Entertainment · Gaming · 1 hr ago
Tomb Raider marks 30 years since Lara Croft’s debut
The first Tomb Raider game launched in 1996, and its heroine, archaeologist Lara Croft, is now marking 30 years of adventures.
British studio Core Design made the game, which first appeared on Sega Saturn before coming to PCs and the original PlayStation.
It brought free movement through 3D levels at a time when that kind of adventure was still new.
Unlike many games of the era, it put a woman in the lead, and players also took control of her in combat and exploration.
The franchise has sold 100 million copies and made Croft a lasting figure in popular culture.
Her portrayal has drawn criticism for sexualized design and marketing, while commentators have also described her as powerful and influential.
Two new games and a series are in the works, with plans to continue the story from 2027.
Tomb Raider marks 30 years since the first game was released in October 1996.
The game introduced Lara Croft, an archaeologist who became a prominent figure in video games and popular culture.
It was developed by Core Design, with Toby Gard and Paul Douglas chiefly responsible for its creation.
The game featured 15 levels and emphasized exploration and movement through large 3D environments.
The franchise has sold 100 million copies, according to El País.
- Who
- Lara Croft, the protagonist of Tomb Raider, and the game’s creators at Core Design.
- What
- The first Tomb Raider game marks 30 years since its release.
- When
- October 1996; the articles mark its 30th anniversary in October 2026.
- Where
- The game was developed by Core Design in Derby, Britain.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Core Design was founded in Derby, Britain.
The team first created Lara as Laura Cruz, then changed her name to Lara Croft.
Tomb Raider was first released on Sega Saturn and shortly afterward on PC and the first PlayStation.
The articles marked 30 years since the first game’s release.
Two new video games and a series are planned, according to El País.
- First release
- October 1996
- Developer
- Core Design
- Development team
- Six people, according to El País
- Game length
- 15 levels, according to Heise
- Franchise sales
- 100 million copies, according to El País
- Anniversary
- 30 years in 2026
2 sources
What people are saying
If you stare at a character for an entire game, she might as well be attractive!
They were afraid players would reject her. The opposite happened: it became distinctive.
When she appeared, video games had heroes and female mascots.
It has helped ensure that today we no longer raise that question in video games.