Tomb Raider's 30th anniversary approaches

The Tomb Raider franchise, created in 1996, is approaching its 30th anniversary and is currently dealing with changes to its core character, Lara Croft, as well as new media projects from different platforms.

Lara Croft's name and design

Originally named Laura Cruz, Lara Croft was renamed for its Latin-sounding appeal in the U.S. Her design was influenced by Ultima Underworld, using a grid system for 3D platforming that emphasized vertical exploration and a focus on her isolation in the game world.

Early Tomb Raider games and challenges

The first Tomb Raider game was followed quickly by Tomb Raider II, but later entries faced issues, including the controversial ending of Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, where Lara seemingly died, and the poorly received Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness, which marked the end of the original development team's involvement.

Reboot and character evolution

Crystal Dynamics took over the series and introduced a younger, more vulnerable version of Lara in the 2013 reboot, which shifted her from an experienced adventurer to a survivor. This change was met with mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a tribute to the original games through its puzzles and optional tombs.

New media and future projects

To bridge the gap between the classic and rebooted versions of Lara, Netflix released an anime. Amazon is developing a live-action series with Sophie Turner, while Legacy of Atlantis, a remake of the original game, has been delayed to 2027. A real sequel, Tomb Raider: Catalyst, is expected in 2028.

Embracer Group's plans and future uncertainty

Embracer Group, which now owns the franchise, plans to launch Fellowship Entertainment in 2027. For the 30th anniversary, the focus will be on ports for Switch 2, merchandise, and collectibles. The franchise's future remains uncertain as it continues to evolve and adapt to new platforms and audiences.