Critical Play: Play Like a Feminist – Tomb Raider

In this critique, I will focus on the older Tomb Raider games (pre-2013) to shed light on the impact of sexual objectification in gaming and the need for more diverse and respectful representations of women in the medium by diving deeper into the “hot but one of the guys” female protagonist of the game Lara Croft.

Lara Croft was initially created to have a man’s personality in a woman’s body. She is depicted as someone who barely wears makeup, is not overly concerned with her appearance, and possesses traditionally perceived male characteristics such as bravery and assertiveness. This portrayal aimed to present Lara as a strong and capable character, embodying qualities typically associated with male heroes.

One argument against this depiction is the idea that to be considered “badass,” female characters must conform to male stereotypes. By presenting Lara Croft as having predominantly masculine qualities, the games may inadvertently reinforce the notion that women can only be powerful and respected if they resemble men. This perspective limits the potential for diverse and authentic representations of female characters.

Also, it is crucial to address the aspect of Lara Croft’s creation that aimed to satisfy male fantasies through her overtly sexualized body features and the angles in which players view her in the game, as pointed out by Feminist Frequency. In the earlier Tomb Raider games, Lara Croft was characterized by exaggerated physical attributes, most notably her large breasts and slim waist. This depiction catered to the male gaze and objectified her as a sexual object for the predominantly male audience. As Shira Chess points out in her book Play Like A Feminist, the emphasis on Lara’s physical appearance and the provocative outfits she wore further perpetuated the idea that women in games exist primarily for the pleasure and desire of male players.

This sexualization of Lara Croft’s character raises concerns from a feminist standpoint. It reinforces harmful gender stereotypes and reduces her complex personality to mere eye candy. The focus on her physical attributes detracts from her skills, intelligence, and agency as a female protagonist, reinforcing the notion that a woman’s worth lies in her appearance rather than her abilities. Also, it contributes to the objectification and commodification of women in gaming. It perpetuates the idea that women are meant to be passive objects of desire rather than active participants and leaders in their own stories.

On the other hand, it is worth acknowledging the impact Lara Croft had in both the gaming and movie industries, which were predominantly male-dominated in the late 1090s and early 200s. By presenting a strong and capable female character, Lara challenged the status quo and left a lasting impression on these industries. Her character helped pave the way for more female representation and opened doors for other women characters to enter these male-dominated spaces. In the book Play Like A Feminist, Shira argues that we -in general- need to have more conversations about gender and feminism in games, and this game definitely did that.

While the more recent iterations of the Tomb Raider series have attempted to address and tone down the sexualization of Lara Croft’s character, which can be seen in the games in 2013 and onwards, it is important to acknowledge and critique the earlier portrayal. 

By recognizing the problematic elements of Lara Croft’s sexualized depiction, it becomes imperative to challenge and dismantle the prevalent male gaze in gaming. This involves advocating for more inclusive and authentic representations of women that prioritize their agency, depth of character, and diverse body types. By pushing for positive change, the gaming industry can move toward a more equitable and inclusive future that breaks free from harmful objectification and fosters a healthier gaming environment for all players, a good starting point would be to invite more female and feminist designers to the table.

 

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