Sarah still remembers the moment she first picked up a PlayStation controller and guided Lara Croft through that dimly lit cave in 1996. She was eight years old, mesmerized by this confident woman who could flip through ancient temples like it was nothing. Twenty-eight years later, Sarah’s scrolling through gaming news on her lunch break when she sees it: two new Tomb Raider games announced.
Her first thought isn’t excitement. It’s confusion. Something feels different this time, and she can’t quite put her finger on what.
Maybe it’s the way the announcement came with so little fanfare. Maybe it’s how the trailer seemed to hedge its bets, showing glimpses of classic Lara while hinting at something entirely new. Or maybe it’s just that Sarah—like millions of other fans—has grown up, and the gaming world has grown up with her.
The gaming landscape has shifted under Lara’s feet
These new Tomb Raider games aren’t launching into the same world that welcomed the original trilogy or even the 2013 reboot. The gaming industry has fundamentally changed, and franchise revivals now carry different expectations and pressures.
“What we’re seeing with Lara Croft is really a reflection of how the entire entertainment industry is grappling with legacy characters,” says industry analyst Marcus Chen. “You can’t just bring back an icon anymore without addressing what that icon means to different generations.”
The announcement reveals two distinct approaches: a mainline single-player adventure and a mobile-focused experience. This dual strategy suggests developers are trying to satisfy multiple audiences simultaneously—longtime fans who want traditional gameplay and newer players who discovered Lara through recent films or mobile gaming.
But here’s where things get interesting. The promotional materials aren’t leaning heavily into nostalgia the way you’d expect. There’s no “she’s back!” tagline or montage of classic moments. Instead, there’s something more cautious, more deliberate.
What these new games tell us about modern gaming
The specifics of these upcoming Tomb Raider games reveal fascinating insights about where the industry is heading:
| Game Type | Target Audience | Key Features | Release Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainline Adventure | Core fans, console players | Traditional exploration, puzzle-solving | Premium release, multiple platforms |
| Mobile Experience | Casual players, global market | Shorter sessions, social features | Free-to-play with monetization |
The mobile game represents something particularly significant. Previous Tomb Raider mobile attempts felt like afterthoughts, but this one appears to be built from the ground up for touchscreen gameplay.
- Simplified control schemes designed for phones and tablets
- Shorter gameplay sessions that fit busy lifestyles
- Social features that weren’t part of classic Tomb Raider games
- Potential for regular content updates and live events
“The mobile market for action-adventure games has exploded in the past five years,” explains game designer Jennifer Torres. “Lara Croft actually has huge recognition in markets where console gaming never took off the same way.”
The mainline game, meanwhile, faces a different challenge. It needs to honor the franchise’s history while acknowledging that player expectations have evolved. Modern gamers expect more diverse representation, deeper character development, and gameplay mechanics that feel fresh rather than nostalgic.
Why this feels different from other franchise revivals
Unlike other recent gaming comebacks, these Tomb Raider games seem to be acknowledging something that most revivals ignore: the original fans have complicated relationships with these characters now.
Take the 2013-2018 reboot trilogy. Those games were critically successful and sold well, but they fundamentally changed who Lara Croft was as a character. The confident archaeologist became a vulnerable survivor. The witty one-liners disappeared in favor of genuine emotional moments. The fantasy adventure elements gave way to realistic survival mechanics.
Some fans embraced this evolution. Others felt like they’d lost the character they grew up with. Now, these new games have to navigate between those expectations while also attracting players who might have never touched a Tomb Raider game before.
“What’s interesting is that they’re not promising to ‘return to form’ or ‘bring back classic Lara,'” notes gaming historian David Park. “They’re positioning this as something entirely new, which is actually much riskier but potentially more honest.”
The marketing materials reflect this uncertainty. Instead of showing Lara in action, most promotional content focuses on environments and atmosphere. Instead of highlighting her personality, they emphasize the mystery and adventure elements.
This approach suggests the developers are still figuring out exactly who this version of Lara Croft should be. And maybe that’s the point.
The gaming industry has learned that simply rehashing beloved franchises doesn’t guarantee success anymore. Players—especially younger ones—can spot cynical nostalgia grabs from miles away. These new Tomb Raider games seem to be taking a different approach: acknowledging the character’s legacy while being honest about the need to evolve.
Whether this strategy will work remains to be seen. But the very fact that a major franchise is willing to take this kind of risk suggests that something fundamental has shifted in how developers think about beloved characters and the fans who love them.
FAQs
When will the new Tomb Raider games be released?
Official release dates haven’t been announced yet, but industry insiders expect at least one of the games to launch within the next 18 months.
Will these games connect to the recent reboot trilogy?
The developers haven’t confirmed direct story connections, suggesting these might be standalone adventures or a soft reboot of the franchise.
What platforms will the new Tomb Raider games be available on?
The mainline game is expected on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms, while the mobile game will likely focus on iOS and Android devices.
Are the original voice actors returning?
No official casting announcements have been made, leaving fans to speculate about whether Camilla Luddington or other previous voice actors will reprise their roles.
How will these games differ from previous Tomb Raider titles?
Early indications suggest a focus on modernized gameplay mechanics and broader accessibility, though specific details about gameplay changes remain under wraps.
Will there be multiplayer features in the new games?
The mobile title is expected to include social features, while the mainline game will likely remain focused on single-player adventure gameplay.
About the Author
