XBOX WIRE INTERVIEWS MEAGAN MARIE ON 30 YEARS OF TOMB RAIDER
[ 21 October 2026 ]
Crystal Dynamics Director of Brand Creative Meagan Marie has discussed the development of Lara Croft over the past three decades in an interview published by Xbox Wire to mark the 30th anniversary of Tomb Raider. Marie reflected on the character's origins at Core Design, the changes introduced by Crystal Dynamics and the forthcoming Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis.
Speaking to Xbox Wire, Marie credited the original Core Design team in Derby, England, with establishing the foundations of the franchise in 1996. The first Tomb Raider was developed by six primary developers, with additional art and audio support. Marie highlighted designer Toby Gard's original conception of Lara Croft as a character defined by intelligence and athletic ability. The interview also referenced Lara's appearances in fashion publications during the late 1990s, including depictions of the character wearing designs by Alexander McQueen and Gucci.
Marie explained that Crystal Dynamics has sought to retain Lara's established characteristics while adapting the character across successive games. She identified exploration, historical discovery, physical ability and humour as recurring elements of Lara's personality. According to Marie, these characteristics informed the Legend, Anniversary and Underworld trilogy, as well as the Survivor trilogy, which began with Tomb Raider in 2013.
Discussing the 2013 reboot, Marie recalled her involvement in its original announcement while working as a journalist at Game Informer. She wrote the magazine's cover story introducing the project before subsequently joining Crystal Dynamics. Marie said the Survivor trilogy allowed players to follow Lara's development through experiences involving uncertainty, fear and personal growth. She also noted that the reboot introduced the franchise to players who had not experienced the earlier games.
Looking ahead, Marie discussed Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis, a reimagining of the original 1996 game being developed by Crystal Dynamics in collaboration with Flying Wild Hog. According to Marie, the project draws upon three decades of Tomb Raider history and is intended to introduce the original story to new players while allowing existing audiences to revisit it.
Marie concluded the Xbox Wire interview by reflecting on Lara Croft's influence since 1996 and the character's continued development. "She has a bright future ahead of her, just as bright as her legacy. We are just getting started."
