Crystal Dynamics: “Lara Croft [Not] A Sex Object” On Tomb Raider Reboot

Lara Croft isn’t only famous for, well, raiding tombs. This time around she’s gonna be a bit different and Crystal Dynamics want to emphasize more than just her curves in the upcoming Tomb Raider reboot.

“As far as sex appeal, we are always thinking about making a character that people want to play, and part of that is a level of attractiveness and being drawn to Lara,” art director Brian Horton told Game Informer.

“But we don’t want to play up sexuality for sexualities sake. We are constantly talking about context and motivation on this project. If for any reason we wanted to put her in a situation that would be alluring, it isn’t to be alluring. It would be because the situation called for it.

“Lara is a lover of archeology and she has these book smarts. Her brains are another huge part of her sex appeal. She is an attractive girl who doesn’t play up her looks, but she is super smart and she is very ambitious.”

Horton added that Croft’s “toughness” will ultimately define who she really is

“Ultimately, what I think is going to be compelling about this – and what our version of sexy is – is the toughness through adverse conditions,” he said.

“Seeing her survive through these moments. Her skin is still bare on the arms and there are going to be rips and tears on her clothes, but it won’t be about being revealing. It’s a way of saying that through these tough situations, there is a beauty and vulnerability coming through. I think that is sexy in its own way.

“There is a different tone we are going for across the board, and Lara Croft as a sex object isn’t our goal.

“No unlockable bikinis.”

via VG247