CRYSTAL DYNAMICS DETAILS LARA'S DESIGN IN TOMB RAIDER LEGACY OF ATLANTIS
[ 22 October 2026 ]
Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog have provided further details on Lara Croft's character design in Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis, explaining how modern technology is being used to reinterpret her original 1996 appearance. Writing in an article published on PlayStation Blog, Michael Lovan, Global Head of Content and Community at Amazon Game Studios, outlined the development process behind Lara's updated character model and the decisions involved in maintaining visual continuity with previous Tomb Raider games.
Brendon Bengston of Crystal Dynamics explained that the development team has used Lara's original character design as a reference while introducing greater detail through modern rendering technology. Improvements include layered hair cards, individually detailed hair strands, skin materials that simulate the interaction of light with the skin, and facial animation systems capable of producing more detailed expressions. The team is using Unreal Engine technology to support these features, extending the level of detail beyond Lara's appearance to her movement and facial expressions.
The developers have also incorporated physical materials into the costume production process. According to Bengston, the team created a full-scale 3D-printed model based on Lara's body, dressed it in physical clothing and scanned the results to reproduce fabric characteristics digitally. A tailor was commissioned to produce one of Lara's outfits, allowing the developers to capture the construction and folds of the clothing. Aleksandra Skiba, Senior Character Concept Artist at Flying Wild Hog, explained that the design process involves balancing increased visual realism with the need to preserve Lara's recognisable appearance.
John Stafford, Narrative Director at Crystal Dynamics, outlined how the character's personality draws on elements from different periods of the franchise. Lara's intelligence, confidence and interest in exploration remain central to her characterisation, while her emotional development and relationships have been expanded. Stafford also identified the Survivor trilogy as an influence on the portrayal of physical danger and its consequences.
The developers intend to combine elements of previous interpretations into a single version of Lara Croft for Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis, which is being developed for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.
Visit PlayStation Blog to read Michael Lovan's full article on the development of Lara Croft's character design in Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis.
