Introduction
Lara Croft, created by British video game developer Core Design in 1996, quickly became a cultural icon. As one of the first major female protagonists in gaming history, she broke barriers and set the stage for future heroines in the gaming industry. Consequently, it is essential to teach students about the impact of Lara Croft on video games and popular culture. This article outlines several aspects to consider when introducing the topic to your class.
A Brief History of Lara Croft
Before diving into complex discussions with your students about Lara Croft’s impact on gaming culture, it is essential to provide a brief history of her character to situate her within video game history. Educators should highlight key milestones in her development, such as:
– The release of the first Tomb Raider game in 1996
– The developers’ decision to make her a female protagonist
– The evolution of her design and aesthetics from the polygonal look of 1996 to today’s highly detailed models
– The multiple developers and game studios that have contributed to the Tomb Raider series over the years
The Impact on Female Representation in Gaming
After establishing a solid foundation for students, educators can then discuss how Lara Croft has impacted female representation within video games. Several points to consider include:
– Lara Croft as a trailblazer for other female protagonists in gaming (e.g., Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn or Ellie from The Last of Us)
– How Lara’s initial image as an objectified character evolved into a more empowered, well-rounded role model over time
– The importance and impact of having strong, complex female characters within games
Lara Croft in Popular Culture
Educators should also integrate insights into how Lara Croft has influenced popular culture beyond video games. Examples may include:
– Her influence on film adaptations with both Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander portraying the
iconic character
– Lara Croft’s appearance in various types of media (e.g., comic books, novels, merchandise)
– The ways in which Lara Croft has influenced cosplay culture
Discussing Stereotypes and Character Development
An essential part of any discussion regarding Lara Croft is addressing the issues of sexism and stereotypes within gaming. Teachers should facilitate discussions about:
– The early overly sexualized portrayal of Lara Croft and her evolution into a character with more depth and substance
– The implications of gender stereotypes in the gaming industry
– How Lara Croft’s development challenges conventional representations of women within games
Conclusion
Teaching students about Lara Croft provides an opportunity to spark discussions around female representation, character evolution, and popular culture. She demonstrates how perseverance from both developers and fans can pave the way for improvement in terms of inclusivity and diversity within games. Educators should strive to reveal both the history and significance of Lara Croft to elevate their student’s understanding of her impact on the gaming industry.
