Lara Croft Go CSP Blog Tasks

 Language

1) When did Lara Croft first appear in a videogame?

Lara Croft made her first appearance in the video game Tomb Raider, which was released in 1996.

2) What classic films influenced the creation of Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider games?

The creation of Lara Croft and the original Tomb Raider games was heavily influenced by classic action-adventure films, most notably Indiana Jones, Tank Girl, Hard Boiled, Rambo: First Blood Part II and The Edge.

3) How has Lara Croft and Tomb Raider moved beyond just being a videogame?

Lara Croft has featured in films (the first starring Angelina Jolie; 2018 version rebooted the character). She has appeared on magazine covers more times than any supermodel.

There have been advertising tie-ins, merchandise, comic books and  spin-offs featuring the character. The franchise has had numerous incarnations before Lara Croft Go in 2015. 

Lara Croft has been credited with bringing success on the Play Station for the games’ creators (selling 7 million copies world wide) and launching the female protagonist in games. She has also been widely thought of as a sex symbol. 

4) What devices can you play Lara Croft Go on?

Android and iOS phones/tablets, PC (via Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Windows Phone, macOS, Linux, and Apple TV. 

5) What type of game is Lara Croft Go?

Lara Croft Go is a turn-based puzzle-adventure game

6) How does Lara Croft Go use narrative (storyline) to make the game enjoyable for the audience?

Lara Croft Go uses narrative to make the game enjoyable by stripping away complex, dialogue-heavy storytelling in favor of minimalist, environmental, and interactive storytelling that honors the original Tomb Raider series, transforming the adventure into a "cerebral" puzzle experience. 

7) What iconography can be found in Lara Croft Go? How does this help communicate the genre of the game? Think about mise-en-scene and setting here.

She is depicted in her classic attire—teal tank top, shorts, and backpack. While maintaining her status as a strong, athletic, and intelligent explorer, her design is less sexualized compared to earlier entries, catering to a wider audience, including female players.

The lush, dangerous, and ancient ruins create an immediate, immersive "tomb raiding" aesthetic, similar to Indiana Jones or previous Tomb Raider media. The use of dangerous animals and traps establishes a high-stakes, adventurous tone.

The setting is stylized and minimalist. The game is designed to look like a board game, with clear, fixed paths, which instantly tells the player it is a turn-based, strategic experience rather than a third-person shooter.

8) What other characters or enemies feature in the game?

Snakes, Lizards that mimic movements, spiders, and deadly salamanders. The main antagonist is the giant snake known as the Queen of Venom. Other hazards include moving walls, traps, and saw blades.

9) What is the setting for Lara Croft Go? How does this compare to previous Lara Croft or Tomb Raider games?

Lara Croft Go explores the ruins of an ancient civilization in the Amazon Jungle while fighting menacing enemies, overcome dangerous obstacles and traps, and ultimately, uncover the myth of the Queen of Venom.  There is no specific timescale – but is modern-day in Lara’s weaponry. However, this game is a ‘turn-based puzzle’ which involves by-passing enemies and unlocking paths in a sequential manner which suits the ‘short timespan’ that people can sometimes commit to mobile gaming. It faithfully preserves element of original Tomb Raider game and brings the original adventure up to date. 

10) Read this BBC article on the history of Lara Croft and Tomb Raider. How has the character of Lara Croft evolved over the last 25 years?

Representations

1) How are women usually represented in videogames?

Women in video games are frequently represented through gender stereotypes, often featuring as hypersexualized, scantily clad, or as subordinate "damsels in distress" needing rescue by male characters.

2) How does the character of Lara Croft reinforce female stereotypes in the media?

Object of sexual desire. Her body features were particularly exaggerated in early versions of games.

Scantily-clad designed for male audience. Lara Croft is designed to be attractive to the male audience as she basically acquires all the features that some men would describe as perfect.

3) How does the character of Lara Croft subvert female stereotypes in the media?

She is an action hero – traditionally a male stereotype in gaming.

She is empowered female heroine – rare in gaming industry at the time.  “The heroine, Lara Croft, is an intelligent, butt-kicking, gun-wielding, sexpot, ready to take on whatever comes her way.” Katherine Walker, Portrayal of Women in Media (Video Games)

4) Why do some people believe the videogames industry is sexist and needs to change?

A lot of videogames are primarily designed for the male gaze as it was origonally dominated by men, now as women start playing games, they must change as a lot of female characters were often sexualised.

5) Do you think Lara Croft is an empowering feminist icon or just another objectified woman designed to appeal to male gamers?

I think Lara Croft is sort of an empowering feminist? She doesnt have a normal body type, which I believe is just designed to appeal to male gamers, but she is indeed one of the first to be a female main character rather than be a damsel in distress.

Industries

1) What does PEGI stand for?

PEGI stands for Pan European Game Information

2) What is PEGI's job?

 Is a European video game rating system established to help consumers make informed decisions when buying video games or apps through the use of age recommendations and content descriptors.

3) Which company created Lara Croft Go?

Lara Croft Go was developed by Square Enix Montréal who also made Hitman Go.

4) What two popular videogame franchises were combined to create Lara Croft Go?

Lara Croft Go is the combination of two successful franchises – Lara Croft Tomb Raider and the Hitman Go mobile game.

5) What else is part of the Lara Croft/Tomb Raider franchise?

Beyond the main console/PC games, the Tomb Raider franchise includes numerous spin-off titles (e.g., Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light), mobile games (Relic Run, GO), and upcoming 2026/2027 releases like Catalyst. The franchise extends to films, novels, comic books, and a Netflix animated series, with a live-action series by Phoebe Waller-Bridge in development. 

-Spin-off Games: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (2010), Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (2014), Lara Croft: Relic Run (2015), Lara Croft GO (2015), and Tomb Raider Reloaded (2023).

-Film & Television: Feature films starring Angelina Jolie (2001, 2003) and Alicia Vikander (2018), along with the Netflix animated series Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft.

-Literature: Several novels and comic book series (by Top Cow and Dark Horse) have expanded the lore.

-Future Content: Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis (reimagining, 2026) and Tomb Raider: Catalyst (Unreal Engine 5, 2027), along with an Amazon live-action series.

-Remasters: Tomb Raider I-III Remastered (2024). 

Audience

1) Why might an audience enjoy playing Lara Croft Go?

Lara Croft Go is enjoyed for its relaxing yet challenging turn-based puzzle gameplay, which distills the essence of Tomb Raider into a focused, turn-based, and mobile-friendly experience. Players appreciate the stylish, minimalist visuals, atmospheric soundtrack, and rewarding  moments without the stress of intense action, making it appealing to both casual and dedicated gamers. 

2) Where and when might an audience play a game like Lara Croft Go? Think about the device it is played on and the times of the day someone might want to play the game.

Lara Croft Go is a turn-based puzzle-adventure game designed primarily for mobile devices, making it highly accessible for casual play. Its design, which allows for pausing and quick, bite-sized puzzle solving, makes it suitable for various moments throughout the day. 

When the Audience Plays (Time of Day)

During Commutes (Morning/Evening): Ideal for commuting hours (7 am - 9 am) when people are traveling to work or school, offering a calm mental activity rather than high-octane stimulation.

Lunch Breaks: A perfect time for a 10–15 minute session to break up the workday and offer a quick "brain workout".

Before Bed: It is often played at night to relax and unwind, as its "turn-based" nature means it is less likely to induce high stress or excitement compared to fast-paced action games.

Weekends: Similar to other puzzle games, weekends provide leisure time for extended play to solve the game's 115+ puzzles. 

3) How did Square Enix design Lara Croft to make it appealing to an audience?

Square Enix (via Crystal Dynamics) redesigned Lara Croft for the 2013 reboot to be more relatable, realistic, and vulnerable, moving away from the "sexualized" 90s icon to a "survivor" archetype. Key design choices included a more athletic body type, practical gear, and a focus on her intelligence and emotional growth, allowing players to connect with her journey from a novice to a strong, independent leader. 

Realistic Proportions: Square Enix shifted away from the exaggerated, stylized figure of early games toward a more athletic and realistic body type, making her a more relatable and less overtly objectified character.

Her clothing was designed to look functional and appropriate for survival (e.g., cargo pants, tank top), prioritizing utility over aesthetics.

She is designed as a proactive, independent, and intelligent protagonist, subverting traditional gender stereotypes where women were often damsels in distress or secondary characters.

The design allowed her to show fear and pain, which made her more human compared to the unshakeable, superhuman action heroes of the past. 

4) Which of Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory might apply to Lara Croft Go?

Diversion/Entertainment (Escapism): As a mobile puzzle game, Lara Croft Go provides a quick escape from daily routines or boredom, offering a relaxing yet stimulating environment.

Personal Identity: Players, particularly female players, can identify with Lara Croft as a strong, intelligent, and proactive protagonist rather than a passive object, which can boost self-esteem or align with their own ideals.

Surveillance/Information (Less Common): While not its primary purpose, players might play the game to understand the "Tomb Raider" universe better, effectively "learning" about the lore.

Social Interaction/Integration: Players might engage with the game's community to share achievements, tips, or discuss the game’s aesthetic, which contributes to a sense of community.

5) Who is the target audience for Lara Croft Go? How does brand loyalty contribute to this target audience?

Lara Croft Go targets casual mobile gamers, puzzle enthusiasts, and fans of the Tomb Raider franchise, particularly appealing to a diverse, often younger demographic looking for accessible,, high-quality, on-the-go gameplay. Brand loyalty drives this audience through nostalgic connections to the original series and the iconic, empowering image of Lara Croft, while attracting both male and female (broad, mixed demographic ranging from 12 to 35+ years old) players through a blend of action, strategy, and intellectual puzzle-solving.