had, Lara Croft proved to be a much-loved character and one who spawned a huge series of hit games.
Now, three decades since Core Design began building what would be one of the biggest games of 1996 – and the 90s overall – Ms Croft has charted an imperious legacy from gaming to all other facets of entertainment. She’s a pop culture icon now, with even more to come for the iconic character.
Breaking the Mold to Forge a New Legacy
Lara Croft has been a topic of controversy and debate throughout the years. However, without solid gameplay underpinning the experience and a lead character who’s likable and befitting of the action-adventure story, Tomb Raider would have died off long ago.
The 1996 release led to a trilogy by 1998, a second series of three games from 1999 to 2003, and the releases of Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld from 2006 to 2008. In 2013, Crystal Dynamics brought Lara Croft to modern gaming, tweaking the character design for their prequel trilogy, which also proved to be a hit.
Earlier this year, the series celebrated hitting the 100-million sales mark, accompanying the announcement with the reveal that the fourth, fifth, and sixth games will be bundled into a remastered package next year. On top of this, controversially, Ms Croft was also named the most iconic video game character of all time at the 2024 BAFTAs.
Raiding Beyond Video Games
Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider name are instantly recognizable, iconic, and continue to draw in entertainment seekers from around the world. The dual-wielding archaeologist who’s more than happy to dive into ancient worlds and tackle mythical beings always promises a rip-roaring, intriguing adventure.
It’s because of this that Ms Croft can essentially work in any medium of entertainment. Perhaps the clearest showcase of this is in iGaming. BetMGM Casino is ranked as the best real money casino in the US, as the post shows on BonusFinder. At BetMGM Casino and other top US casinos, you can find the ever-popular Tomb Raider: Secret of the Sword. The official slot game is loaded with classic Tomb Raider action, and there are even more recent Lara Croft slots to be found around the internet.
Elsewhere, Lara Croft has made a cool $703 million at the worldwide box office over the course of just three films, as well as what must have been a popular new animated series, having been renewed by Netflix for a second season.
Throw in the money being thrown by Amazon at a live-action series helmed by the ever-retained Phoebe Waller-Bridge – which will apparently have Sophie Turner in its lead role – and the popularity of the Tomb Raider Live Experience in London, and it’s clear that Lara Croft is still simply too beloved to ignore across entertainment.
A whole 30 years after production began on the first Tomb Raider game, its main character continues to resonate with people around the world as a truly legendary pop culture icon.