TOMB RAIDER VOTED 12TH MOST INFLUENTIAL VIDEO GAME OF ALL TIME

[ 3 April 2025 ]

Tomb Raider, starring British adventurer Lara Croft, has ranked 12th in a recent public poll of the most influential video games of all time. The list, compiled ahead of the 21st BAFTA Games Awards, highlights video games that have shaped the industry and beyond, influencing music, film, fashion, and even everyday apps.

According to BAFTA: "Only a handful of characters transcend video games: the likes of Sonic, Mario and Pikachu are almost universally recognised, and Lara Croft belongs on that short list. The intrepid archaeologist was born out of necessity - designer Toby Gard wanted to make an Indiana Jones-like game, but it would have been too costly to create two playable characters. Gard stuck with his preferred choice, and the result was a new gaming icon. As actor Jane Perry explains, 'Lara opened the door for strong female characters in games. She's a positive role model for everyone and a true hero.'"

Originally developed by Core Design and published by Eidos Interactive in 1996, Tomb Raider introduced British archaeologist Lara Croft to the world, sparking a franchise that spans eleven mainline games, spin-offs, films starring Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, and extensive merchandise. The recent release of Tomb Raider I-VI Remastered has proven popular with both longtime fans and newcomers, offering updated visuals and modernised mechanics while preserving the core gameplay of the originals.

With new projects in development under the aegis of Crystal Dynamics, Tomb Raider remains a defining force in the action-adventure genre.

Tomb Raider