Lara Croft, the iconic protagonist of the Tomb Raider series, has surpassed Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog to claim the title of the most iconic video game character of all time, according to a recent poll conducted by the British Academy Film Awards ahead of the 20th Games Awards on April 11.

Figure 1. According to a recent poll, Lara Croft is considered the most iconic video game character.

Described by BAFTA as a "generation-spanning heroine," Lara Croft first debuted in the original Tomb Raider game in 1996. Released on PC, PlayStation, and Sega Saturn, the game revolutionized the industry by introducing gamers to expansive, open-world environments with minimal guidance on progressing to the next level. Figure 1 shows according to a recent poll, Lara croft is considered the most iconic video game character.

Over the years, players have accompanied Croft on adventures across the globe, exploring diverse locations such as Egyptian pyramids and Tibetan mountains. The Tomb Raider series has since expanded to include 19 games as of 2023, with the first three games recently reissued as remasters on February 14, coinciding with Croft's fictional birthday.[1]

Beyond video games, Lara Croft has also made a significant impact in other media. Actresses Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander have portrayed her in film adaptations, and a new anime series titled "Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft" is set to premiere on Netflix later this year.

Shelley Blond, the original voice of Lara Croft from the 1996 game, emphasized Croft's role as a symbol of female empowerment and girl power. Blond noted that Lara Croft was the first female lead in a computer game, honored with a star on the Walk of Game in San Francisco, and holds the Guinness World Record for the most successful video game heroine of all time.[2]

Blond, who will present an award at the upcoming BAFTA Games Awards, highlighted the enduring impact of Lara Croft on players worldwide, sharing stories of how the character has provided escapism, confidence, and emotional connections over the years.

The poll also recognized other classic video game characters in its top 20 list, including Pac-Man, Astarion from Baldur's Gate 3, and Ellie Williams from The Last of Us. According to BAFTA, these characters and their respective games have collectively earned 44 BAFTA Games Awards over the past two decades, cementing their status as beloved and memorable icons in video game history and beyond.

Reference:

1. https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/video-games/lara-croft-tomb-raider-most-iconic-video-game-character-bafta-poll-rcna146410
2. https://www.bafta.org/media-centre/press-releases/bafta-most-iconic-character-poll-results

Cite this article:

Gokila G (2024), According to a Recent Poll, Lara Croft Is Considered the Most Iconic Video Game Character, AnaTechMaz, pp. 24