One of the original designers of Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider series revealed a fascinating piece of history: during development, there was pressure from a Japanese publisher to alter Croft's design to appeal to a Japanese audience. Core Design's Paul Douglas discussed how Victor Interactive Software suggested a "Manga-style" redesign late in the game's production, including changes like making her eyes and head larger. Ultimately, the requested design changes were minimal and mainly affected promotional materials. Looking ahead, the Tomb Raider franchise has exciting new content scheduled for release, including Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis in 2026 and Tomb Raider: Catalyst in 2027, along with an upcoming live-action TV series starring Sophie Turner.

nWhat changes were proposed for Lara Croft’s design to appeal to Japanese players?

Japan's Victor Interactive Software suggested a "Manga-style" redesign for Lara Croft, which included making her eyes and head appear larger. However, the game's creators resisted these changes, and only minor adjustments were made to promotional materials.

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The Tomb Raider franchise has been a significant influence in the gaming industry since its debut in 1996. Known for its iconic protagonist, Lara Croft, the series has undergone various transformations over the years, with several successful iterations and reboots. The upcoming titles aim to expand on Lara's adventures and bring cohesive storytelling to both video games and television adaptations.